Short answer: In London you’ll pay Ontario land transfer tax (LTT) on most purchases (no extra Toronto municipal LTT), plus standard closing costs (legal, registrations, title-insurance premium). Ontario closings run through mandatory electronic land registration (Teraview), and required law statements must be signed by an Ontario lawyer in good standing — that’s why a real estate lawyer handles the transfer and mortgage registration.
What we handle for buyers & sellers
- Purchase/Sale/Refinance closings: title search, drafting/receiving undertakings, coordinating funds, registrations, keys.
- Title insurance: not legally required, but often recommended to reduce risk (title defects, certain fraud, survey issues).
- Taxes & refunds: we calculate LTT and apply any first-time buyer refund at closing; we’ll flag if NRST (25%) applies.
- No municipal LTT in London (Toronto only).
- City tax certificate fee (for status checks) is currently $62.
- Intake & ID verification (per Law Society standards).
- Title search & requisitions; confirm taxes/utilities and condo status, if applicable.
- Funds & insurance: arrange mortgage instructions; confirm title-insurance choice.
- Electronic registration: sign completion docs; we register transfer/mortgage in Teraview.
- Keys & reporting: release keys; deliver final reports and registrations.
- After-close: ensure utilities/taxes are adjusted and discharges are registered, if needed.
Fees & transparency
We quote an all-inclusive legal fee for standard deals, excluding government charges (e.g., LTT and registration fees) and any optional title-insurance premium — a format aligned with Ontario advertising rules. Ask us for today’s quote.
Talk to a real estate lawyer today — Refcio & Associates serves London and Southwestern Ontario with purchase, sale, and refinance closings.