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In Ontario, when you own land, you generally own not only the surface—the land you see and build on—but also what’s beneath it (subsurface rights) and sometimes what’s above it (air rights). However, these rights can be separated and dealt with independently. The division of land into surface and subsurface rights plays a significant role […]

On May 11, 2022, the City of Ottawa established a Vacant Unit Tax (By-law No. 2022-135), a measure aimed at addressing housing affordability and promoting the efficient use of residential properties. If you own residential property in Ottawa, this tax may affect you. Each year, property owners are required to submit an annual property declaration […]

When an individual passes away and leaves real estate in Ontario, the process of selling that property differs from a standard real estate transaction. If you have been appointed as an estate trustee (also known as executor or personal representative), it is essential to understand the probate requirements in order to fulfill your duties as […]

As of August 2025, Ottawa’s housing market continues to exhibit steadiness and resilience, with moderate price growth and an expanding supply that’s providing a balanced environment for buyers and sellers alike. Market Snapshot (July–August 2025) Prices Sales & Inventory Buyer & Seller Trends Inventory is rising both year-over-year and relative to the 5-year average, signaling […]

When life takes an unexpected turn, having the right legal documents in place is essential. A Power of Attorney (POA) for property is an essential document for real estate transactions, especially when selling a house. What Is a Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants another person, the […]

As platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo continue to gain popularity, many homeowners and investors are turning to short-term rentals (STRs) to generate extra income. But what was once an easy side hustle has now become a complex legal minefield. With an increasing number of municipalities cracking down on short-term rentals through zoning bylaws, licensing regimes, […]

The Ottawa real estate market has seen rapid growth over the past few years, and with it, a surge in assignment sales, especially in pre-construction condos and new build homes. Whether you’re an investor, a first-time homebuyer, or a seller looking to assign your purchase contract, it’s important to understand how assignment sales work in […]

With real estate prices in Ontario staying high in 2025, more buyers are looking for creative ways to enter the housing market. One increasingly popular approach is co-ownership—buying property with family members, friends, or investment partners. Whether it’s siblings purchasing a duplex together, parents co-signing on a mortgage for their child, or two friends splitting […]

When buying or selling a home in Ontario, most people focus on the big picture: purchase price, mortgage approval, and the closing date. But one important tool that’s often used to resolve last-minute issues, especially in new builds or properties with incomplete work, is the holdback clause. A holdback is a portion of the sale […]

When buying or selling a home in Ontario, disclosure plays a critical role in protecting both parties in a real estate transaction. In this blog post, we’ll break down what disclosure means, what is required under Ontario law, and common issues that can arise when disclosure is mishandled. What Is Disclosure in Real Estate? Disclosure […]