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Disbursements

Understand disbursements in Canadian real estate, what they are, what they cover, and why they’re an important part of your closing costs.

Disbursements

May 22, 2025


What are Disbursements?

Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses paid by a real estate lawyer or notary on behalf of the buyer or seller during a property transaction.

Why Disbursements Matter in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, disbursements are a key part of closing costs. These fees are separate from legal fees and cover third-party services necessary to complete the transaction.

Common disbursements include:
  • Title search and registration
  • Courier and document handling
  • Land transfer tax registration
  • Municipal compliance certificates
Disbursements vary by location and property type. They are itemized on the closing statement and must be paid before the deal can close.
Understanding disbursements helps buyers budget properly and understand the breakdown of costs associated with their legal services.

Example of Disbursements

In addition to $1,200 in legal fees, a buyer pays $475 in disbursements for title searches, courier charges, and registration fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Paid by lawyers/notaries to third parties.
  • Separate from professional legal fees.
  • Part of total closing costs.
  • Includes registrations, taxes, and delivery.
  • Must be settled before closing.

Related Terms

  • Legal Fees
  • Closing Costs
  • Title Transfer
  • Real Estate Lawyer
  • Land Transfer Tax

Additional Terms

Back-End Ratio

The back-end ratio, or debt-to-income ratio, measures the percentage of a borrower’s gross monthly income spent on total monthly debt obligations,. more

Airspace Rights

Airspace rights are the legal rights to control, use, or sell the space above a parcel of land, separate from the ownership of the land itself.. more

Absorption Rate Analysis

Absorption rate analysis is the evaluation of how quickly available properties in a given market are being sold or leased during a specific time period.. more

Vacancy Rate

The vacancy rate is the percentage of all available rental units in a property or market that are unoccupied at a given time.. more

Sustainability

Sustainability in real estate refers to designing, constructing, and operating properties in ways that minimize environmental impact, support social. more

Soft Costs

Soft costs are the indirect expenses incurred in a construction project that are not directly tied to physical building materials or labour.. more

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