- A condominium corporation may charge no more than $100, including all applicable taxes, for a status certificate and the required material.
- Used homes sold by individuals are usually exempt from HST on the price, but services such as commissions and legal fees are taxable at 13%.
- Land transfer tax is paid by the buyer, not the seller.
- Move-in fees and common expense adjustments depend on the condo's documents and the sale agreement, so confirm them early.
Buying or selling a condominium brings the usual closing costs of any home sale, plus a few that exist only because you are dealing with a condominium corporation. The best known is the status certificate.
This article separates the costs that apply to every Ontario resale from the ones unique to condos, and points out which amounts you should confirm in writing before closing.
The status certificate
A status certificate is a document issued by the condominium corporation that gives a buyer key information about the unit and the corporation. The Condominium Act, 1998 provides for it. Buyers and their lawyers normally review it before the deal becomes firm, because it can reveal things the listing does not.
Under the regulation, the corporation may charge a fee, including all required material, not exceeding $100 inclusive of all applicable taxes. If a request comes back with a higher charge, ask the corporation or manager to explain what the charge covers and raise it with your lawyer. The agreement of purchase and sale usually says who orders and pays for it, so check that wording.
Costs every resale has, condo or not
Land transfer tax is paid by the buyer, who tenders the conveyance for registration, and it is paid on closing through the buyer's lawyer. A seller does not pay land transfer tax. Seller costs instead include commission, legal fees and disbursements, mortgage payout or penalty, and adjustments.
The sale price of a used home sold by an individual is usually exempt from GST/HST, with exceptions such as a seller who claimed input tax credits on the purchase or improvements. Ontario's HST rate of 13% applies to taxable services connected with a sale, such as real estate commissions and legal fees.
Title insurance is also common. Residential title insurance can be bought through a lawyer, a title insurance company or an agent or broker, and policies cover title risks such as fraud and forgery. Ask your lawyer whether your lender requires a policy.
Costs and adjustments that are unique to condos
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Status certificate | Fee capped at $100 including all applicable taxes, with required material |
| Move-in or move-out fees | Can vary from one building to another; ask for the amount and any deposit in writing |
| Common expense (maintenance fee) adjustment | Handled between buyer and seller on closing; depends on the sale agreement and the closing date |
| Parking or locker transfers | Depends on how they are owned and described in the documents |
Move-in fees, deposits and booking rules can vary from one building to another. How common expenses are adjusted on your closing depends on your situation, so it is worth confirming with the property manager and your lawyer rather than assuming a standard amount.
Fees for copies and searches
Your lawyer may need registry documents. Since November 3, 2025, a copy of a parcel register including the first page is $36.50 in total, each additional page is $2.56, instrument viewing and copying is $3.39 per document, and a certified copy of a valid document is $2.00 per item. These usually appear as disbursements on your lawyer's statement.
What to do next
- Ask your lawyer who orders and pays for the status certificate under your agreement.
- Confirm the certificate charge does not exceed the $100 cap.
- Ask the property manager about move-in or move-out fees and deposits.
- Ask your lawyer how common expenses will be adjusted on your closing date.
- Ask for a written estimate of disbursements, taxes and fees before closing.
- Buyers: set aside funds for land transfer tax, due on closing.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a condo corporation charge for a status certificate?
The corporation may charge a fee, including all required material, not exceeding $100 inclusive of all applicable taxes. If you are charged more, ask what the extra covers and speak with your lawyer.
Does a seller pay land transfer tax on a condo?
No. Land transfer tax is paid by the buyer who tenders the conveyance for registration, and not by the seller.
Is HST charged on a resale condo?
Sales of used homes by individuals are usually exempt from GST/HST, though exceptions exist, such as a seller who claimed input tax credits. HST at 13% does apply to services such as commissions and legal fees.
Who pays move-in fees?
That depends on the condominium's rules and what you agreed to. Ask the property manager for the amount and any deposit, and check your agreement of purchase and sale.
Sources
- Land Transfer Tax Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.6 (e-Laws, Word version) — Ontario e-Laws
- CRA – GST/HST Memorandum 19.2.1 Residential Real Property – Sales — canada.ca
- CRA – GST/HST Info Sheet GI-004 — canada.ca
- CRA – Which rate to charge — canada.ca
- O. Reg. 428/19 amending O. Reg. 48/01 (e-Laws, Word version) — Ontario e-Laws
- Ontario.ca – 2025-07 Land Services Fee Changes — ontario.ca
- FSRA – Understanding title insurance — fsrao.ca
Links go to official government, court and regulator pages. The law changes — confirm you are reading the current version.
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