Property Description
Understand what a property description is in Canadian real estate, how it's used in transactions, and why it's critical for legal and zoning accuracy.

May 30, 2025
What is a Property Description?
A property description is the section of a real estate document that outlines the legal and physical characteristics of the land and structures being conveyed.
Why a Property Description Matters in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, property descriptions are used in purchase agreements, deeds, surveys, and land registry documents.
A complete property description may include:
- Lot size and boundaries
- Legal land parcel identifier (e.g., PIN or LRO reference)
- Location details (municipality, subdivision, etc.)
- Details of buildings or zoning (if applicable)
Accurate descriptions are essential for title transfer, financing, zoning compliance, and avoiding legal disputes.
Understanding property descriptions ensures that buyers and sellers are transacting the correct parcel and that no physical or legal details are overlooked.
Example of a Property Description
The property description in the agreement identifies the parcel as Lot 7, Plan M-246 in the City of Toronto, measuring 40 feet by 100 feet.
Key Takeaways
- Legally defines the property being sold.
- Required in legal and land registry documents.
- Includes lot size, boundaries, and identifiers.
- Ensures clarity and legal accuracy.
- Prevents disputes over parcel location or size.
Related Terms
- Title Transfer
- Deed
- Zoning
- Legal Title
- Land Registry

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)