Ontario Real Estate And Development Industry Hires And Promotions: September

Legal Fees

Understand legal fees in Canadian real estate: what services they cover, how much they cost, and why they’re crucial to finalizing a transaction.

Legal Fees

May 22, 2025


What are Legal Fees?

Legal fees are the charges paid to a lawyer or notary to complete the legal requirements of a real estate transaction.

Why Do Legal Fees Matter in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, legal professionals are essential to transferring ownership, registering mortgages, conducting title searches, and handling closing documentation.


Typical services covered include:
  • Title search and registration
  • Reviewing and finalizing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale
  • Managing trust accounts for deposit and closing funds
  • Coordinating with lenders and land registry offices


Legal fees vary based on location, firm, and complexity, and often range from $1,000 to $2,000. Disbursements (additional costs for registration, title insurance, courier, etc.) may be billed separately.


Understanding legal fees ensures buyers and sellers properly budget for closing costs and receive full legal protection during the transaction.

Example of Legal Fees in Action

A buyer in British Columbia pays $1,200 in legal fees and $400 in disbursements to finalize a condo purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • Covers legal work required to close property deals.
  • Usually paid by the buyer.
  • Includes both fees and disbursements.
  • Ensures ownership and mortgage registration.
  • Required in most provinces.

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Blight

Blight refers to the deterioration, neglect, and disrepair of properties or neighborhoods that cause economic decline and reduce livability. Blighted. more

Community Land Trust (CLT)

A community land trust (CLT) is a non-profit organization that owns land to preserve long-term housing affordability. Homes are sold or rented at. more

Co-Housing Community

A co-housing community is a residential model where individuals or families live in private homes but share common facilities such as kitchens,. more

Chain of Title

Chain of title is the chronological record of property ownership transfers, from the original owner to the current owner. It documents deeds,. more

Carbon Offset Credits

Carbon offset credits in real estate are tradable credits earned by properties or developments that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through. more

Build-to-Rent

Build-to-rent refers to residential developments specifically constructed for the rental market rather than for sale. These projects are typically. more

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