Escrow Account
Explore what an escrow account is in Canadian real estate, how it protects both parties, and when it's used to hold deposits or other funds.
May 22, 2025
What is an Escrow Account?
An escrow account is a third-party account used to hold funds—such as deposits or property taxes—until specific conditions of a real estate transaction are met.
Why Escrow Accounts Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, escrow accounts are most commonly used to:
- Hold the buyer’s deposit until closing
- Collect and disburse property taxes or insurance premiums (typically for U.S. mortgages but occasionally used in Canada)
- Secure funds during disputes or conditional agreements
These accounts are managed by neutral third parties like lawyers, notaries, or trust companies. This ensures fairness and legal compliance, protecting both buyers and sellers during the transaction.
For example, the buyer’s deposit is held in trust and only released once all conditions are fulfilled and the deal is finalized.
While not always referred to as 'escrow' in Canadian terminology, the function of holding and safeguarding funds remains the same. These accounts prevent either party from misusing funds or breaching the terms of sale.
Understanding escrow accounts gives buyers and sellers peace of mind and legal protection throughout the closing process.
Example of an Escrow Account in Action
A buyer submits a $25,000 deposit, which is held in a lawyer’s escrow account until the transaction closes two months later.
Key Takeaways
- Holds funds until contract conditions are met.
- Managed by neutral third parties.
- Protects both buyer and seller.
- Ensures secure transfer of funds during closing.
- Especially important for large deposits or disputes.
Related Terms
- Escrow
- Deposit
- Trust Account
- Lawyer Fees
- Closing Process


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)
