Real Estate Lawyer for Home Purchases in Ontario
Flat-fee legal services for Ontario home buyers, transparent pricing, personal attention, and no surprises from offer to keys
Flat legal fee of $1,875 + HST, no hidden office charges
Personal file review by Diane Ulman on every transaction
Virtual and in-person closings available across Ontario
Clear written quote provided after every consultation
What Your Real Estate Lawyer Actually Does
Most people assume a real estate lawyer just steps in at the end to process the paperwork. That is not how we approach it.
By the time a deal reaches a lawyer, the biggest risks have often already been created. In the offer, in the financing, or in the timing. Our role is not just to close the deal. It is to identify issues early, explain them clearly, and make sure you reach closing day with confidence.
When you work with Dwell Law your file is reviewed personally by Diane Ulman from start to finish. Not passed to a clerk, not processed by a platform. Your transaction gets the attention it deserves.
What Is Included in Every Purchase
Every residential purchase at Dwell Law includes:
Review of your Agreement of Purchase and Sale
Title search and due diligence on the property
Review of mortgage and lender documents
Registration of title in your name
Coordination with your lender, real estate agent, and the seller's lawyer
Remote signing and virtual appointments available
Clear, ongoing communication throughout your file
Our Pricing
You may have seen law firms advertising $899 or $999 closings. What those prices rarely include are disbursements, the actual out-of-pocket costs that every real estate transaction requires, regardless of which lawyer you use. At Dwell Law, our legal fee is transparent and all-in, with no hidden office charges. We do not bill extra for conveyancing fees, courier fees, printing, or administrative tasks.
Our flat legal fee for a standard residential purchase is $1,875 + HST, which includes legal work for one mortgage or HELOC.
Additional legal work may be required if your file involves a private mortgage, bridge financing, or a closing within two weeks. We are happy to provide a tailored quote based on your specific needs.
What you pay Dwell Law: $1,875 + HST. All-in, no surprises.
What every Ontario home purchase requires regardless of your lawyer:
These are government-mandated and third-party costs that are the same no matter which lawyer you use. They are not Dwell Law charges. They are paid to the government, your title insurer, and service providers on your behalf:
Land Transfer Tax, based on purchase price
Government registration fees, approximately $85 to $170
Title insurance, approximately $600 to $1,500 based on property value
Ministry search fees, approximately $75 to $150
Electronic ID verification, $27.50 + HST per purchaser (this reflects our current provider rate; fees vary by law firm)
After your free consultation you will receive a clear, itemised quote by email so you know exactly what your closing will cost before you commit. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Who We Work With
First-time buyers who want clarity before making a major financial decision
Move-up buyers managing tight timelines and coordinating multiple transactions
Real estate investors who want efficiency without cutting corners
Condo buyers requiring status certificate review
New build purchasers navigating builder agreements and closing adjustments
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure where to start? Diane is available for a free 15-minute consultation before you make an offer. There is no obligation and no pressure. Just clear answers before you commit.
When do I need to hire a real estate lawyer in Ontario?
As soon as your offer is accepted. This gives your legal team enough time to review your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, conduct title searches, and prepare all closing documents before your closing date.
What does a real estate lawyer do on closing day?
On closing day your lawyer receives the funds from your lender, pays the seller's lawyer, registers the transfer of title in your name, and ensures all conditions of the transaction are satisfied. We handle everything and contact you once your keys are ready.
Do I need a lawyer if I am buying a condo? Yes, and condo purchases have an additional step. Your lawyer will review the condo corporation's financial statements, reserve fund, rules, and any outstanding issues before your purchase is finalised.
Should I speak with a lawyer before making an offer on a condo or new build?
Yes, and we strongly encourage it. For condos and condo townhouses, understanding the status certificate review process before you are locked in helps you make a more informed offer. For new builds, builder agreements are not standard OREA forms. They are written by the builder's lawyers and heavily favour the builder. Having Diane review your agreement before you sign can identify issues that are nearly impossible to address after the fact. Book a free 15-minute consultation before you sign anything.
Can I sign my closing documents remotely? Yes. Dwell Law offers virtual appointments and remote signing so you can complete your purchase from anywhere in Ontario.
How much is land transfer tax in Ontario? Land transfer tax is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price. First-time home buyers are eligible for a rebate of up to $4,000. Book a consultation and we will walk you through exactly what applies to your purchase.
WHAT OUR CLIENT’S SAY
“Recently purchased our new home with support from the team at Dwell Law. They clearly explained the process and met with us when it worked in our schedules. Diane highlighted the nuances of our specific needs and reviewed all the documents in language we could understand. They communicated quickly and professionally to get us to the finish line. Would highly recommend their services!”
Ready to move forward? Book your free 15-minute consultation and receive a clear written quote by email.