Serving Hamilton with flat-fee real estate law, handled entirely online — no office visit required. One transparent price, taxes included, whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing. Book your file online and we'll take it from there.
Our charges include applicable taxes. Disbursements and, on a purchase, Land Transfer Tax are extra and billed at cost — itemized upfront, in writing, never hidden.
Prices are “our charges” and include applicable taxes. Disbursements and Land Transfer Tax are extra, at cost, estimated in writing before you commit.
Every figure is from Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census of Population — real published data, current until the 2026 Census releases (2027).
Owner-estimated average values, 2021 Census — five-year change shown on each pair.
| Home type | 2016 | 2021 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-detached | $457,600 | $804,000 | +76% |
| Semi-detached & row | $341,200 | $604,500 | +77% |
| Apartment / condo | $318,800 | $533,500 | +67% |
Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census of Population, Census Profile — Hamilton, Ontario. Reproduced and distributed on an “as is” basis with the permission of Statistics Canada. Retrieved 2026-07-28.
| Authority | Hamilton Conservation Authority |
|---|---|
| Head office | 838 Mineral Springs Rd, Box 81067, Ancaster, ON, L9G 4X1 |
| Phone | 905-525-2181 |
| Website | conservationhamilton.ca |
| Watershed area | 451 km² |
Development in a regulated area, and interference with a wetland or watercourse, are prohibited by section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act without a permit under section 28.1, issued by the authority — not the municipality — under O. Reg. 41/24. Watershed boundaries follow drainage rather than municipal lines, so a property at the edge of Hamilton can fall under a neighbouring authority; confirm for the specific address.
Source: Conservation Ontario, Conservation Authority Boundaries (2023). Retrieved 2026-08-10.
Hamilton is one of only five Ontario municipalities that charge a tax on vacant homes. The Vacant Unit Tax (By-law No. 25-201, s. 4) is levied at 1% of the current value assessment for each vacancy year. Every residential unit owner must declare annually, by 15 April in the year after the vacancy year, with a late deadline of 15 May.
On a purchase or sale this is a closing item: the obligation runs with the property, and an unpaid amount is collected in the same way as property tax, so it can become the buyer’s problem. The taxing power comes from Part IX.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001; Ontario extended it to all single- and upper-tier municipalities on 27 March 2024, so more municipalities may adopt one. Rates and deadlines are set annually — confirm the current figures with the city before closing.
Sources: City of Hamilton; Ontario, Municipal Vacant Home Tax. Retrieved 2026-08-10.
The Hamilton-specific mechanics we handle on every file — so nothing surprises you at closing.
Registration is completed electronically through ONLAND (Teraview) at your region's Land Registry Office, so our online process aligns directly with how Hamilton deals are actually registered. Hamilton also runs a Vacant Unit Tax program for residential properties left vacant — we're glad to flag it as part of your file, though it's a City of Hamilton program, not something we file on your behalf.
You don’t “set up” property tax — we prorate it. The statement of adjustments credits whoever prepaid; after closing, the municipality bills you directly and you can enrol in pre-authorized payments.
ID verification, document review, and signing happen online — no office visit needed. In-person signings remain available across the province if you prefer.
Hamilton buyers pay Ontario's provincial land transfer tax only — the city doesn't add a municipal land transfer tax the way Toronto does, so your closing costs stay a step simpler to plan for. We build your provincial LTT estimate into your upfront closing cost breakdown and flag any rebates you may qualify for. That single-tax structure holds whether you're closing on a detached home, a semi, or a townhome.
Financing, inspection, status certificate — your offer’s conditions are legal protections, and waiving them is a legal decision. We review before you sign and flag the risks in plain language.
Buying pre-construction or an assignment carries its own tax and disclosure rules — ask us before you commit so nothing catches you at closing.
Selling a Hamilton property follows the standard Ontario legal process: we discharge your existing mortgage from title, respond to the buyer's requisitions, and calculate and release your proceeds promptly on closing. Land transfer tax is a buyer's cost, not a seller's, so it has no bearing on your file. We keep you informed at each step so closing day goes smoothly.
Sellers don’t pay LTT. Your closing costs are the legal fee, discharge-related disbursements, and any mortgage payout penalties your lender sets.
We obtain your mortgage discharge statement, answer the buyer’s requisitions, and prorate taxes and utilities on the statement of adjustments.
Funds are wired the day of closing where possible. Selling a condo? We coordinate the status certificate the buyer’s lawyer will request.
Our Mortgage service covers new purchase mortgages, refinances, and private mortgage registrations for Hamilton properties, all at the same flat, tax-included fee. We review your commitment letter, register the charge, and confirm your lender's conditions are met so funds are ready on schedule. New, refinance, or private — one process, one price.
A new charge on a home you already own. We handle the lender’s requirements and register it — one flat fee.
Switching lenders or borrowing more? We manage the payout and discharge of your old mortgage and register the new one.
Borrowing from or lending to a private party. We paper it properly, register the charge, and protect your interests.
You don't need to visit a downtown office to work with a Hamilton-focused real estate lawyer. Our process — document review, signing, and closing — is handled online and by phone, so you get full service without leaving home.
No. Hamilton isn't Toronto, so buyers here pay only Ontario's provincial land transfer tax — there's no additional municipal land transfer tax layered on top.
Our quoted flat fee includes applicable taxes. Government charges like the provincial land transfer tax and optional title insurance are shown separately and clearly, so you always know what's legal fee versus a third-party or government cost.
Hamilton runs a Vacant Unit Tax program for residential properties left unoccupied. It's a City of Hamilton declaration program, not something that runs through your real estate closing — ask us and we're happy to point you to the right resource.
Most of our Hamilton files close on the date already set in the agreement of purchase and sale. Once retained, we start immediately on title review, mortgage instructions, and closing documents so your date holds.
Below are official government and land registry resources for Hamilton homebuyers and sellers who want to review the details themselves.
Open your Hamilton file in minutes — hear from your lawyer tomorrow.