Title Search in Ontario: Protect Your Purchase
Updated: January 2026
Quick Answer
A title search in Ontario confirms that the seller legally owns the property and has the right to sell it. It also identifies liens, easements, unpaid taxes, or registration issues that could affect your ownership before closing. Your lawyer completes this review to protect your purchase.
A title search in Ontario is one of the most important legal safeguards in the buying process. While buyers often focus on price, financing, and inspections, the title review protects you from legal and financial risks that are not visible during a showing.
What is a title search in Ontario?
A title search is a legal review of the property’s ownership history and registered interests. Your lawyer conducts this search through Ontario’s land registry system to confirm ownership and identify any registered claims on the property.
In simple terms, this process answers one critical question: Can you take clear and marketable title to the home?
What does a title review actually look for?
During the title review, your lawyer checks for issues that could affect ownership, use, or resale of the property.
- Ownership confirmation: verifies the seller is the registered owner
- Liens and debts: identifies unpaid mortgages, judgments, or construction liens
- Easements and rights-of-way: confirms whether utilities or neighbours have legal access
- Property taxes: checks for outstanding municipal taxes
- Restrictive covenants: identifies limitations on future use or alterations
Why title searches matter more than most buyers realize
Many title issues are not disclosed in listings and cannot be detected during a home inspection. For example, a property may appear problem-free while still carrying a registered easement or an unpaid lien from a previous owner.
Without this legal review, buyers risk inheriting problems that existed before they purchased the home.
Common title issues found in Ontario purchases
- Outstanding mortgages that must be discharged
- Unpaid property taxes or utility charges
- Boundary or survey discrepancies
- Shared access agreements not clearly documented
- Errors or omissions in prior registrations
Title search vs title insurance
Buyers often confuse a title search with title insurance, but they serve different purposes.
Title search
The title search identifies existing issues before closing so they can be corrected, discharged, or fully understood.
Title insurance
Title insurance provides protection against certain title defects that were not discovered during the title review or that arise after closing. It does not replace the title search.
When is the title search completed?
Your lawyer completes the title search in the final days before closing, once all purchase conditions have been satisfied.
This timing allows confirmation that the seller can deliver clear title on the agreed closing date.
Can a title issue delay or stop a closing?
Yes. If a significant issue appears and cannot be resolved quickly, closing may be delayed. In rare cases, a serious defect can prevent the transaction from closing altogether.
For this reason, buyers should avoid making firm moving plans until the title review is complete.
How the title search fits into the buying process
The title search works alongside financing, conditions, and closing logistics to protect buyers.
For a full overview of how these steps connect, review the First-Time Home Buyer Guide Ontario .
Buyers preparing for purchase may also find the Ontario First-Time Home Buyer Checklist helpful for sequencing each step.
Who is responsible for the title search?
A real estate lawyer is responsible for completing the title search and resolving any issues found. Realtors do not conduct title searches and cannot provide legal interpretation of title matters.
Key takeaway for Ontario buyers
A title search protects your ownership rights and ensures that you receive clear, marketable title to your home.
Although it happens behind the scenes, it is one of the most important safeguards in the entire buying process.
Want to understand the risks before you buy?
I’ll help you understand how title reviews, conditions, and closing steps work together so there are no surprises.
Book a Buyer CallFrequently Asked Questions
A title search confirms legal ownership of the property and identifies issues such as liens, unpaid taxes, easements, or restrictions that could affect your ability to take clear title.
A real estate lawyer completes the title search as part of the closing process. Realtors do not conduct title searches or provide legal interpretation of title issues.
Yes. If a title issue is discovered and cannot be resolved quickly, closing may be delayed. Most issues are resolved before closing, but serious defects can affect timing.
Yes. Lenders rely on clear or insurable title before advancing funds.
No. Title insurance does not replace a title search. The title search identifies known issues before closing, while title insurance provides protection against certain unknown or future title defects.
Your lawyer will work to resolve the issue, such as arranging discharges or clarifying registered rights. If the issue cannot be resolved, the buyer may have legal options depending on the Agreement of Purchase and Sale.