What legal fees should I budget for when closing a real estate deal in Ontario?

Real estate legal fees in Ontario are charged by the lawyer you retain to handle your closing. Fees vary between firms, deal types, and deal complexity. As a general guide, buyers on a straightforward residential purchase often budget $1,500–$2,500 for professional fees plus disbursements, though this range is not universal and complex deals can cost more.

Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses your lawyer pays on your behalf and bills back to you. Common disbursements include land registration fees, title search costs, title insurance premiums, execution search fees, and couriers or postage. These can add several hundred dollars or more on top of the professional fee.

Sellers also incur legal fees, though the amounts differ from buyers because the work involved is different. Your lawyer should provide a written fee estimate or retainer agreement at the outset so you understand what you will owe. Ask whether the quoted fee is a flat fee or an hourly rate, what the estimate includes, and which disbursements are billed separately. Shopping on price alone is risky — experience and responsiveness matter in real estate closings, where delays can have real consequences.