Buying a pre-construction condo from a builder in Toronto is exciting. New finishes, modern layouts, and the promise of a brand-new home. But thereโs one document many buyers underestimateโor never properly review at all: the drawings. Floor plans, elevations, site plans, and disclosure sketches are not just marketing materials. They are legally significant documents that define what you are actually … Read More
Why a Section 98 Agreement Matters When Buying a Condo Resale in Ontario
When buying a condo resale, most buyers focus on price, status certificates, and mortgage approval. But thereโs a quieter document that can have serious legal and financial consequences if itโs missing: ๐ The Section 98 Agreement. If the unit youโre buying has any alterations beyond the original builder layout, a Section 98 Agreement can be the difference between a smooth … Read More
Per Stirpes vs. Per Capita in Ontario: What Toronto Families Need to Know When Writing a Will
When preparing a will in Ontario, one small clause can completely change how your estate is distributed. Two of the most commonly misunderstood terms are per stirpes and per capita โ and choosing the wrong one can unintentionally disinherit children or grandchildren. If you are creating or updating a will in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area, understanding the difference … Read More
Tenants in Common or Joint Tenants? Which Ownership Structure is Right for You?
In Ontario, the terms “tenant in common” and “joint tenants” refer to different types of ownership arrangements for real property. The key differences between these two types of ownership are related to how the property is shared, what happens when one owner dies, and how ownership interests are transferred. Whether you are purchasing a property in Toronto to live in … Read More
What Toronto Contractors Need to Know About Placing a Lien When You Havenโt Been Paid
As a contractor in Toronto, few situations are more frustrating than completing work on a projectโwhether itโs residential, commercial, or industrialโonly to find that payment is delayed or withheld. Fortunately, Ontarioโs Construction Act gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers a powerful legal tool: the right to place a construction lien on the property where the work was performed. A lien protects … Read More
Buying in Toronto? Why It’s Crucial to List All Included Items in Your Agreement of Purchase and Sale
When buying a home in Toronto, the excitement of finding the perfect property can sometimes overshadow the finer details of the transaction. One of the most commonly overlookedโbut critically importantโelements of an Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) is the list of chattels and fixtures that will be included in the purchase. What Are Chattels and Fixtures? โข Fixtures are … Read More
Should You Contact a Real Estate Agent or Real Estate Lawyer First?
This post has been made in conjunction with our good friends at Above Realty โ a real estate brokerage serving Toronto and the surrounding areas that does not charge commission and covers your legal fees. Visit them at aboverealty,ca to find out more. If you’re thinking about buying a property in Ontario, one of the first questions you may have … Read More
Airbnb Property Owners Beware: Ontario Court Says You Owe HST on Sale
In 1351231 Ontario Inc. v. The King (2024 TCC 37), the Tax Court of Canada (TCC) held that a condo initially used for long-term rentals but later listed on Airbnb did not qualify as a โresidential complexโ under the Excise Tax Act (ETA), making its sale subject to HST. The corporation had purchased the unit in 2008, treating it as … Read More
The Hidden Risks of Pre Construction Homes in Toronto
Thinking About Buying Pre Construction in Toronto? Read This First. The appeal of buying a pre construction home in Toronto, Ontario is undeniable โ modern finishes, customization options, and the sense of getting in on the โground floorโ of a new development. But while glossy brochures and show suites highlight the potential, they often leave out the risks. Many buyers … Read More
Why Buying Pre-Construction in Toronto Can Be a Smart Move
Thinking about buying a pre-construction condo or home in Toronto? Learn the top advantages of investing early in new developments across the GTA. ________________________________________ Why Buying Pre-Construction in Toronto and the GTA Makes Sense Torontoโs real estate market continues to evolve, and buying pre-construction has become an increasingly popular option for homebuyers and investors alike. Whether you’re looking for a … Read More