Your Trusted Real Estate Lawyer in BC for Smooth Property Transactions

A real estate lawyer reviews your purchase or sale agreement, conducts a title search to check for registered charges or encumbrances, coordinates with your lender to register the mortgage, prepares and manages all closing documents, calculates the statement of adjustments, and registers the title transfer at the BC Land Title Office. Beyond closings, as attorneys property disputes, title defects, and contract issues that arise before or after a transaction are also within what we handle.

Legal fees for a typical residential closing in BC generally range from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of the transaction. This covers the lawyer's fee plus disbursements — expenses like title search fees, Land Title registration fees, and courier costs. We provide a clear fee estimate upfront before you commit. For commercial transactions, fees vary based on the complexity of the deal.

Both can handle straightforward residential closings. The key difference: a lawyer is licensed to provide legal advice, represent you in a dispute, and handle complex transactions involving litigation, contested title, or legal claims. A notary is limited to document preparation and cannot advise on legal matters or appear in court. For a clean, uncomplicated closing, either may work. For anything with legal complexity, you want a lawyer.

Property Transfer Tax (PTT) is a provincial tax payable when you purchase property in BC. The general rate is 1% on the first $200,000, 2% on the portion between $200,000 and $2,000,000, and 3% on amounts above that. First time home buyers may qualify for a full or partial exemption on properties up to $835,000. New homes may also qualify for exemptions. We confirm your PTT position as part of every closing file.

Yes. Refinancing a mortgage requires discharging your existing mortgage and registering the new one — both of which require a lawyer in BC. Your new lender will typically require you to use a lawyer to complete the transaction. We handle refinancing files regularly and coordinate directly with your lender.

Generally, no. A lawyer cannot represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction because their interests are typically opposed. Both parties need independent legal advice. Attempting to use the same lawyer on both sides creates a conflict of interest and is not permitted under the Law Society of BC's professional rules.

A home sale lawyer manages the vendor side of a residential transaction — coordinating the payout of your existing mortgage, preparing the transfer documents, calculating the statement of adjustments for property taxes and strata fees, and ensuring funds are received on completion day. Sellers are often surprised by how much their lawyer handles on the day the sale closes.