Introduction – Real Estate Lawyer Cost
When buying, selling, or refinancing a home in Ontario, you’ll almost certainly need a real estate lawyer. But one of the first questions people ask is: How much does a real estate lawyer cost?
The answer isn’t always clear-cut. Legal fees can vary significantly from one provider to the next—and the numbers you see upfront may not always reflect what you pay at the end of the transaction.
This article breaks down what you should expect when hiring a real estate lawyer in Ontario, what fees are reasonable, and what to watch out for.
▶️ Watch our explainer Video: Understanding Real Estate Lawyer Costs in Ontario
Understanding the Legal Fee Landscape
Real estate legal fees in Ontario are typically quoted as flat fees for each type of transaction:
- Purchase
- Sale
- Mortgage Refinance
These are standard services with repeatable steps, so most lawyers offer packaged pricing rather than hourly billing.
However, not all flat fees are created equal. Some providers offer attractively low “headline rates” but layer on significant disbursements and extra charges as the deal progresses.
A transparent quote should tell you:
- The legal fee itself (lawyer’s time and expertise)
- Whether basic disbursements are included or capped
- What is explicitly not included (e.g., title insurance, land transfer tax)
What You Might Pay in Ontario
As of today, legal fees (the lawyer charge before disbursements) across the province vary based on region, service model, and provider reputation. Here’s what clients can typically expect from full-service provider:
| Transaction Type | Common Legal Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Home Purchase | $975 – $1,600 + HST |
| Home Sale | $875 – $1,500 + HST |
| Mortgage Refinance | $875 – $1,400 + HST |
Keepmont Legal Services offers a consistent and transparent fee structure:
- Home Purchase: $975 + regular disbursements & HST
- Home Sale: $875 + regular disbursements & HST
- Refinance: $875 + regular disbursements & HST
These fees include all legal services required for most transactions. There are no hidden line items or unexpected add-ons. What you see is what you pay—apart from government-mandated expenses like title insurance and land transfer tax, which are handled separately.
Hidden Fees: What to Watch For
Some real estate providers may advertise base rates that seem competitive—only for clients to discover after closing that the final bill is much higher. Common add-ons can include:
- Law Society transaction levies
- Teranet or registration access fees
- Photocopying or courier charges
- File opening/closing fees
- “Rush” fees for urgent closings
- “Lawyer review” add-ons for standard builder agreements
- Technology or ‘closing platform’ fees
These charges can add hundreds of dollars to what initially appeared to be a low legal fee. Always ask for a complete quote, not just the lawyer’s base rate.
Also be cautious of disbursements presented without context—some offices use this category to shift basic costs into a separate billing section, making the legal fee appear artificially low.
Beyond the Numbers: Service and Experience
While cost is important, legal fees are only part of the equation. A slightly lower fee may not be worth the trade-off if the service is slow, disorganized, or uncommunicative.
Here are other factors to consider:
- Responsiveness: Will someone answer your questions promptly?
- Clarity: Are you being guided through the process with clear explanations?
- Technology: Can you complete steps online, or are you faxing documents?
- Reliability: Do they close on time and flag issues early?
At Keepmont, we believe value comes from more than a number. We offer:
- Easy online intake and document uploads
- Virtual signing options where permitted
- Clear communication at every stage
- No-nonsense fee structure with no surprises
We keep things simple, professional, and focused—so clients can close with confidence.
What’s Not Included – But Shouldn’t Be a Surprise
There are certain costs that no Ontario legal provider can control—and which are not included in most flat-fee structures:
- Title Insurance
This is usually mandatory for purchases and refinance transactions. Your lawyer arranges it on your behalf, but the cost is separate from legal fees. It protects both the lender and buyer against certain property risks. - Land Transfer Tax
If you’re buying, the Province of Ontario charges land transfer tax, and in Toronto, a municipal tax applies as well. These taxes are paid directly on registration and vary based on purchase price.
While these costs are not legal fees, they often appear on the closing ledger handled by your lawyer—so clients sometimes confuse them with the legal bill. A good legal team will break everything down clearly so you know what each charge represents.
When Should You Pay?
Most legal fees are paid on closing day, not in advance. Your lawyer will typically provide a final statement of adjustments that summarizes:
- Purchase/sale price
- Deposits received
- Mortgage funds received (if applicable)
- Legal fees and disbursements
- Title insurance and land transfer tax (if applicable)
- Any outstanding balances
This statement will show the exact amount required to close, and legal fees are included in that total. You generally do not need to pay separately ahead of time unless it’s a specialty service or an unusual transaction.
Final Thoughts on Real Estate Lawyer Cost
Legal fees for real estate transactions in Ontario are not a mystery—but they can be made to feel that way if your provider isn’t transparent. Knowing what’s included, what’s excluded, and what’s fair can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
At Keepmont Legal Services, our approach is simple:
Straightforward pricing. No surprises. Professional, efficient closings.
If you’re looking for real estate legal services that combine experience, clarity, and cost certainty—we’re here when you’re ready.