Kawarthas and Ontario Real Estate

Legal fees for residential real estate transactions in Ontario can vary. The final cost depends on the complexity of your transaction. We provide a quote upfront to reduce the likelihood of surprises. However, the quote is subject to change depending upon the nuances and complexities of the particular transaction. Disbursements (third-party costs like title searches and registration fees) are additional and vary by property.

Contact a real estate lawyer as soon as your offer is accepted. Early involvement allows us to review your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, identify any concerns, conduct title searches, and ensure all conditions are satisfied on time. We need the Agreement as soon as it becomes firm and binding (ie. all conditions are waived). Never wait until a week before closing—that creates unnecessary stress and limits our ability to address issues. Give us a call at (705)749-0628 to get started.

Bussey Ainsworth has been serving Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and Ontario for nearly 4 decades. We have particular strength in cottage and recreational property in the Kawarthas, Haliburton, and Muskoka—understanding the unique challenges of waterfront access, private roads, and seasonal properties. Whether you're buying your first home in Peterborough, closing on a cottage on Stoney Lake, or purchasing property anywhere in Ontario, we provide personalized attention and clear communication throughout the process. Our clients consistently praise our responsiveness and ability to explain complex legal matters in plain language. Give us a call at (705)749-0628 to begin the conversation.

On the closing date of a Purchase, we receive funds from your Mortgage Company, deposit the funds to the Solicitor for the Seller, complete the legal transfer of property ownership, pay the Registration costs (including Land Transfer Tax). Everything is done electronically. On a Sale, after closing you are provided with Certified Funds for your net proceeds. After closing on a purchase, you will receive your keys either by picking up the same from our Office, or by using the lock box code provided by the Real Estate Agents.

Land transfer tax is a provincial tax you pay when purchasing property in Ontario, calculated on a sliding scale based on the purchase price. For a $500,000 home, the tax is approximately $6,475. First-time homebuyers may qualify for a refund of up to $4,000. We calculate your exact amount and include it as part of your closing costs that you will provide by a Bank Draft prior to closing.

Absolutely. Cottage transactions involve unique considerations like waterfront access rights, private road maintenance agreements, seasonal occupancy restrictions, shoreline regulations, and septic system compliance. We've helped many clients navigate cottage purchases in the Kawarthas, Haliburton, and Muskoka regions and understand the specific legal issues that arise with recreational properties.

A title search reviews public land records to verify ownership and identify liens or claims. Title insurance protects you against title defects that may not appear in public records—such as survey errors, fraud, or unregistered rights of way. Most lenders require it, and we strongly recommend it for all buyers. The cost varies based on the Purchase Price and Mortgage details. We can provide you with the exact amount of the One-Time Premium prior to closing.

Bring your government-issued photo ID, down payment funds (for a purchase transaction), keys (for a sale transaction) and any other information requested prior to closing.

Most residential transactions take 30 to 90 days from accepted offer to closing. The timeline is set in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Simpler transactions can close in two to three weeks, while complex deals may take several months. We'll provide you with a timeline of key dates and keep you informed throughout.