Your offer was accepted. Now what? Between "SOLD" and getting the keys, your real estate lawyer handles the legal work that turns a signed agreement into a registered owner. Here's what happens at each step of an Ottawa closing, and what you need to do. General information, not legal advice.
Step 1: Before you sign (if you can)
The best time to call a real estate lawyer is before you sign the offer. An agreement of purchase and sale is binding on both sides. A lawyer can suggest conditions that let you walk away if financing, the inspection or the sale of your current home falls through, and warranties such as compliance with zoning. Buying a condo? The status certificate review matters here too.
Step 2: The deal goes firm
Once conditions are met or waived, send your lawyer the full agreement with every amendment, plus your mortgage commitment. Your lawyer opens the file, checks for conflicts, notes every deadline and asks how you want to own the home: joint tenants (the survivor automatically owns it all) or tenants in common (each share passes under each owner's will).
Step 3: Title search and requisitions
Your lawyer searches the title and off-title records: property taxes, utility arrears, work orders, liens. Problems go to the seller's lawyer as written requisitions by the requisition date in your agreement. If the agreement is silent, Ontario law gives the buyer 30 days from the contract to object. Miss the date and you may lose the right to insist on most fixes, so your lawyer works to that deadline.
Step 4: Choosing how title is protected
Many Ontario buyers close with title insurance, which can cover risks like title fraud or an encroachment a survey would have shown. It's not mandatory and not the only option. Your lawyer must walk you through the reasonable choices, including a lawyer's opinion on title, and explain what each covers. If you choose insurance, ask which searches won't be done and what the policy excludes. Your lawyer can't take a commission from the insurer.
Step 5: The numbers
About a week or two before closing, your lawyer prepares the statement of adjustments. It credits the seller for prepaid property taxes, utilities or condo fees, and confirms the exact balance you owe. Expect to pay, on top of the price: - Ontario land transfer tax, payable on registration. Yes, in Ottawa too. - Legal fees and disbursements (title search, registration). - Any lender fees and the adjustments.
Step 6: The signing appointment
You'll meet your lawyer, in person or virtually, to sign the transfer, the mortgage and a written authorization allowing your lawyer to register them for you. Bring government-issued photo ID for everyone signing. Municipal ID cards don't count. Your lawyer will tell you how to deliver the closing funds, usually a certified cheque, bank draft or wire.
Step 7: Closing day
On the morning of closing, your lawyer re-checks title. Your lender sends the mortgage funds to your lawyer's trust account. The lawyers then exchange documents and money under a Document Registration Agreement, which holds everything in escrow until the transfer is registered. Registration happens electronically through Teraview. Many documents include "compliance with law" statements that only a lawyer can sign. Once registration is done and funds are released, the keys are yours.
Step 8: After closing
The seller's lawyer pays off the seller's mortgage. The discharge is registered on closing or soon after, under a written undertaking. You receive a reporting letter summarizing the deal, your mortgage and your title. If you chose title insurance, you also receive your policy. Keep them with your important papers, and with your will.
Three Ottawa myths
"There's no land transfer tax in Ottawa." False. Ontario's land transfer tax applies when you buy anywhere in Ontario. What Ottawa buyers don't pay is Toronto's municipal land transfer tax, which applies only to properties in Toronto. On a $400,000 home, Ontario LTT is $4,475.
"First-time buyers pay nothing." Not quite. Eligible first-time buyers can get a refund of up to $4,000. On a $400,000 home, that leaves $475. Missed it at registration? You have 18 months to apply.
"One lawyer can do both sides to save money." No. Under Law Society rules, one lawyer can't act for both the buyer and the seller in the same transfer.
What to bring: a quick checklist
Buyers: government photo ID · signed agreement and amendments · mortgage commitment · home-insurance binder naming your lender · how you'll take title · closing funds as instructed. Sellers: government photo ID · your deed · latest mortgage statement · property tax bill and recent utility bills · any survey · condo manager's contact · forwarding address.
Talk to an Ottawa closing lawyer
Francis Lawyers specializes in real estate law: four of our lawyers practise residential real estate law, and the firm has handled Ottawa real estate transactions since 1974. Expert closing support comes from our real estate clerk, who has over 40 years of experience in real estate law, and our lawyers review every title search and sign every requisition.
"Being a first-time homebuyer can be scary, perhaps even more during the pandemic, with all the delays and supply chain issues. Thankfully we were paired with Bally, who along with her team, reassured and guided us through the entire process. The closing came down to the wire! but they were able to pull. Thank you very much for all the hard work. 100% recommended." L.L., client testimonial, francislawyers.ca/testimonials French and German service is available with Marie-Luise Francis, and Punjabi and Hindi with Baljinder Kaur Basi. See how we handle your closing or our real estate services, or call (613) 226-1011.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a real estate closing take in Ontario? It depends on the closing date in your agreement. Your lawyer's work starts as soon as the deal is firm and must meet deadlines such as the requisition date before closing day.
Do I pay land transfer tax if I buy in Ottawa? Yes. Ontario's land transfer tax applies in Ottawa. Toronto's separate municipal land transfer tax does not.
Is title insurance required in Ontario? No. It's optional and not the only way to assure title. Your lawyer must explain the options, including a lawyer's opinion on title.
What ID do I need to close? Current government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence or passport. Municipal ID cards are not accepted.
This article is general information about Ontario real estate law and taxes as of October 10, 2026. Figures can change. Check ontario.ca or ask a lawyer before relying on them. It isn't legal advice. Written by the lawyers of Francis Mehr LLP, licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. Francis Mehr LLP (Francis Lawyers), 1390 Clyde Ave, Suite 200, Ottawa, ON K2G 3H9.
