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

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
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

7211 Greenford Avenue in Burnaby. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)
The phasing and overview of the proposal for 7211 Greenford Avenue. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)
Renderings of the proposal for 7211 Greenford Avenue in Burnaby. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)
Renderings of the low-rise building planned for 7211 Greenford Avenue in Burnaby. (Arcadis, OpenForm Properties)







Yardi
Yardi
Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 
15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)





Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
The Mayfair West site and its surrounding context. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)