24 November 2025
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost in Toronto? A Clear Guide for Buyers and Sellers
Quick Answer
At our office at 23 Westmore Dr. Unit #218A in Toronto, the real estate lawyer cost you pay depends on whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing and how complex the file is. Most clients can budget a flat legal fee plus disbursements and title insurance, quoted upfront so there are no surprises.
Closing on a home is exciting—and packed with details. If you’re pricing a Toronto closing, you’ve likely searched for “real estate lawyer cost” and seen different numbers. This guide explains what you’re paying for, typical Toronto ranges (in CAD), how to reduce avoidable add-ons, and how our team at Vikram Sharma Law Professional Corporation keeps it simple with transparent estimates from our location at 23 Westmore Dr. Unit #218A.
For a deeper look at our approach to purchases, sales, and refinances, visit our real estate law services page. If your deal intersects with estate planning or family matters, you may also want to review our wills and estates guidance and family law support.
Real estate lawyer cost in Toronto: typical ranges (CAD)
Every file deserves a tailored quote, but these ranges reflect common residential matters in the GTA. HST applies to legal fees. Title insurance and disbursements are typically separate unless the quote says “all-in.”
| Service | What’s Included (typical) | Usual Legal Fee Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase (standard residential) | Agreement review, lender coordination, title search, registration, trust accounting, final report | ~$1,300–$2,000 + HST |
| Sale (standard residential) | Discharge coordination, payouts, document prep, registration, trust accounting, report | ~$950–$1,600 + HST |
| Refinance / Switch | New mortgage registration, payout, title search, sub-searches, reporting | ~$850–$1,400 + HST |
| Assignment (new build) | Assignment review, builder correspondence, HST/new housing rebate issues, title prep | Quoted after document review |
| Title transfer only | Transfer deed prep/registration, sub-searches, potential title insurance | Quoted case-by-case |
Notes: Title insurance premiums depend on property value and insurer. Land transfer tax is separate from legal costs and applies to purchases, not sales. Toronto buyers also pay the Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT). First-time buyer rebates may reduce the total LTT/MLTT payable.
What actually drives your cost?
While every file is unique, the components below explain most pricing differences across Toronto and the broader GTA.
1) Fee structure: flat vs. hourly
For standard residential closings, most firms quote flat fees. Hourly billing can apply when issues arise—think title defects, private financing, complex assignments, or unusual undertakings. Clarify whether your quote is a true flat fee and what counts as “out of scope.” Some firms provide a flat fee for a defined package, then a modest hourly rate for clearly listed add-ons if needed.
2) Disbursements and third-party costs
Disbursements are pass-through charges paid to third parties to complete your deal safely and on time. Typical items include:
- Title and execution searches
- Title insurance premium (varies by purchase price and insurer)
- Courier, wire, and bank draft fees
- Electronic registration charges and software fees
- Law Society transaction levy (in certain circumstances)
| Disbursement | What It Covers | Typical Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Title search + sub-searches | Confirm ownership, liens, easements, executions | $100–$250 |
| Title insurance | One-time premium to protect against covered title risks | $300–$900+ |
| Wire/courier/bank draft | Transferring funds and original documents | $25–$150 |
| Registration/system fees | Electronic registration and software costs | $80–$150 |
Numbers vary by provider, file complexity, and timing. On an all-in quote, your estimate should list which disbursements are included and which are billed at actuals.
3) Property and lender complexity
Complexity drives time. Condos with major status certificate findings, rural properties with wells/septic, multi-unit homes, or deals with private/alternative lenders often need additional diligence. Extra conditions like title holdbacks, construction liens, encroachments, or tenancy issues can affect both risk and timeline.
4) Timeline and logistics
Rush closings, split signings, after-hours appointments, and bridge financing add moving parts. These can incur extra fees due to scheduling pressure and coordination across banks, opposite counsel, and realtors.
What’s included in a strong closing package
Beyond the number on the invoice, quality and process matter. A client-first closing typically includes:
Upfront document review and guidance
Agreement of Purchase and Sale review, condo status certificate review (if applicable), identification of red flags, and a clear explanation of obligations and timelines. We translate the legalese into plain English and flag anything that could change costs or timing.
Title search and due diligence
We search for liens, executions, easements, and encroachments; confirm tax and utility standing; and cure defects with undertakings or title insurance where appropriate. This is where a seasoned real estate lawyer Toronto clients trust can save time and headache.
Coordination with lenders and opposite counsel
We manage undertakings, mortgage instructions, payout statements, and closing documents; coordinate bridge loans, key release, and move-in arrangements where possible; and keep you informed at each milestone.
Registration and reporting
Electronic registration, trust transfers, and final reporting packages that include your registered deed/transfer and mortgage. You’ll receive a clear record of what was done, why, and when.
Ways to lower your real estate lawyer cost without cutting corners
- Ask for a clear, written, all-in quote (legal fee + disbursements + HST) before you retain.
- Share your Agreement, status certificate, ID, and lender details early to minimize rush work.
- Plan for mid-month closings when banks and movers are less congested, if all parties agree.
- Use e-signing and virtual meetings to reduce courier and travel costs.
- Bundle services if you’re buying and selling the same week to streamline coordination.
- Consolidate related needs—notary public Toronto services, affidavits, powers of attorney, or independent legal advice Toronto—through one team to keep momentum.
Local Tips
- Tip 1: We’re near Highway 27 and Finch Ave W at 23 Westmore Dr. Unit #218A—plan an extra 10 minutes for evening rush-hour traffic.
- Tip 2: Month-end and summer Fridays are peak times across banks and movers; aim for mid-month closings to reduce stress and rush fees.
- Tip 3: Bring valid government ID for signing. If you need affidavits or certified true copies, our team can handle them on the spot so nothing stalls your file. See our full list of services.
Hidden costs to watch for (so you can budget accurately)
- Land Transfer Tax (LTT): Applies on purchases. Toronto also levies a Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT). First-time buyer rebates may apply.
- Title insurance premium: One-time cost that protects against covered title risks; pricing depends on property value and insurer.
- Mortgage discharge/assignment fees: Lender charges to discharge old mortgages or register new ones.
- Wire and courier charges: Banks may charge for wires; certain files require couriers for original documents.
- Condo status certificate: Ordered from the condominium corporation; the corporation sets the fee.
- Rush or after-hours signing: If timing is tight, expect potential surcharges.
Closing timeline: what happens, and when?
Here’s a simplified view. Every file is different, but this sequence is common for standard purchases.
| Stage | What We Do | Your Role | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intake & Retainer | Open file, conflict checks, KYC, review Agreement | Provide ID, Agreement, contact info | Immediately after offer |
| Status/Document Review | Review status certificate (condo), conditions, deadlines | Share lender details and conditions | Within 2–5 business days |
| Title Search | Full title and execution searches, requisitions | Respond to questions promptly | 10–15 business days before closing |
| Mortgage & Funds | Coordinate with lender, calculate statement of adjustments | Send down payment and sign mortgage documents | 3–5 business days before closing |
| Closing Day | Register transfer/mortgage, transfer funds, release keys | Stay reachable; pick up keys per instructions | Closing date |
| Post-Closing | Finalize reports, deliver registered documents | Review final package for your records | 1–2 weeks after closing |
Mini case examples
First-time buyer in Etobicoke: A condo purchase with lender financing and a clean status certificate closed on time within an all-in range. Title insurance was cost-effective compared to potential risks; the client used the first-time buyer land transfer tax rebate.
Sale with private mortgage discharge: Discharging a private lender required extra coordination with payout statements and a bridge loan on the purchase side. The fee reflected the additional work but avoided a costly delay.
Title transfer for estate planning: A title transfer and updated will were handled together to minimize repeat KYC and courier costs. If you’re planning a power of attorney Toronto or will update around a move, consolidating with closing tasks can reduce friction—see our wills and estates page.
Questions to ask before you retain a lawyer
- Is your quote flat or hourly? What’s explicitly included?
- Which disbursements are fixed vs. billed at actuals?
- How do you handle rush closings or date changes?
- Who will be my day-to-day contact and how quickly do you respond?
- Do you offer virtual signing and e-transfer of funds?
- Can you also assist with notary, affidavits, ILA, or business matters if needed?
Get a precise quote in minutes
Send us your Agreement, tentative closing date, and lender details. We’ll reply with a clear, all-in estimate in CAD (legal fee, disbursements, HST) and a checklist of what we need to move fast—often the same business day. Explore more on our services hub or go straight to our real estate law page.
When you may need specialized help
Not all closings are equal. You may benefit from a mortgage closing lawyer Toronto teams rely on for private financing, or a title transfer lawyer Toronto families trust for estate or separation-driven transfers. If a family law agreement or corporate structure affects your transaction, our team coordinates with our family law and business law colleagues to keep your file aligned and efficient.
Avoidable mistakes that create fees
- Delaying mortgage paperwork—lenders need time to issue instructions.
- Leaving status certificate review to the last minute on a condo purchase.
- Scheduling your move on a month-end Friday in July or August.
- Changes to title (adding/removing owners) after documents are drafted.
- Not disclosing existing tenancies, encroachments, or renovations without permits.
Key Takeaways
- Real estate lawyer cost depends on file complexity, disbursements, and timelines—ask for a written all-in quote in CAD.
- Budget for title insurance and, on purchases, both provincial LTT and Toronto MLTT.
- Share documents early and avoid month-end closings to curb rush fees and stress.
- Use one team for related needs (notary, ILA, POA) to save time and reduce risk.
Next step: Request your tailored quote or book a meeting at 23 Westmore Dr. Unit #218A, Toronto, ON M9V 3Y7. We’re ready to help you close with confidence.
