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Property Use History

Learn about property use history in Canadian real estate: why it matters, how it's assessed, and what it reveals about environmental or legal risks.

Property Use History

June 16, 2025


What is 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 redevelopment potential.

Why Property Use History Matters in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, reviewing property use history is a key step in due diligence, particularly for industrial, commercial, or infill residential sites.



A property’s historical use may:
  • Reveal former industrial or contaminated activity
  • Determine grandfathered zoning or easements
  • Influence valuation or insurance availability
  • Affect environmental assessment requirements



Historical records are often reviewed during title searches or Phase I environmental site assessments.



Understanding property use history helps buyers and developers assess risk, suitability, and any hidden liabilities before acquisition or redevelopment.

Example of Property Use History in Action

A Phase I environmental assessment reveals the property was once a dry cleaner, prompting a Phase II investigation due to the property’s use history.

Key Takeaways

  • Reveals past uses of land or structures
  • May uncover contamination or legal restrictions
  • Influences environmental due diligence
  • Important for commercial and redevelopment sites
  • Informs zoning and permitting decisions

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Budgeting

Budgeting in real estate refers to the process of forecasting and managing income and expenses associated with owning, operating, or developing a property.. more

Tenant Improvements

Tenant improvements refer to custom modifications or build-outs made to a leased space to suit the tenant’s operational needs, often negotiated as. more

Highest and Best Use

Highest and best use refers to the reasonably probable use of a property that results in the highest value, provided it is legally permissible,. more

Gross Lease

A gross lease is a commercial lease where the tenant pays a fixed rent, and the landlord covers most or all operating expenses such as property. more

Brownfield

A brownfield is a property that was previously used for industrial or commercial purposes and is now vacant or underused, often requiring. more

Record of Site Condition (RSC)

A Record of Site Condition (RSC) is a formal document filed with a provincial environmental authority certifying that a property meets required. more

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