How do I choose a closing date when making an offer in Ontario?

The closing date is the day title transfers and you take possession of the property. It is a negotiable term in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, and aligning it with both parties' needs often affects whether an offer is accepted.

Sellers generally prefer a closing date that fits their own move-out timeline and any purchase of a new home. Buyers need enough time for their lender to finalize financing, their lawyer to conduct title searches, and their moving arrangements to be in place. In Ontario, residential closings typically need at least 30–60 days, though urgent or flexible situations can accommodate shorter or longer windows.

If you need to match the closing of a property you are selling, coordinating the two dates is critical — and your real estate lawyer is essential to managing that. Mismatched closing dates can leave you temporarily without a home or carrying two properties. If you cannot close on the agreed date, you may need to request an extension, which requires the seller's consent and can involve penalty payments or additional costs.