Real Estate

Toronto Real Estate Lawyers

Buying or selling property is one of the largest transactions many people will complete. The process can involve financing, title records, contractual obligations, tenants, property boundaries and the condition or permitted use of the land.

The Toronto real estate lawyers at Devry Smith Frank LLP (“DSF”) assist clients with the legal work connected with buying, selling, financing and refinancing property. Our lawyers review the transaction, prepare the required documents and address legal matters that may affect the property or transfer of ownership.

Real Estate Law Services

Real estate matters vary depending on the property and the nature of the transaction. DSF provides legal representation and advice involving:

• Residential property
• Recreational property
• Rural property
• Investment property
• Mortgage financing and refinancing
• Applications for variance
• Encroachment agreements
• Land Titles applications
• Plans of subdivision
• Sale and purchase contracts

Our Toronto real estate lawyers review the documents and legal requirements connected with each matter and advise clients throughout the transaction.

Buying and Selling Property in Toronto

A purchase or sale involves more than signing a contract. The parties must meet the terms of the agreement, address title matters and complete the required registrations before ownership can be transferred.

DSF assists buyers and sellers by reviewing sale and purchase contracts, preparing legal documents and addressing issues that may affect the transaction.

The legal considerations may differ when a property is used for recreation, located in a rural area, occupied by tenants or held as an investment. Our lawyers review the circumstances of the property and provide advice on the legal requirements connected with the transaction.

Sale and Purchase Contracts

A sale and purchase contract sets out the rights and obligations of the buyer and seller. It identifies the property, purchase price, deposit, closing date and any conditions that must be met before closing.

DSF’s Toronto real estate lawyers review sale and purchase contracts and advise clients on terms that may affect the transaction.

Legal review can help identify issues concerning financing, title, included or excluded items, tenants, closing requirements and the use of the property.

Mortgage Financing and Refinancing

Financing forms a central part of many real estate transactions. DSF acts for borrowers and lenders in matters involving:

• Private financing
• Institutional mortgages
• Mortgage refinancing
• Debentures
• Small business loans secured against property
• Other secured financing arrangements

Our lawyers review the financing documents, work with the parties involved and complete the registrations required for the transaction.

DSF has experience working with institutional lenders in connection with mortgages, debentures, small business loans and other forms of secured financing.

Applications for Variance

A property owner may require a variance when a proposed use or development does not fully comply with existing zoning requirements.

DSF assists clients with the legal work connected with applications for variance. The documents and approvals required will depend on the property and the proposed change.

Encroachment Agreements

An encroachment may arise when a structure, fence, driveway or other improvement extends onto neighbouring land or a shared area.

DSF assists with the preparation and review of encroachment agreements. These agreements can set out the rights and responsibilities of the property owners and address the continued use or maintenance of the affected area.

Land Titles Applications

Land Titles applications may be required to correct, update or register information affecting ownership or title.

Our Toronto real estate lawyers assist with Land Titles applications and related registration documents. We review the title records and prepare the materials required for the application.

Plans of Subdivision

Plans of subdivision divide land into separate lots or blocks for registration.

DSF assists clients with the legal documents connected with plans of subdivision and related land registration requirements. The work involved will depend on the property, the proposed plan and the applicable approvals.

Title Insurance

Title insurance may protect buyers and lenders from certain title-related risks, subject to the terms of the policy. These risks can include defects in title, registration issues and other covered matters affecting ownership.

DSF can assist clients with obtaining a title insurance policy and reviewing the coverage connected with the transaction.

Why Hire a DSF Toronto Real Estate Lawyer?

DSF has decades of experience assisting clients with property transactions, financing arrangements and land-related matters.

Our Toronto real estate lawyers review the legal documents, identify matters requiring attention and prepare the registrations needed to complete the transaction.

Clients work directly with the lawyer and support staff assigned to their matter. This allows our team to respond to questions, provide updates and address issues as they arise.

Responsive Client Service

At DSF, dealing directly with a lawyer is your right. The lawyer and support staff assigned to your matter will respond to your questions and keep you informed throughout the process.

This personal approach allows our team to assess the legal requirements of the transaction and provide practical advice at each stage.

Contact Our Toronto Real Estate Lawyers

For information or assistance from a Toronto real estate lawyer, contact one of the DSF lawyers listed on this page.

DSF has offices in Toronto, Whitby, Barrie and other communities. Call 416-449-1400 or visit our locations page to find the office nearest you.