What Home Buyers Should Expect on Closing Day in Ontario
Closing day is the final step in your home buying journey—and one of the most anticipated. It’s the moment when ownership officially transfers, funds are released, and you get the keys to your new property.
But for many buyers, closing day also comes with confusion, miscommunication, and unrealistic expectations—especially if this is their first home.
Here’s what to expect on closing day in Ontario, how the process actually works, and what you can do to make your move-in as smooth as possible.
▶️ Watch our explainer Video: Mastering Your Closing Day A New Homebuyer’s Guide
1. When Does Closing Happen?
In Ontario, closing typically happens mid to late afternoon—not first thing in the morning. This is a point many buyers overlook.
Why the delay? It takes time for:
- Your lender to release mortgage funds
- Your lawyer to receive and verify those funds
- The seller’s lawyer to confirm receipt
- Title registration to be completed through the provincial system
Only once all of that is done can your lawyer officially “release the keys.”
While every transaction is unique, expect key release to happen between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Earlier closings are sometimes possible, but they depend on flawless timing by everyone involved—including the lender.
2. Do Not Book Your Movers for the Morning
This is one of the most important pieces of closing day advice we give home buyers:
Do not have your moving truck show up at 9:30 a.m. expecting access.
If you arrive at the new home early, you may find:
- The sellers still packing
- Locks unchanged
- Utilities not yet transferred
- Or worst of all, no legal right to enter
You only get legal possession of the home once title has transferred and the seller has been paid. That moment is communicated directly from your lawyer—not from your realtor, not from the moving company, and not from the previous owners.
Best practice: Schedule your movers for late afternoon or even the following day. If you must move the same day, aim for a 4:00 p.m. window or have a flexible crew standing by.
3. When and How Do I Get the Keys?
In most Ontario transactions, key delivery is handled in one of three ways:
- Key is left in a lockbox at the property – Your realtor will give you the code once your lawyer confirms registration.
- Key is picked up at the seller’s realtor’s office – Often the default in urban areas.
- Key is picked up from your lawyer – Less common, but sometimes necessary for rural or private sales.
Your lawyer will confirm the key release method once the transaction is complete. Until then, the keys remain with the seller’s representative.
Important: Never attempt to enter the home or collect the keys before your lawyer has confirmed closing—even if the house appears empty. Doing so could technically be considered trespassing.
4. What Condition Should the Home Be In?
Unless your agreement states otherwise, the seller must deliver the home in a clean and broom-swept condition, with all chattels and fixtures included in the agreement still in place.
This usually means:
- No garbage or debris left behind
- Appliances left in working order
- No holes in walls or major damage
- Lawns not trashed or dug up
- Garage, sheds, and storage areas cleared out
However, “clean” is a subjective term. The legal standard is not “professionally cleaned”—just empty and broom-swept. If the home is dirty but otherwise intact, you may be frustrated, but you likely have no legal recourse.
Tip: Bring basic cleaning supplies with you on move-in day, just in case.
5. What If Something Goes Wrong?
Most closings go smoothly—but issues can arise. Common complications include:
- Late mortgage funding from your lender
- Seller delays in moving out
- Damage discovered during final walkthrough
- Missing appliances or items that were included in the agreement
If something goes wrong, your lawyer will try to resolve it with the seller’s lawyer—sometimes by holding back funds or issuing undertakings to correct the issue after closing.
That said, once closing is complete and keys are released, the deal is done. Minor concerns or disappointments may not justify re-opening the transaction, especially if not clearly documented.
6. Utility Transfers and Final Meter Readings
You or your realtor should ensure that utilities are properly transferred:
- Call your hydro, gas, water, and internet providers at least a week before closing.
- Provide them with your possession date and your lawyer’s name.
- Record your own meter readings on move-in day and take photos if possible.
This helps avoid billing disputes, especially in shared-meter situations or when seller information is incomplete.
7. Changing the Locks
It’s strongly recommended that you change the locks after you move in. Even if the sellers were trustworthy, you have no way of knowing how many copies of the keys were made or who might still have access.
Rekeying or replacing the locks is a low-cost security step that gives you peace of mind.
8. What Role Does Your Lawyer Play on Closing Day?
Your real estate lawyer is handling:
- Receiving mortgage funds from your lender
- Exchanging documents and funds with the seller’s lawyer
- Registering the property in your name
- Paying disbursements, title insurance, and land transfer tax
- Finalizing and releasing the keys to you
All of this happens behind the scenes, and usually within a single day. Your lawyer will confirm once the transaction is complete—and that’s when you can officially enter your new home.
Closing Day Thoughts
Closing day is exciting—but it’s also a carefully coordinated legal process. Knowing what to expect can reduce stress, prevent avoidable mistakes, and ensure that your first day in your new home goes smoothly.
Remember:
- Don’t book movers too early
- Wait for your lawyer’s confirmation before entering
- Bring cleaning supplies and patience
- Expect keys in the afternoon—not at breakfast
And above all, trust the process—but choose your support team carefully. At Keepmont Legal Services, we provide the clarity, communication, and precision you need to close with confidence. From first contact to key release, our role is to ensure your closing day unfolds exactly as it should: smoothly, securely, and with no surprises.
Buying a home in Ontario?
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