Leasehold Estate
Understand leasehold estates in Canadian real estate — what they are, how they work, and their implications for property value.

August 08, 2025
What is a Leasehold Estate?
A leasehold estate is an interest in real property where a tenant holds the right to use and occupy the property for a specified term under a lease agreement.
Why Leasehold Estates Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, leasehold estates allow tenants long-term use of land or property without owning it outright.
Key points:
- Lease terms can range from short-term to 99 years or more
- Tenant’s rights and obligations defined in the lease
- Leasehold interests may be sold or assigned with landlord consent
Understanding leasehold estates helps buyers and tenants evaluate property value and obligations.
Example of a Leasehold Estate in Action
The buyer purchased a condo on leasehold land with 70 years remaining on the leasehold estate.
Key Takeaways
- Tenant’s right to use property for a fixed term
- Lease terms define rights and responsibilities
- Common in commercial and some residential settings
- May affect financing and resale value
- Requires understanding of lease conditions
Related Terms
- Ground Lease
- Lease Agreement
- Fee Simple
- Net Lease
- Title Search

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)