Canada: Real Estate and Construction

Le propriétaire d’un immeuble a apporté des centaines de modifications à la conception et il a ajouté pour plus de 2,7 millions $ de travaux supplémentaires, a refusé d’accorder des prolongations de délai, puis a tenté de réclamer à son entrepreneur des dommages-intérêts liquidés pour les retards qui en ont résulté.

For decades, thousands of Canadians have owned cottages on land leased from First Nations. Many have bought, sold, renovated, and passed these properties down through generations, often treating them much like any other cottage.

Construction projects rarely go exactly as planned. Design changes, delayed access, unexpected site conditions, changes in sequencing, acceleration and other project impacts can increase the cost of completing the work.

Until recently , a Notice of Security Interest (NOSI) could be registered on title to property in Ontario to give notice of a security interest in fixtures attached to land, such as HVAC equipment. The use of NOSIs expanded to include dubious long-term contracts for equipment ranging from water softeners to smart-home thermostats, creating obstacles for homeowners seeking to sell or refinance their properties.

Canada's new First-Time Home Buyers' GST Rebate offers substantial savings on qualifying new and substantially renovated homes, but navigating the strict purchase, construction, and closing deadlines is critical. Ontario real estate lawyer Jon Dippolito breaks down the key timelines and potential complications involving cancelled agreements and assignments that buyers need to understand.

Ontario's 2026 real estate market presents unique challenges for homeowners attempting to sell properties with minimal equity. Real estate lawyer Paria Rad explores the complexities of shortfall sales, examining the potential pitfalls of firm offers and emphasizing the critical importance of legal consultation before executing any Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

Purchasing a condominium in Ontario requires thorough examination of the status certificate, which reveals the corporation's financial health, legal matters, and governing rules.

Many Canadians dream of owning a vacation property in the United States, whether it is a condominium in Florida, a cottage in Vermont, or a ski chalet in Colorado, U.S. situs property represents both lifestyle and investment value.

Probate in British Columbia is the legal process that confirms a deceased person's will and authorizes the executor to administer the estate. While not every estate requires probate, it is often necessary when real estate or significant assets are involved.

A Vancouver family renting a three-bedroom condo faces ongoing disruptions from upstairs neighbors who converted their unit into a four-bedroom student residence, raising questions about tenant rights in strata communities. When the strata council deflects responsibility, what legal protections do tenants have to enforce bylaws and maintain peaceful enjoyment of their home?

For decades, thousands of Canadians have owned cottages on land leased from First Nations. Many have bought, sold, renovated, and passed these properties down through generations, often treating them much like any other cottage.

When a building owner issued hundreds of design changes worth over $2.7 million in extra work but refused to grant schedule extensions, could they still claim liquidated damages for delays? The BC Court of Appeal's decision in CIMIC Morningstar Investments Ltd. v. Chandos Construction Ltd. examines four critical principles that construction parties must understand when managing delay disputes, including notice compliance, promissory estoppel, and the prevention principle.