Find a Home in Ontario

Two land transfer taxes in Toronto

Ontario charges a provincial land transfer tax on every purchase, and purchases inside the City of Toronto also carry a municipal land transfer tax. First-time buyers may qualify for refunds against both.

Land transfer tax, Government of Ontario

Municipal Land Transfer Tax, City of Toronto

A lawyer handles the closing

In Ontario a real estate lawyer, not a title or escrow company, handles the closing. The closing date is negotiated in your agreement of purchase and sale.

Registered with RECO

Real estate professionals in Ontario are registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). You can look up any registrant on the RECO site.

Real Estate Council of Ontario

Read Ontario by metro

The Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa and the southwestern cities move at different speeds, so a provincial average hides more than it shows.

Climate and seasons

Ontario has four distinct seasons: warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Toronto stays milder beside Lake Ontario, while Ottawa and the north see deeper, longer-lasting snow, so plan inspections and moving dates with the season in mind.

Buying from another province or country

You can buy with a live video walkthrough, a professional home inspection and conditions written into your offer. Federal rules currently limit some residential purchases by buyers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, so ask your lawyer what applies to you.