Conveyancing

Explore the conveyancing process in Canadian real estate, what it includes, and why it’s essential for secure and legally compliant property transfers.

Conveyancing

May 22, 2025


What is Conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one party to another during a real estate transaction.

Why Conveyancing Matters in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, conveyancing is handled by lawyers or notaries who represent the buyer and seller. It involves the preparation, verification, and registration of legal documents to ensure a clean and legal property transfer.

Key steps include:
- Reviewing the purchase agreement
- Conducting a title search
- Registering the title with the provincial land registry
- Ensuring payment of property taxes and adjustments
- Disbursing funds to the appropriate parties

Effective conveyancing helps avoid legal complications such as title disputes, unpaid liens, or invalid contracts. It also ensures that all legal obligations under the transaction are satisfied.

Though much of the process occurs behind the scenes, proper conveyancing is essential to ensure a smooth, legally compliant transaction. It concludes on closing day, when ownership officially changes hands and the buyer receives the keys.

Example of Conveyancing in Action

A lawyer conducts the conveyancing process for a condo purchase in Montreal, confirming the title is clear and registering it in the buyer’s name upon closing.

Key Takeaways

  • Legal process of transferring property ownership.
  • Managed by lawyers or notaries.
  • Includes title checks, document registration, and fund disbursement.
  • Critical for legal clarity and dispute avoidance.
  • Completes on closing when ownership is transferred.

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Public Realm Improvements

Public realm improvements are enhancements to public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, plazas, and streetscapes, often funded or contributed by. more

Mortgagee in Possession

A mortgagee in possession is a lender who takes control of a property after borrower default, but before foreclosure or power of sale. The lender. more

Lease Surrender Agreement

A lease surrender agreement is a negotiated contract between a landlord and tenant that ends a lease before its scheduled expiration. Terms may. more

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure refers to natural or engineered systems that manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve sustainability in developments.. more

Escrow Holdback

An escrow holdback is a portion of funds withheld at closing and held in escrow until specific conditions are met, such as completion of repairs,. more

Underused Housing Tax

The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is a federal annual 1% tax on the value of vacant or underused residential property owned by non-resident,. more

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