Buying, selling or refinancing a property is the largest transaction most people make, and most of the legal work happens in the weeks before closing. At Law Wise Professional Corporation, a real estate lawyer in Mississauga reviews your agreement, searches title, deals with your lender and closes the transaction. The firm is based in Mississauga’s City Centre and serves clients across the entire GTA and Ontario.
Real estate lawyer services
Each service below has its own page with more detail.
- Residential purchases and salesHouses, townhouses and semi-detached homes, from the agreement to closing.
- Condominium purchasesStatus certificate review and the closing of a condominium unit.
- Newly built homesBuilder agreements, occupancy closings, HST and rebates.
- Mortgage refinanceRefinancing, switching lenders and private mortgages.
- Transfer title of propertyAdding or removing a name on title, including transfers between family members.
- Property assignmentAssignment agreements for pre-construction purchases.
- Commercial real estateBuying and selling commercial property.
- Commercial lease agreementsReviewing and negotiating a commercial lease in Ontario.
- Real estate disputesAdvice and negotiation on failed closings, deposit disputes and title claims.
What a real estate lawyer does on a purchase
- AgreementWe review the agreement of purchase and sale, ideally before you sign or while it is still conditional.
- Due diligenceWe search title and check for matters such as unpaid taxes, liens and, for a condominium, the status certificate.
- Mortgage and fundsWe act on your lender’s instructions and tell you the amount to bring. Closing funds can be sent by wire transfer.
- ClosingThe transfer and mortgage are registered electronically, the keys are released and you receive a report.
Careful due diligence matters at every step. A problem with title, zoning, an open building permit or the financing is far easier to deal with before closing than after it.
Title insurance
Before closing, your lawyer must go through the reasonable options for assuring your title and must tell you that title insurance is not mandatory and is not the only option. That is a rule of the Law Society of Ontario. Title insurance is a one-time premium, and it does not replace the lawyer’s work on the transaction. We explain what it covers and what it does not so that you can decide.
Land transfer tax and other closing costs
Closing costs are the one-time costs a buyer pays on top of the price. They usually include land transfer tax, legal fees and disbursements, title insurance if you choose it, and adjustments for items such as property taxes, utilities and condominium fees. Ask us for a closing quote early, because these costs generally have to be paid on closing and are not added to the mortgage.
Ontario land transfer tax rates
- 0.5% on the first $55,000 of the price
- 1.0% on the amount from $55,000 to $250,000
- 1.5% on the amount from $250,000 to $400,000
- 2.0% on the amount above $400,000
- 2.5% on the amount above $2,000,000, where the land has one or two single family residences
On a home bought for $800,000 the Ontario tax is $12,475. A home outside the City of Toronto pays the Ontario tax only. A home in the City of Toronto also pays Toronto’s municipal land transfer tax.
First-time buyers. A first-time homebuyer may qualify for a refund of up to $4,000 of the Ontario tax, which means no Ontario land transfer tax on the first $368,000 of the price. You must be at least 18 and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must move in as your principal residence within nine months, and you must never have owned a home anywhere in the world. A spouse’s past ownership can also affect the refund.
Buyers who are not citizens or permanent residents. Ontario charges a 25% Non-Resident Speculation Tax on residential property anywhere in the province bought by a foreign national, a foreign corporation or a taxable trustee. Federal restrictions on purchases by non-Canadians may also apply. Raise your status before you sign an agreement, and see our immigration page.
Condominiums and newly built homes
A condominium purchase turns on the status certificate, which sets out the corporation’s finances, rules and any special assessments. Have it reviewed before your condition expires.
A newly built home comes with a long builder’s agreement, an occupancy period before final closing in many condominium projects, and HST. Rebates can reduce the HST. The amounts and conditions changed in 2026 and depend on the price, the date of the agreement and who will live in the home, so have the figures confirmed for your purchase. If you plan to sell your purchase before closing, see property assignment.
Selling or refinancing
On a sale we review the agreement, obtain the mortgage payout figures, prepare the transfer and the statement of adjustments, pay out the mortgage and other amounts owing from the proceeds, and send you the balance. On a mortgage refinance we act on the new lender’s instructions, register the new charge and arrange the discharge of the old one. To add or remove a name on title, see transfer title of property.
We can also help you with real estate litigation
If a buyer refuses or fails to close, the seller can normally keep the deposit and may also claim damages for any further loss. If it is the seller who refuses to close, the buyer may claim damages and, in some cases, ask the court to order that the sale be completed. See real estate litigation.
How a Law Wise real estate lawyer can help you
Your file is handled by a Law Wise lawyer licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. Service is available in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi. Your first consultation is free for 15 minutes, by appointment, and, if you retain the firm, fees are explained and confirmed in writing before work starts. A purchase is also a good time to make or update your will, and a separation often involves the home: see family law.
Common questions about real estate closings
What documents are required in a real estate transaction?
The main ones are the agreement of purchase and sale and any amendments, your mortgage commitment and the lender’s instructions, government identification, proof of home insurance, and the closing documents your lawyer prepares, such as the transfer, the statement of adjustments and the direction for funds. A builder purchase or a condominium adds its own documents.
What is the land transfer tax rebate in Ontario?
A first-time homebuyer may receive a refund of up to $4,000, which covers the Ontario land transfer tax on the first $368,000 of the price. You must be at least 18, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, move in within nine months and never have owned a home anywhere in the world.
How does the new home HST rebate work?
HST applies to most newly built homes, and Ontario and the federal government each offer rebates that can reduce it. The amounts and conditions changed in 2026 and depend on the price, the date of your agreement and who will live in the home. See newly built homes.
What are the real estate closing costs when you buy real estate?
Usually land transfer tax, legal fees and disbursements, title insurance if you choose it, and adjustments for prepaid property taxes, utilities or condominium fees. They are generally paid on closing and cannot be added to the mortgage.
Do I have to buy title insurance?
No. It is not mandatory and it is not the only way to protect your title. Many buyers choose it, and many lenders ask for it. Your lawyer explains the options.
When should I contact a real estate lawyer?
Ideally before the agreement of purchase and sale is signed, or right after it is signed and while your conditions are still open.
Speak with a real estate lawyer in Mississauga
Ask us for a closing quote, or book your free 15-minute first consultation. Have the agreement of purchase and sale with you if you have one.
This page is general legal information for Ontario, current as of 10 October 2026. Tax rates and rebates change; confirm them for your transaction. This page is not legal or tax advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship.