Interim Closing
Learn what interim closing means in Canadian real estate, why it applies to new builds, and how buyers should prepare for this transitional phase.
May 22, 2025
What is Interim Closing?
Interim closing is a temporary stage in new construction purchases where the buyer takes possession of the property before full ownership is legally transferred.
Why Interim Closing Matters in Real Estate
In Canadian pre-construction real estate, especially condos, interim closing occurs when the unit is ready for occupancy but final registration of title hasn't happened yet.
During this period:- The buyer can move in.
- The builder retains legal ownership.
- The buyer pays an occupancy fee (not mortgage payments).
- Interest on the unpaid balance
- Estimated property taxes
- Maintenance fees (if applicable)
This stage can last several months depending on the building’s registration timeline. It doesn’t reduce the purchase price or count toward the mortgage principal.
Buyers should budget for interim occupancy costs and understand their rights and responsibilities. Legal review of the purchase agreement is strongly advised to avoid confusion during this phase.
Interim closing allows developers to manage occupancy in large projects while completing administrative requirements like land registration and condo board formation.
Example of Interim Closing
A condo buyer in Toronto moves into their unit in April but doesn’t receive title ownership until October due to interim closing. They pay monthly occupancy fees during that period.
Key Takeaways
Related Terms
- Interim Occupancy
- New Construction
- Occupancy Fee
- Condo Registration
- Closing Date


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)
