Introduction
Ontario continues to welcome newcomers from all over the world — individuals and families eager to build stable futures, invest in property, and create new beginnings. Many of the clients I work with in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, and across the GTA are immigrants taking their first steps toward buying a home or investing in Ontario’s real estate market.
But navigating property laws in a new country can be overwhelming. Rules in Ontario may be very different from those in your home country — and without proper guidance, newcomers often face challenges, misunderstandings, or financial surprises that could have been avoided with the right legal support.
In this blog, I share the key things every newcomer should know about buying, owning, or investing in real estate in Ontario — based on the clients I help every day.
1. Yes, Immigrants Can Buy Property in Ontario
No matter your immigration status — visitor, work permit, study permit, permanent resident, or citizen — you can buy property in Ontario.
I often reassure clients who have recently arrived in Toronto or Mississauga that there is no legal restriction preventing newcomers from buying homes or investment properties in Ontario.
From detached homes in Brampton to condos in downtown Toronto, the Ontario real estate market is open to newcomers who want to invest or settle.
2. Understanding the Local Housing Market
Ontario’s real estate markets vary significantly:
- Toronto & GTA: Fast-paced, competitive, high-priced properties
- Ottawa: Stable, government-driven market with strong demand
- Hamilton: Popular for its relative affordability and growth
- London, Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo: Fast-growing mid-sized cities
- Durham Region (Ajax, Oshawa, Pickering): Strong for families
- Niagara & Windsor: Great for investors seeking lower entry costs
I always remind clients that each region has its own trends, pricing, and risks. Understanding these differences is essential before making a major financial decision.
3. Mortgage Rules for Newcomers
Securing financing is often the biggest challenge for immigrants who want to buy property.
Banks in Ontario review:
- Income
- Credit history
- Employment status
- Down payment amount
- Immigration status
If you don’t have Canadian credit history yet, lenders may require:
- Larger down payments
- Additional documentation
- Reference letters
- Bank statements from your home country
I assist clients by reviewing financing conditions in their purchase agreements to make sure they’re fully protected.
4. The Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) — Understand Before You Sign
The APS is a legally binding contract. When immigrants come to me after signing the agreement, I often discover:
- Missing protections
- Hidden conditions
- Unfavourable clauses
- Inspection waivers
- Unclear terms
- Penalties they didn’t understand
I always tell newcomers in areas like Scarborough, Brampton, and Mississauga:
Never sign a purchase agreement without legal review.
As your lawyer, I ensure:
- Conditions protect you
- Deadlines are realistic
- You understand all obligations
- The seller cannot insert unfair terms
5. Title Searches — Essential in Ontario
A title search verifies legal ownership and identifies potential issues. This is particularly important in older Ontario neighbourhoods like:
- Downtown Toronto
- Etobicoke
- Hamilton Mountain
- Old Ottawa South
- London’s historic districts
Issues that a title search may uncover include:
- Unpaid taxes
- Old mortgages
- Boundary disputes
- Liens
- Easements
- Fraud concerns
- Encroachments
I conduct this search to ensure you’re receiving clean, undisputed ownership.
6. Closing Costs Newcomers Should Expect
Many newcomers focus on the down payment and don’t realize how many additional costs are involved in closing a deal.
Here’s what you need to prepare for:
✔ Land Transfer Tax (LTT)
Paid by all buyers in Ontario.
Toronto buyers pay an additional municipal LTT.
✔ Legal Fees
Covers title searches, registrations, and documentation.
✔ Title Insurance
Protects against fraud, errors, or ownership issues.
✔ Adjustments
Reimbursements for prepaid utilities, taxes, or fees.
✔ Home Inspection Fees
Highly recommended, especially for houses in older areas.
✔ Mortgage Insurance (CMHC)
If your down payment is less than 20%.
I help clients estimate these costs early so there are no last-minute surprises.
7. Understanding Property Taxes and Municipal Fees
Each Ontario city has its own tax rates. For example:
- Toronto often has higher fees due to municipal levies
- Mississauga and Brampton have their own structures
- Ottawa imposes specific property-related taxes
- Peel and York Regions may charge development-related fees
These taxes affect affordability — and I help newcomers understand what to expect long-term.
8. Title Insurance — One of the Most Important Protections
I highly recommend title insurance to all newcomers. It protects you against:
- Property fraud
- Boundary issues
- Survey errors
- Unregistered rights-of-way
- Undisclosed liens
In Ontario cities with older housing stock — like Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa — this protection is invaluable.
9. Condo Purchases — Extra Steps for Newcomers
Many immigrants purchase condos in areas like:
- Downtown Toronto
- Mississauga
- North York
- Scarborough
- Ottawa
- Markham
If you’re buying a condo, reviewing the status certificate is critical. It reveals:
- The building’s financial health
- Reserve fund condition
- Rules and restrictions
- Upcoming special assessments
- Litigation involving the condo corporation
I help newcomers review these details carefully to avoid buying into financially unstable condo buildings.
10. Real Estate Fraud — A Growing Concern in Ontario
Unfortunately, real estate fraud affects newcomers disproportionately because scammers assume they’re unfamiliar with Ontario processes.
Fraud can include:
- Fake listings
- Illegal assignments
- Title fraud
- Rental scams
- Identity theft
My legal role includes:
- Confirming ownership
- Verifying documentation
- Protecting against fraudulent transfers
- Ensuring safe, legal transactions
11. Real Estate Rights for Newcomers in Ontario
As an immigrant, you have the right to:
- Buy and own property
- Sell and assign property
- Challenge unfair agreements
- Protect your ownership
- Seek legal remedies for fraud
- Benefit from Ontario property laws
You also have responsibilities, including paying taxes, maintaining your property, and following municipal by-laws.
12. Protecting Yourself When Investing in Ontario Real Estate
To protect yourself fully, I recommend:
- Always working with a lawyer
- Never relying solely on verbal agreements
- Verifying builder and developer credentials
- Understanding your financing fully
- Reviewing condo or building documents
- Avoiding rushed offers
- Keeping copies of all agreements and receipts
I help newcomers remain protected through every stage.
13. How I Support Newcomers Across Ontario
Working with immigrants is one of the most rewarding parts of my practice. Whether you are settling in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Ajax, Pickering, or anywhere in Ontario, I can help with:
- Agreement of Purchase and Sale review
- Mortgage instructions
- Title searches
- Closing procedures
- Condo document review
- Fraud prevention
- Property rights education
- Real estate planning for newcomers
- Long-term legal guidance
I take the time to explain each step clearly so you feel confident and informed.
Conclusion
Buying real estate in Ontario as a newcomer is an exciting step toward building your future. But without proper legal guidance, the process can be confusing and risky.
My job is to help newcomers across Ontario understand their rights, protect their investments, and navigate the legal landscape with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re purchasing your first home in Toronto, exploring condo options in Mississauga, investing in Brampton, or relocating to Ottawa, I’m here to support your journey.
Call to Action
If you’re a newcomer planning to buy or invest in Ontario real estate, I’m here to help you understand the process and protect your investment every step of the way.
Email: mjlawservices@gmail.com
Mobile: 647-787-0815
Phone: 647-660-9666
MJ LAW 
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