Real Estate Lawyers For Your Most Important Transaction
Buying or selling property in Ontario or Alberta is one of the largest financial decisions of your life. Our real estate lawyers ensure every detail is right before you sign anything.
Specialises in residential and commercial real estate across Ontario and Alberta. Experience with complex transactions and investment portfolios.
Josephine Lam
Closing Manager
Manages the closing process from start to finish, title searches, documentation, funds coordination, and registration. Fluent in English and Cantonese.
Monique Chanderpaul
Closing Manager, Corporate
Manages corporate real estate closings, commercial transactions, and title documentation. Coordinates funds, registration, and compliance for business and investment properties.
We believe you deserve straight answers, not vague promises. Most matters qualify for a complimentary 30-minute virtual consultation.
How much does a real estate lawyer cost in Ontario?
Standard residential closing fees range from $900–$2,000 plus disbursements for most purchases and sales. Commercial real estate and complex transactions vary. We provide transparent quotes upfront with no hidden fees. Contact us at 416-333-6200 for a specific estimate based on your transaction.
Do I need a lawyer to close real estate in Ontario?
Yes, Ontario law requires a lawyer for all real estate closings. The lawyer reviews documents, conducts title and survey searches, ensures compliance with the Land Titles Act, arranges financing, verifies funds, conducts the closing, and registers your deed. Even if your lender didn't require legal representation, having a lawyer protects your interests.
What is title insurance and do I need it?
Title insurance protects you against financial loss from title defects that existed before you purchased the property. This includes fraud, forgery, undisclosed liens, missing wills, and boundary disputes. While it's not mandatory under Ontario law, it is strongly recommended, especially if the property has a complex ownership history or is older. We review title and advise whether title insurance is appropriate for your purchase.
What is a condo purchase agreement and what should I know?
Condominium purchases in Ontario are governed by the Condominium Act and require special review. We examine the declaration, bylaws, financial statements, reserve fund study, and status certificate. These documents reveal special assessments, upcoming repairs, and restrictions on your unit. Unlike houses governed by the Land Titles Act, condos have additional protections and obligations that must be understood before closing.
What happens during a real estate closing?
At closing, we coordinate the final steps: arranging mortgage funds, conducting the title search, confirming utility adjustments, preparing the deed transfer, and verifying all closing costs. We attend the closing meeting, transfer funds to the seller's lawyer, register your deed at the land titles office, and ensure you receive full documentation. The entire process typically takes 30–60 minutes, though logistics may extend over one business day.
What are the differences between freehold and leasehold properties?
A freehold property means you own the land and building indefinitely. A leasehold property means you own the structure for a set period (often 99 years) but not the land. As leases decline in remaining years, property value and mortgage availability decrease. Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act and the Land Titles Act govern these differently. We advise on the implications of leasehold terms, renewal rights, and long-term financial impact before you purchase.
Important Notice: Contacting us does not establish a solicitor-client relationship. Such a relationship is only formed when the firm has expressly confirmed in writing its agreement to act on your behalf.
Free Consultation Disclaimer: The complimentary 30-minute consultation is available for most matters. For a small number of complex or multi-issue files, a nominal fee may apply. This will always be disclosed upfront and credited in full if you retain us. The consultation constitutes a general discussion only and does not constitute formal legal advice, nor does it establish a solicitor-client relationship.
* Response times may be longer when our lawyers are in trial, on statutory holidays or weekends, or in the event of unforeseen circumstances. We will always reply within 48 hours. For urgent matters, call +1 416 333 6200 . Answered 24/7.
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A member of our team will be in touch within 24 hours*. If you haven’t heard from us, please call +1 416 333 6200 directly.
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Our Offices & Where We Operate
4+ Offices across Ontario, international desks. Same standard. Wherever you need us.
Title insurance experts, developer counsel experienced
Representative Outcomes
Real Results for Real Clients
Every case is unique. These anonymized examples illustrate the types of results our team has achieved. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.
Real Estate
Complex Commercial Closing with Title Defect
Resolved title issue and closed $3.8M commercial purchase on schedule
During due diligence on a commercial property acquisition, we discovered an unresolved easement and a historical lien from a previous owner. Our team worked with the Land Registry Office and negotiated title insurance coverage, resolving the defects and enabling the transaction to close without delay or price reduction.
“I had the absolute pleasure of working with two lawyers from Lexaltico on different matters. The level of professionalism, expertise, and care was consistently exceptional. They take the time to thoroughly understand your situation and proactively problem-solve.”
“We had the pleasure of working with Josephine Lam and Jia Junaid as our closing real estate lawyers and we could not have asked for a better experience. Both Josephine and Jia are incredibly professional, knowledgeable and thorough. They took the time to explain everything clearly, assisted us through each step with patience and always made themselves available to answer our questions.”
— Shabana Khan
★★★★★
“Jia and her team were extremely helpful, easy to work with and understand. They allowed the process of selling our house and purchasing a new one to be smooth and painless! The fact that we were able to meet virtually was very helpful. This team is wonderful and I would definitely recommend using their services!”
— Penny-Lee Caruana
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Law Society of Ontario — RegulatedON & AB
Legal Notices & Disclaimers
No Solicitor-Client Relationship
Use of this website does not establish a solicitor-client relationship between you and Lexaltico LLP. Such a relationship is only formed when Lexaltico LLP has expressly confirmed in writing that it has agreed to act on your behalf. Until that confirmation is provided, no obligation of confidentiality exists.
Not Legal Advice
Information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Do not act on any information here without first consulting a qualified lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction. Lexaltico LLP disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on this website's contents.
Confidentiality of Enquiries
Do not submit confidential information through this website or by email until a solicitor-client relationship has been confirmed in writing. Information submitted before that point will not be treated as confidential.
Law Society of Ontario — Regulation
Lexaltico LLP is regulated by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) under the Law Society Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.8. All lawyers are members in good standing. Alberta matters are handled by lawyers licensed with the Law Society of Alberta (LSA).
Law Society of Alberta
Our Alberta-licensed lawyers are members in good standing of the Law Society of Alberta (LSA).
Immigration Regulatory Body — CICC
Immigration consulting services are provided by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act, S.C. 2019, c. 29, s. 292.
Estimator & Calculator Tools
The Severance Estimator and Estate Dispute Evaluator are for informational purposes only. Results are estimates and do not account for specific contractual terms, statutory provisions, or judicial discretion. These tools do not create a solicitor-client relationship. Always seek independent legal advice before making any legal decision.
Privacy — PIPEDA & CASL
Your personal information is protected in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), S.C. 2000, c. 5 and Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). We do not sell your information. Withdraw consent at any time: hello@lexaltico.com.
Free Consultation
Most matters qualify for a complimentary 30-minute virtual consultation. For a small number of complex or multi-issue files, a nominal fee may apply — this will always be disclosed to you upfront before any consultation takes place and will be credited in full toward your fees if you retain Lexaltico LLP. The complimentary consultation constitutes a general introductory discussion only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create a solicitor-client relationship, and no duty of confidentiality arises until such a relationship has been formally confirmed in writing.
Referral Fees — LexKonnect
All referral fee arrangements comply with Rule 3.6-6 of the LSO Rules of Professional Conduct. Fees are disclosed to and consented to by the client. No arrangement impairs independent professional judgment.
Limitation Periods
Failure to commence proceedings within applicable limitation periods may permanently bar your claim. In Ontario, the general limitation period is two (2) years from discovery under the Limitations Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 24, Sched. B. Seek legal advice promptly.
Past Results & Testimonials
Any client testimonials, case results, recoveries or outcomes referred to on this website are illustrative only. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future outcomes. Each legal matter turns on its own facts; the outcome of any particular matter cannot be guaranteed and depends on circumstances unique to that matter. No statement on this website should be read as a promise or prediction of any particular result.
