Canada: Real Estate and Construction

La Cour d'appel du Québec confirme une indemnité de 15,7 M$ contre un donneur d'ouvrage pour manquement à son devoir de bonne foi, établissant qu'un donneur d'ouvrage ne peut créer des attentes légitimes quant au traitement d'une réclamation pour ensuite se réfugier derrière le formalisme contractuel. Cette décision clarifie les principes applicables aux réclamations pour perte de productivité et conditions de chantier imprévues, notamment en

The Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) has released the 2026 edition of CCDC 14 – Design-Build Stipulated Price Contract, marking the first update to the CCDC 14 since 2013. The revised contract introduces several notable changes, including new project completion requirements, expanded provisions addressing design responsibilities and intellectual property, and revisions to the allocation of contractual liability.

Recent amendments to Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act introduce significant procedural changes affecting landlords, from shortened notice periods for rent arrears to new obligations for renovation projects. How will these changes impact the timing and cost of obtaining vacant possession, and what practical steps should landlords take to ensure compliance with the updated requirements?

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.

If you have signed, or are about to sign, an agreement to buy a newly built home in Ontario, the HST you recover could be anything from nothing to $130,000. The difference usually comes down to a signing date, a price threshold, or whose name is on the purchase agreement, and not to whether you are buying your first home.

Buying a home with friends, a partner, or family in Ontario? Property co-ownership can help buyers pool their down payment and qualify for a mortgage.

Picture this: a pipe bursts, or a small fire breaks out in the back office, and you file a commercial property insurance claim expecting it to be straightforward. Instead, the cheque that arrives is thousands of dollars short of what you lost. Nine times out of ten, the reason is buried in a clause most policyholders never read closely, the co-insurance clause. By the time they find out about it, it’s too late to do anything but pay the difference themselves.