Real Estate Lawyer in Scarborough

Scarborough sits inside the City of Toronto, so a purchase triggers both the Ontario land transfer tax and Toronto’s municipal land transfer tax. On a $750,000 home, each tax comes to $11,475, or $22,950 in total before rebates. An eligible first-time buyer can recover up to $8,475, which brings the total to $14,475. Our land transfer tax Toronto guide shows how each bracket is calculated.

Many detached homes in Agincourt, Malvern, West Hill, and Birch Cliff were built in the 1950s to 1970s and have had a basement apartment added since. Listings often say the seller “does not warrant the retrofit status” of the unit. That wording shifts the risk to you. We review the agreement so you understand what you are accepting, and so that rental income your lender is counting on rests on a unit you are able to rent.

Homes near the Scarborough Bluffs, Highland Creek, and the Rouge Valley can fall inside areas regulated by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. That can limit additions, decks, pools, and tree removal. If you plan to renovate, tell us before the deal is firm so we can check for restrictions, easements, and open work orders during the title search.

Scarborough Town Centre and the Golden Mile along Eglinton Avenue East have a growing number of condo towers, both resale and pre-construction. For a resale unit, we review the status certificate for reserve fund shortfalls and special assessments. For a new build, we review the builder’s agreement during your 10-day cooling-off period and explain occupancy fees, closing adjustments, and assignment rights. See our pre-construction condo service.

The City of Toronto asks every residential owner to declare, once a year, whether the home was occupied, and that includes owners who live in it. An unpaid charge can attach to the property, so when you buy in Scarborough we confirm the seller’s declaration has been filed.