Closing Deal Lawyers in Ottawa, Ontario

Buying or selling in Ottawa? Closing day is when the money, the keys and the title change hands. 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. We review your agreement, search the title, move the funds, register the transfer electronically and hand over the keys.

Book a closing consultation · (613) 226-1011 · Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Closing day, handled from offer to keys

Our lawyers want to get this process accomplished as quickly and efficiently as possible, without sacrificing anything on your behalf. Your real estate agent negotiates the deal. Your lawyer makes it legally happen: protecting your deposit and funds in trust, confirming the seller can give good title, dealing with the mortgage, preparing the statement of adjustments, paying land transfer tax and registering the transfer. We act for buyers, sellers and borrowers on resale homes, condominiums, new builds and commercial property. More: real estate law at Francis Lawyers.

Why Ottawa buyers and sellers close with Francis Lawyers

• Since 1974. Founder J. Paul Francis has a long history of residential and commercial real estate transactions and still practises today.

• Expert closing support, backed by over 40 years in real estate law. Our real estate clerk has over 40 years of experience in real estate law and manages files from start to finish, supporting our lawyers. Lawyers review every title search and sign every requisition letter and title opinion, as the Law Society requires.

• Lawyers who also see the bigger picture. Baljinder Kaur Basi, Marie-Luise Francis and J. Paul Francis also practise wills and estates, so your new home and your will can be planned together (wills).

• Your language. French or German with Marie-Luise Francis; Punjabi or Hindi with Baljinder Kaur Basi.

• One firm, one point of contact, with real estate litigation in-house if a closing goes wrong (real estate litigation).

"Honestly hands down the best law firm you could ever find. They are professional, respond to your calls and emails quickly, and keep you informed every step of the way. The managing partner, Farhad Mehr, paired me up with an amazing solicitor, Bally. Thanks to her and her team (Sue and Caitlynne), we were able to close on our house on time even when it came down to the wire: they pulled it off (4 55PM on Friday!!). I will recommend/refer Bally and this law firm any chance I get to my colleagues, friends and family as I know they will be in good, trust worthy hands :)" M.W.

"We were fortunate enough to be referred to the firm by our realtor and were directed to Associate Baljinder (Bally) Basi. Bally was kind, sweet, courteous, and professional in walking us through the biggest transaction of our life. The fees were extremely reasonable and Bally was able to reassure us that all was going well throughout the process, even though we were probably the most paranoid, nervous, anxious clients she's ever had! She always took the time to answer all our emails and ensured our very tight timeline was met. Thank you so much, Bally, for helping us make our dream come true. I 100% recommend Bally if you're looking for a lawyer to help you through a home purchase!" P.C.

"Francis Lawyers receives the best review from both my daughter and myself. We just closed on buying a new home a few hours ago. Marie Francis is awesome. She explains every detail for you. So friendly and knowledgeable. And Sue Hillsdon is a miracle worker. She worked so hard to have everything completed on time. Even though everybody is wearing a mask you can clearly see in her eyes that she is smiling behind the mask. The entire team is great. Do not hesitate to have this group represent you. You can't do wrong with them. We appreciate everything you have done for us. Thank You Everybody!!!" C.G.

"I worked with Bally for two real-estate transactions and her service was outstanding. She was always helpful and immediately responsive to questions. Front-end staff were very friendly. Would happily use this firm in the future." K.P.

Client testimonials, francislawyers.ca/testimonials

Your closing, step by step

Get Strong Legal Assistance Today

Buying, selling or refinancing in Ottawa? Close with a firm that specializes in real estate law and has handled Ottawa real estate since 1974. Call (613) 226-1011 or send a short inquiry below, ideally before you sign your offer. Lawyers at Francis Mehr LLP are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. Book a closing consultation Form notice: Please don't include confidential details. Sending this form doesn't create a lawyer-client relationship.

For buyers: what we do

• Explain the agreement, the mortgage terms, and how to take title: joint tenants or tenants in common.

• Search title and off-title, and raise requisitions so problems are fixed before you pay.

• Review the condominium status certificate if you're buying a condo (condominiums).

• Check the statement of adjustments, so you pay only your share of prepaid taxes, utilities and condo fees.

• Hold your funds and your lender's funds in trust, pay land transfer tax and register the transfer.

• Confirm your home insurance is in place for closing, with your lender noted. More: buying a home · new construction · home buyer's guide

For sellers: what we do

Trust us at Francis Lawyers to protect you from complications and delays by:

• Explaining all aspects of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. This includes the sale prices, timelines of the transactions, and all conditions that must be met

• Helping you to understand your duties as a seller

• Answering any questions that you might have

• Conducting necessary searches

• Explaining all fees and extra costs that impact your sale

• Preparing all statements

• Reviewing closing documents with you

• Making sure that you receive your funds

• Contacting your mortgagee to obtain your discharge statement and pay any outstanding balance

• Paying out additional costs, including closing costs and real estate commissions

We also prepare the statement of adjustments, the transfer and the other closing documents, and answer the buyer's requisitions. Your mortgage discharge is registered on closing or afterwards under an undertaking, and after closing you receive our reporting letter. More: selling property · title transfers · home seller's guide

What to bring to your lawyer

Buyers

• Government-issued photo ID for every buyer: for example, a driver's licence or passport. Municipal ID cards aren't accepted.

• The signed agreement of purchase and sale, with all amendments and waivers.

• Your mortgage commitment and lender contact.

• Your home insurance binder, with the lender noted.

• How you want to take title (and everyone's full legal names).

• Your closing funds, in the form we tell you (typically a certified cheque, bank draft or wire).

Sellers

• Government-issued photo ID.

• Your current deed (transfer), your mortgage details and latest statement, the latest property tax bill and recent utility bills.

• Any survey, and details of changes made since it was done.

• Information on marital status and residency (both affect the closing documents).

• If you're selling a condo: your property manager's contact.

• Your forwarding address.

While our lawyers will do everything that they can to help you during this time, there are several duties that need to be met by you as well. In order to help us to facilitate the most efficient sale of your home, we will need you to:

• Provide a copy of any existing land survey, the details of your mortgage, and a statement showing how much you have paid in taxes

• Contact your utility suppliers and advise them of your closing date

• Maintain insurance on the home until closing

• Make your property available for any required inspection

• Provide us with the keys prior to closing

Title insurance: your choice, explained

Title insurance protects you against covered title problems, such as fraud or an encroachment that a survey would have shown (title insurance guide). It isn't mandatory and it isn't the only option: your lawyer must assess every reasonable way to assure title, including a lawyer's opinion on title, and explain what each covers. If you choose title insurance, we tell you which searches won't be done and what the policy excludes. Francis Lawyers receives no commission or fee from any title insurer. If you choose title insurance, you pay the insurer's premium, and we take no share of it.

Electronic registration: the part only a lawyer can sign

Ontario land documents are registered electronically through Teraview. Many electronic documents include "compliance with law" statements, which only a lawyer can sign. Before we register anything, you sign a written authorization (an acknowledgment and direction) confirming the documents we'll register for you. On closing day, both lawyers usually follow a Document Registration Agreement: documents, funds and keys are held in escrow until the transfer is registered.

Land transfer tax in Ottawa

• Ontario's land transfer tax applies when you buy in Ottawa. It is paid when the transfer is registered. On a $400,000 home it is $4,475.

• Toronto's municipal land transfer tax doesn't apply in Ottawa. It is charged only on properties purchased in Toronto.

• First-time buyers may get a refund of up to $4,000 (no tax on the first $368,000 of value). Claim within 18 months if it isn't claimed at registration. On a $400,000 home, an eligible first-time buyer would pay $475.

• Non-Resident Speculation Tax of 25% applies across Ontario to certain purchases by foreign nationals and foreign entities.

• New homes: HST applies to new and substantially renovated homes, not resales, and rebates of the provincial portion may be available; Ontario has expanded HST relief on eligible new homes, so check ontario.ca for the current amounts. Read more: land transfer tax

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer to close a real estate deal in Ontario? Only a lawyer can sign the "compliance with law" statements that many electronically registered Ontario land documents require. A lawyer also searches title, holds the funds in trust and registers the transfer and mortgage on closing.

Do Ottawa buyers pay Toronto's land transfer tax? No. Toronto's municipal land transfer tax applies only to properties in Toronto. Ottawa buyers pay Ontario's provincial land transfer tax, and eligible first-time buyers may receive a refund of up to $4,000.

Is title insurance mandatory in Ontario? No. Title insurance is one way to assure title, but it isn't mandatory and it isn't the only option. Your lawyer must explain the reasonable options, including a lawyer's opinion on title, so you can choose.

What ID do I need for my closing? Bring current government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence or passport. Municipal ID cards aren't accepted. Every buyer, seller and borrower signing documents must be identified.

When do I get the keys? Usually on closing day, once the transfer is registered and the funds have been released under the escrow terms agreed between the lawyers.

Can the same lawyer act for the buyer and the seller? No. Under the Law Society's rules, one lawyer can't act for both the buyer and the seller in the same transfer.

Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Ontario real estate law and taxes as of October 10, 2026. Tax rates and refunds can change; check ontario.ca or ask us before you rely on a figure. This page is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Testimonials reflect individual clients' experiences and are not a guarantee of any result. 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 · (613) 226-1011