Real Estate Legal Help in Ontario
This page is general information for people in Ontario. It is not legal advice, and Law HelpLine is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines change and every situation is different, so check your own facts with a licensed lawyer or paralegal.
Property is often the biggest purchase of a person’s life. A real estate lawyer helps you understand the paperwork, protects your interests at closing and helps if a problem comes up.
What a lawyer does in a purchase or sale
- Reviews the agreement of purchase and sale, ideally before you sign or before conditions are waived
- Searches title and checks for liens, outstanding work orders or other problems
- Prepares and registers the transfer and mortgage documents
- Handles the money at closing, including taxes and adjustments
- Arranges title insurance, if you choose it
Costs to expect
Ontario charges land transfer tax on most purchases, and Toronto adds a municipal land transfer tax. There are also legal fees, disbursements, title insurance and adjustments. Ask your lawyer for a written estimate.
Common disputes
- A buyer or seller who does not close
- Hidden defects or misrepresentation
- Boundary, easement and neighbour issues
- Condominium disputes
- Mortgage and power of sale issues
- Landlord and tenant disagreements, which for most residential tenancies go to the Landlord and Tenant Board
Where claims are heard
Smaller money claims can go to Small Claims Court, which hears claims up to $50,000 (raised from $35,000 on October 1, 2025). Bigger or more complex cases go to the Superior Court of Justice. Deadlines apply, so do not wait too long.
Tips before you sign
- Read every condition and deadline
- Do not rely only on verbal promises
- Get a home inspection if it fits your situation
- Contact a lawyer early
Finding a lawyer or paralegal
Law HelpLine is an independent legal information website. We are not a law firm and we do not give legal advice. To find a licensed lawyer or paralegal, use the Ontario government’s Find a lawyer or paralegal page or the Law Society of Ontario directory at lso.ca. If you are in danger, call 911.