Real Estate in Vancouver
Real Estate Lawyers in Vancouver
Property in Vancouver tends to move fast and cost a lot, and the legal side is where small oversights turn into real money. Whether you are buying a condo downtown, selling a house on the east side, or refinancing to pull out equity, every transfer in British Columbia has to be completed by a lawyer or notary. You want it handled by someone who reads the fine print before your completion date, not after.
A lot of Vancouver deals are strata. A presale condo, an apartment, or a townhouse comes with its own paperwork: the strata Form B, the depreciation report, the bylaws, and any special levies coming down the line. We review the strata documents alongside your Contract of Purchase and Sale, search the title for mortgages, liens, easements, and charges, and prepare the transfer, mortgage, and Property Transfer Tax forms so nothing is missed and the funds move the right way.
Vancouver prices also mean Property Transfer Tax adds up quickly, and many homes here sit above the first time buyer and newly built exemption limits. There is an extra 2% on the portion of the price over $3,000,000, and additional tax can apply for some foreign buyers. We work out your closing costs early, explain what each date on your contract means, and tell you exactly what we need from you, so completion day is calm rather than a scramble.
How we help in Vancouver
Condo and strata purchases
We review the Form B, bylaws, depreciation report, and any special levies, search title, and handle the Property Transfer Tax so you take clean ownership of your Vancouver home.
Presale and new build closings
We read the disclosure statement and assignment terms, check GST and any new home exemption, and walk you through completing on a unit that may have sold months or years before.
House and property sales
We prepare your transfer documents, clear your existing mortgage, and make sure the sale proceeds reach you correctly and on the date you agreed.
Mortgage refinancing
We discharge your old mortgage, register the new one, confirm the payout figures, and coordinate funds between lenders so you avoid penalties and gaps.
Title transfers and the family home
Adding a spouse, removing a name, or moving property within the family, prepared properly so the change holds up at the Land Title Office.
Property Transfer Tax and closing costs
We calculate what you owe, check whether an exemption applies, and flag the extra 2% over $3,000,000 and any additional tax before you sign, not on completion day.
Common questions
Do I need a lawyer to buy or sell property in Vancouver?
Yes. In British Columbia a property transfer has to be completed by a lawyer or notary. A lawyer can also give you legal advice, sort out title or strata problems, and step in if a deal becomes disputed, which a notary cannot do. With Vancouver values being what they are, that extra layer of advice is often worth it.
How much Property Transfer Tax will I pay on a Vancouver home?
The base tax is 1% on the first $200,000, 2% up to $2,000,000, and 3% above that, with a further 2% on any portion over $3,000,000. Many Vancouver homes sit above the first time buyer and newly built exemption limits, and additional tax can apply to some foreign buyers. We confirm your exact number and any exemption before closing so it is not a surprise.
What should I check before buying a Vancouver condo?
Strata documents matter as much as the price. We review the Form B for the financial picture, the bylaws for restrictions like rentals or pets, the depreciation report, and any special levies the building has approved or is considering. Catching a looming levy or a rental ban before you remove subjects can save you a costly surprise.
Talk to us about Real Estate in Vancouver
No pressure and no obligation. Just a clear conversation about where you stand and what comes next.