What a real estate lawyer does when you buy a home in London
In Ontario, every home purchase closes through a lawyer. I register the transfer and your mortgage on closing day, but most of the work that protects you happens in the weeks before. Here is what I do for buyers in London and the surrounding area, and when to call me.
As soon as your offer is accepted
Send me the agreement of purchase and sale as soon as your offer is accepted, or before you sign it if it has unusual terms, such as a long closing, a seller take-back mortgage or an assignment. I review the conditions and their deadlines, the closing date, what is included in the price, and any HST or rental equipment clauses. See each step from offer to keys.
Title and searches
I search title to confirm that the seller owns the property and can sell it, and that any mortgages, liens and other registrations will be dealt with on closing. I also check for executions against the seller, realty tax arrears and, where they matter, work orders, permits and zoning. If there is a problem, I raise it with the seller’s lawyer before the deadline in your agreement.
Your mortgage
In most residential purchases I also act for your lender. I review the mortgage instructions, satisfy the lender’s conditions and make sure the mortgage funds arrive in time to close.
Condominiums
If you are buying a resale condo, I review the status certificate for the reserve fund, special assessments, lawsuits and the rules. What the status certificate tells you.
Land transfer tax and first-time buyer refunds
I calculate and pay your land transfer tax when I register the transfer, and claim the first-time buyer refund for you if you qualify. London has no municipal land transfer tax. Use my land transfer tax calculator, and if this is your first home, read my page for first-time home buyers.
Title insurance
I arrange title insurance for you, which protects against many title and survey problems, including title fraud.
Closing day
Your funds and the mortgage advance come into my trust account. I pay the seller’s lawyer, register the transfer and your mortgage, and the keys are released. Afterwards, I send you a reporting letter with your registered transfer and title insurance policy.
One warning: before you send any money, call my office to confirm the account details. I will never change my trust account details by email.
Buying in London or the surrounding area? Get a quote or call (226) 402-0823.
This post was rewritten in September 2026. It is general information about Ontario real estate law, not legal advice about your transaction.