How long does it take to buy a house in Canada?

From starting your search to getting the keys, typically 3–6 months. The breakdown: getting pre-approved (1–7 days), house hunting (1–4 months depending on market), offer and negotiation (1–7 days), conditional period — inspection, financing, etc. (5–14 days), and closing period from firm offer to possession (30–90 days, typically 60 days). In hot markets, you may decide quickly and close in 30 days. In slower markets or with complex financing, the process can stretch to 6+ months.

Should I make a conditional or firm offer when buying a house in Canada?

A conditional offer includes conditions (most commonly: subject to financing, subject to home inspection, sometimes subject to sale of existing property). If conditions cannot be met within the agreed timeframe, you can walk away with your deposit returned. A firm offer has no conditions — it is legally binding immediately on acceptance. In competitive markets (bidding wars), sellers favor firm offers. However, waiving an inspection or financing condition carries real risk: you could be legally bound to buy a home with hidden defects you cannot finance. As a rule: never waive a financing condition unless you have confirmed mortgage approval in hand; only waive inspection on very new homes with builder warranty or properties you have had thoroughly reviewed.

What does a real estate lawyer do in the home buying process?

Your real estate lawyer (mandatory in Ontario, BC, and most provinces; some provinces use notaries) handles: title search (confirms seller owns the property and there are no liens beyond what's disclosed), reviewing your purchase agreement, coordinating mortgage documents with your lender, calculating your closing adjustments (property tax, utility, condo fee pro-rations), and disbursing funds on closing day through their trust account. Legal fees typically run $1,000–$2,500 for a standard purchase. Always use your own lawyer — do not use the seller's lawyer as it creates a conflict of interest.

What are the closing costs when buying a house in Canada?

Beyond the purchase price and down payment, budget for closing costs of 1.5–4% of the purchase price. Main components: land transfer tax (provincial + municipal in Toronto — see the LTT hub), legal fees and disbursements ($1,500–$3,000), title insurance ($200–$450), home inspection ($300–$600), property tax adjustment (reimburse seller for pre-paid taxes), mortgage default insurance premium (if down payment under 20%; usually rolled into mortgage), HST on new construction (rebates available for FTHB), and moving costs. First-time buyers in most provinces receive a land transfer tax rebate of up to $4,000.

The Home Buying Process in Canada: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Buying a home in Canada typically involves the largest financial decision of your life. The process has specific legal steps, timelines, and conditions that protect you — but only if you understand and use them.

Home buying timeline

Stage	Timeline	Key Actions
Pre-approval	Day 1–7	Get mortgage pre-approval; confirm max purchase price
House hunting	Weeks 1–16+	Work with buyer’s agent; view properties; research market
Making an offer	Day of interest	Set price, conditions, deposit, closing date
Conditional period	5–14 days	Home inspection, confirm financing, review strata/condo docs
Firm deal to closing	30–90 days	Lawyer reviews title; mortgage conditions finalized; insurance set up
Closing day	—	Lawyer releases funds; ownership transfers; you get keys

Home buying process articles

Pre-offer strategy

Making an offer

Due diligence & closing

Selling your home

Documents & process

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