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Real Estate Lawyer

Learn how real estate lawyers support Canadian buyers and sellers during property transactions, including title searches, legal documents, and closing procedures.

Real Estate Lawyer

May 22, 2025


What is a Real Estate Lawyer?

A real estate lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in property law, assisting with the legal aspects of buying, selling, or refinancing real estate.

Why Do Real Estate Lawyers Matter in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, lawyers are often required to complete transactions. They ensure all legal documentation is properly prepared and reviewed, and that the title transfer process is completed without issues.


Roles of a real estate lawyer include:
  • Reviewing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale
  • Conducting title searches
  • Arranging title insurance
  • Handling mortgage registration
  • Managing closing funds in trust accounts

A lawyer protects the buyer’s or seller’s legal interests and ensures the transaction complies with provincial real estate law. They are especially critical in complex cases such as:
  • Estate sales
  • Foreclosures or power of sale
  • Disputes over easements or zoning


Understanding the role of a real estate lawyer helps ensure that your property transaction proceeds smoothly, lawfully, and with minimized legal risk.

Example of a Real Estate Lawyer in Action

A homebuyer in Alberta hires a real estate lawyer to review their purchase agreement, ensure the title is clear, and handle the legal closing process.

Key Takeaways

  • Manages legal aspects of real estate deals.
  • Required for closings in most provinces.
  • Ensures title and funds are properly transferred.
  • Reviews legal documents and resolves disputes.
  • Protects client interests in property transactions.

Related Terms

  • Notary Public
  • Title Search
  • Agreement of Purchase and Sale
  • Closing Process
  • Trust Account

Additional Terms

Public Realm Improvements

Public realm improvements are enhancements to public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, plazas, and streetscapes, often funded or contributed by. more

Mortgagee in Possession

A mortgagee in possession is a lender who takes control of a property after borrower default, but before foreclosure or power of sale. The lender. more

Lease Surrender Agreement

A lease surrender agreement is a negotiated contract between a landlord and tenant that ends a lease before its scheduled expiration. Terms may. more

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure refers to natural or engineered systems that manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve sustainability in developments.. more

Escrow Holdback

An escrow holdback is a portion of funds withheld at closing and held in escrow until specific conditions are met, such as completion of repairs,. more

Underused Housing Tax

The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is a federal annual 1% tax on the value of vacant or underused residential property owned by non-resident,. more

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