Real estate law
Mayo Law supports buyers, sellers, investors, lenders, landlords, tenants, and business owners with residential and commercial real estate matters in Toronto and across the Greater Toronto Area. From purchase agreements and title review to mortgage refinancing, commercial leases, contract issues, and closing day, our team helps make sure the legal side of your transaction is handled clearly and properly.
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Yes. In Ontario, real estate transactions must be closed by a lawyer — the lawyer registers the transfer, confirms title, coordinates with the lender for the mortgage, and ensures the trust funds move correctly between buyer, seller, and any lenders. Self-representation is not practical given the title registry, trust account, and statutory disclosure requirements. The lawyer’s involvement begins as soon as the agreement of purchase and sale is signed.
Your real estate lawyer reviews the agreement of purchase and sale, conducts the title search, orders title insurance, reviews mortgage documents from your lender, drafts and registers the transfer, coordinates the exchange of trust funds on closing day, and provides you with the final reporting letter and statement of adjustments. They are also the first point of contact for issues that surface during the closing — anything from title defects to undisclosed liens to surveys that don’t match the property description.
Real estate legal fees in Toronto vary based on the transaction type, property value, complexity, and whether you have a mortgage. Residential purchases typically range from $1,200 to $2,500 in legal fees, plus disbursements (title search, title insurance, registration fees, software fees, courier fees) which usually add another $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the transaction. Refinances are typically less; commercial transactions are typically more. We provide a clear written fee quote at the start of every file.
As early as possible — ideally before you sign the agreement of purchase and sale. Your lawyer can flag unusual clauses, advise on conditions and contingencies, and confirm that the agreement protects your interests. Even if the agreement is already signed, engage the lawyer well in advance of closing — at least 2 to 4 weeks — so there is time for the title search, mortgage documentation, and any issues that need to be resolved before the closing date.
Yes. We handle residential and commercial real estate matters across the Greater Toronto Area — including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, East York, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, and surrounding Ontario communities. Closings happen electronically through Teraview and the LSO-mandated trust account systems, so the geographic location of the property does not require a local office.
Title insurance is a one-time premium that protects you against losses arising from title defects, fraud, encroachments, survey issues, and certain liens that may not be discovered during the standard title search. In Ontario, most lenders require it for any property with a mortgage, and it is standard practice on virtually all residential closings even where not required by the lender. Premiums for residential properties are typically a few hundred dollars and cover both the owner and the lender.
Commercial real estate transactions are typically larger, involve more extensive due diligence (environmental, zoning, lease assignment, tenant matters, financial reporting), require more complex contractual structures, and frequently involve corporate ownership rather than individual title. Residential transactions follow a more standardized process under the Ontario Real Estate Association forms with shorter due diligence and faster timelines. Our practice handles both, including hybrid cases like multi-unit residential investments and mixed-use properties.
Failed closings are complex and time-sensitive. Possible remedies include forfeiture or recovery of the deposit, specific performance (forcing the closing through court), damages for the difference in market value, or termination of the agreement and release of obligations. The right remedy depends on which party defaulted, the terms of the agreement, the deposit amount, and how much time has passed. If you are facing a failed or troubled closing, contact us immediately — deadlines and statutory notice periods can run quickly.
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