Option To Purchase
Learn how an option to purchase works in Canadian real estate, when it’s used, and how it protects both parties in lease-to-own or commercial agreements.
May 22, 2025
What is an Option To Purchase?
An option to purchase is a clause in a contract that gives one party the exclusive right — but not the obligation — to buy a property within a specified time frame and at agreed-upon terms.
Why Option To Purchases Matter in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, options to purchase are common in lease-to-own and commercial transactions. The buyer pays an option fee for the exclusive right to purchase the property in the future. This right is not transferable and typically expires if not exercised by a set date.Option agreements typically include:
- Purchase price or pricing formula
- Duration of the option period
- Non-refundable option fee
- Terms under which the option can be exercised
Understanding the option to purchase helps buyers structure flexible agreements and evaluate their rights before committing to full ownership.
Example of an Option To Purchase
A commercial tenant signs a five-year lease with an option to purchase the building at $950,000. They have the right to buy anytime during the lease term by providing written notice.
Key Takeaways
- Grants right, not obligation, to buy.
- Includes fee, price, and deadline.
- Used in rent-to-own and commercial deals.
- Requires clear terms and legal advice.
- Can support long-term investment planning.
Related Terms
- Lease Option
- Rent-to-Own Agreement
- Conditional Offer
- Purchase Agreement
- Right of First Refusal


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)
