TRENDING: Primaris REIT Buys 65-Acre CF Lime Ridge Mall In Hamilton For $416M

Notary Public

Learn the role of a notary public in Canadian real estate transactions, especially in Quebec and BC, and how they help certify legal documents.

Notary Public

May 22, 2025


What is a Notary Public?

A notary public is a legal professional authorized to witness, certify, and prepare documents commonly involved in real estate transactions, especially in provinces like Quebec and British Columbia.

Why Notary Publics Matter in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, notaries play a key role in ensuring that legal documents — such as purchase agreements, property transfers, and mortgage contracts — are properly executed and legally binding.

While lawyers are often used in most provinces, notaries handle many real estate closings in Quebec and parts of British Columbia. Their responsibilities may include:
  • Verifying identity and signatures
  • Drafting and registering legal property documents
  • Managing title transfers and mortgage registration
  • Holding funds in trust for closing
Using a notary public can be a more cost-effective alternative to a lawyer in some transactions. However, notaries generally cannot represent clients in disputes or provide the same breadth of legal advice as a lawyer.
Choosing a qualified notary ensures that your transaction proceeds smoothly, with accurate documentation and legal compliance, particularly when buying or selling property in regions where they are standard.

Example of a Notary Public in Action

A buyer in Montreal hires a notary public to finalize their condo purchase, ensuring all documents are correctly registered with the provincial land registry.

Key Takeaways

  • Certifies and drafts real estate documents.
  • Common in Quebec and parts of B.C.
  • May replace a lawyer in standard closings.
  • Handles legal registration and fund transfer.
  • Essential for document validity and compliance.

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Rent Control

Rent control refers to government regulations that limit how much landlords can increase rent for residential tenants each year.. more

Receivership

Receivership is a legal process where a court or secured creditor appoints a receiver to take control of a borrower’s assets, such as property or. more

REALTOR

A REALTOR is a licensed real estate professional who is a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and adheres to its Code of Ethics and. more

Property Use History

Property use history refers to the documented past uses, functions, and occupancy of a property, which may affect environmental risk, zoning, or. more

Property Management

Property management is the oversight and administration of real estate assets on behalf of the owner, covering leasing, maintenance, financial. more

Property Maintenance

Property maintenance refers to the ongoing upkeep, repair, and management of a building or land to preserve its safety, functionality, and appearance.. more

More For You

Bid To Take Over Thind's District Northwest Collapses As Presale Buyers Back Out

A rendering of the District Northwest project planned for 13438 105A Avenue in Surrey.

A rendering of the District Northwest project planned for 13438 105A Avenue in Surrey. / Arcadis

In a rare and unfortunate turn of events, the stalking horse bid to take over the District Northwest project in Surrey by Thind Properties has been terminated, according to court documents.

The District Northwest project is set for 13438 105A Avenue in Surrey, a two-acre site located about midway between the Expo Line SkyTrain's Gateway Station and Surrey Central Station. For the site, Thind Properties — through 105 University View Homes Ltd. and District Northwest Limited Partnership — was planning two high-rise towers with a total of 1,023 units.

Keep ReadingShow less

"The Entire Country Is Looking At Us": Inside Alberta's Hot Multi-Family Market

​Le Louvre at 11025 25 Avenue NW in Edmonton, which is currently on the market.

Le Louvre at 11025 25 Avenue NW in Edmonton, which is currently on the market. / Institutional Property Advisors

When there is uncertainty, people naturally look for safe harbour. In the world of commercial real estate, that safe harbour has become multi-family assets, according to commercial real estate brokerage Avison Young.

"Purpose-built rental housing is attracting increased attention from investors to weather the economic uncertainty from the ongoing trade war," said Avison Young in their Spring 2025 multi-family market report. "Investors are drawn to multi-residential assets due to the prospect of owning a positive and stable cash flow asset on day one of acquisition, with a positive, long-term sentiment for rental rate upside."

Keep ReadingShow less

This $9M Seaside BC Estate Is What Daydreams Are Made Of

This $9M Seaside BC Estate Is What Daydreams Are Made Of
Sotheby's International Realty Canada

Perched above the storied shoreline of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, 1887 Lower Road is the kind of retreat that captures the region’s most coveted offering: a seamless fusion of luxury, nature, and soul-soothing privacy.

Completed in 2023, this 4,666 sq. ft. estate spans 3.7 acres of forested grounds and curated gardens, culminating in 162 feet of private beachfront.

Keep ReadingShow less

This Opulent Alberta Home Boasts An Indoor Pool And Rooftop Fire Pit

This Opulent Alberta Home Boasts An Indoor Pool And Rooftop Fire Pit

Sotheby's International Realty Canada

In a quiet crescent just northwest of Edmonton, one of Alberta’s most distinct custom estates awaits.

But take note: 46 Kingsford Crescent isn’t simply a large home with high-end touches.

Keep ReadingShow less

Striking 3-Bed By Arthur Erickson Listed Along The Grand River

Striking 3-Bed By Arthur Erickson Listed Along The Grand River

Sotheby's International Realty Canada

One of Canada’s most celebrated modernist architects has left his mark on Cambridge, Ontario — and now, for $3.9 million, you could make it yours.

Hilborn House, a 1974 residence by Arthur Erickson, sits quietly on nearly two acres of riverside land in the city’s exclusive Blue Heron Ridge enclave.

Keep ReadingShow less

A Spa, Sports Court, And Boathouse — This $12.9M Lake Simcoe Home Has It All

A Spa, Sports Court, And Boathouse — This $12.9M Lake Simcoe Home Has It All

Courtesy Engel & Volkers Barrie Brokerage

Hidden behind towering trees in the Southshore Woods neighbourhood of Innisfil is a contemporary waterfront home that is a true sanctuary for both relaxation and entertaining.

Situated on Lake Simcoe, 880 Shoreview Drive is a custom-built home by the original owners that has three structures across 3.4 acres of land with 280 feet of private waterfront shoreline. Recently listed for $12,900,000, the elegant property pops amongst the greenery with its pristine white shiplap exterior.

Keep ReadingShow less

How One GTA Development Firm Is Making Big Moves In A Complex Market

How One GTA Development Firm Is Making Big Moves In A Complex Market

Shutterstock

Elysium Investments has just gone firm on a prime North York parcel at 41-47 Talara Drive, marking its sixth active development site in under three years — and reinforcing its reputation as one of the GTA’s most forward-moving, future-focused real estate players.

The acquisition, located just east of Yonge and Sheppard, sits steps from Bessarion Station — one of the TTC’s most underutilized subway nodes. Elysium sees this as no coincidence, but rather a high-impact opportunity to intensify an area where existing infrastructure is ready for smarter use.

Keep ReadingShow less

How PBA Group Converted A Calgary Office Tower Into The Element Hotel

​The 12-storey office building at 833 4th Avenue SW in Calgary that's now an Element Hotel.

The 12-storey office building at 833 4th Avenue SW in Calgary that's now an Element Hotel. / Courtesy of PBA Group

While other cities across North America are still figuring out what to do with their excess office space and how to convert it into residential, Calgary has lapped them. The City is now pushing into converting office buildings into post-secondary space or hotels. The first office-to-post-secondary conversion was announced earlier this year, while the first office-to-hotel conversion was just recently completed.

Now open as of June 19, the new Element Hotel by Westin — one of Marriott's extended stay brands — is located at 833 4th Avenue SW, at the southeast corner of the intersection with 8th Street SW, one block west of the McDougall Centre.

Keep ReadingShow less
Privacy PolicyAbout UsTerms of UseAdvertise with UsJobsContact UsRSS Feed
2025 © STOREYS Publishing Inc. | All Rights Reserved