How does a property title actually transfer to me when I buy a home in Ontario?

In Ontario, property title transfers electronically through the Teraview system, which is the province's electronic land registration platform. The old paper-based system of physically exchanging paper deeds has been replaced by electronic documents that lawyers sign and register digitally on closing day.

On closing day, your lawyer uses Teraview to register a transfer/deed of land (the electronic equivalent of the old deed) from the seller to you. At the same time, if you have a mortgage, your lawyer registers the charge (mortgage document) in favour of your lender. The transfer and mortgage are typically registered simultaneously so that title and financing lock together.

Before registering, both lawyers exchange signed closing documents and the funds flow from your lawyer's trust account to the seller's lawyer's trust account. Once funds are confirmed received, the registrations go through. The registry is typically updated within minutes, and your lawyer can immediately confirm that title is now in your name. You receive a copy of the registered transfer as part of your closing package, and your lawyer will keep a record of the transaction in their file.