The new holiday on September 30 will affect real estate purchase and sale closing dates

by admin | Aug 4, 2021 | 2021 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Anyone with a scheduled September 30 closing date on their real estate purchase or sale will have to change that date as the result of a new national holiday proclaimed in June. Bill C-5 is an act to amend various pieces of legislation making September 30 every year a...

When does a home’s seller really have to move out?

by admin | Jul 24, 2021 | 2021 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

It’s after 5 p.m. on June 30 and the home purchase transaction is complete. The new owner shows up with the keys and deed, only to be utterly shocked that the seller is still in the house — and doing nothing to pack or move. Sadly, this is a true story, posted on a...

Co-ops and co-ownership are emerging as alternatives to condos

by admin | Jul 10, 2021 | 2021 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

With the rapid increase in the price of condominium units this year, some buyers are turning to co-ops and co-ownerships as an alternative. With the rapid increase in the price of condominium units this year, some buyers are turning to co-ops and co-ownerships as an...

New code of ethics for Ontario home builders is a step forward in protecting buyers

by admin | Jun 26, 2021 | 2021 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

A code of ethics for builders and their staff which comes into force on July 1 has the potential to create a sea change in the marketing of new homes and condominiums. The first in Ontario’s history, the code for the industry takes effect by way of a government...

Ontario’s courts are asked to step in when condo residents refuse to wear masks in their buildings’ shared areas

by admin | Jun 12, 2021 | 2021 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

Living in a condominium community requires a balancing of the interests of those who live there. But when it comes to residents who refuse to wear masks during a pandemic, the courts have to decide whose rights will prevail. Vily Mitrovic and Zoran Zupanc live in a...

Your cottage purchase may not include the property’s shoreline

by admin | May 26, 2021 | 2021 Toronto Star Property Law Columns, Toronto Star Property Law Columns

In the early 19th century, the primary mode of transportation to much of the interior of what is now Ontario was by boat, along our lakes and rivers. When the colonial government provided free land grants to settlers — primarily British immigrants and Loyalists...