Can the executor sell the family home without the beneficiaries' agreement in Ontario?

In most cases, yes. An executor in Ontario has broad powers to deal with estate property, including selling real estate, even if beneficiaries object — provided the executor is acting within the terms of the will and in the best interests of the estate. The will may grant express powers of sale; even without an express power, Ontario law generally permits executors to sell property to pay debts, cover estate expenses, or distribute the estate.

However, the executor's power is not unlimited. If the will specifically directs that the property be transferred to a particular beneficiary rather than sold, the executor cannot ignore that direction. If all beneficiaries are adults and agree on a different course, the executor may be bound to follow the unanimous instructions of all residuary beneficiaries under certain conditions.

Beneficiaries who believe an executor is acting improperly — for example, selling property below market value or unnecessarily — can apply to the court to have the executor removed or to obtain an injunction. The executor's duty is always to act in good faith and in the best interests of the estate as a whole, not to favour one beneficiary over others.