How to navigate the Canadian real estate market without a buyer's agent and save on commission fees.
No. There is no legal requirement to use a real estate agent when buying property in Canada. While agents provide valuable services, you can save on buyer's agent commission (typically 2-2.5%) by purchasing directly.
In Canada, the seller traditionally pays both the listing agent and the buyer's agent commission. However, recent regulatory changes mean commission structures are becoming more transparent. By buying directly, you may be able to negotiate a lower price since the seller saves on buyer's agent commission.
Shopperden lists properties across Canada with 3D virtual tours. You can also check: local newspaper listings, For Sale By Owner websites, and community bulletin boards. The key advantage of Shopperden is the 3D tour feature — you can explore properties remotely before committing to a viewing.
Without an agent, you will need a real estate lawyer to help draft your offer. The offer should include: purchase price, conditions (financing, inspection), deposit amount, closing date, and included items (appliances, fixtures). Your lawyer ensures the offer protects your interests.
Ontario charges 0.5-2.5% in land transfer tax. Toronto adds a municipal land transfer tax on top. British Columbia has a property transfer tax of 1-3%. First-time buyers may qualify for rebates in several provinces. Alberta and Saskatchewan have lower transfer costs.
Your lawyer handles: title search, property transfer registration, mortgage registration, and fund disbursement. Typical legal fees are $1,000-$2,000. Ensure you have home insurance arranged before closing day.
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