How long does closing take in Ontario?
How long does closing REALLY take in Ontario? The Georgetown timeline that will surprise sellers.
Quick answer for busy sellers
Most resale homes in Georgetown, Ontario, close in 30–60 days from firm agreement. New builds, complex deals, or issues with financing and title can push a closing to 90 days or more. If you want certainty, plan for 45 days and take the steps below to beat delays.
Why this matters now
You’re selling a home in Georgetown. Time equals money. A fast, clean closing means fewer mortgage interest days, smoother moving plans, and fewer headaches. A slow closing invites risk: buyers financing falls through, extra adjustments, or last-minute legal hold-ups. This guide gives a clear timeline, local specifics for Georgetown (Halton Hills), and a seller-focused checklist to speed closing.
The realistic timeline: step-by-step
This is the practical timeline from accepted offer to keys leaving the seller’s hand. Times are averages for Georgetown resale homes.
- Offer accepted (Day 0)
- Buyer and seller sign Purchase Agreement. Conditions may apply (finance, inspection).
- Conditional period (1–10 days)
- Common conditions: mortgage approval (3–14 days), home inspection (3–7 days). Once conditions are removed, the deal is firm.
- Lawyer engagement and title search (7–14 days after firm)
- Each side hires a lawyer or licensed paralegal. Lawyer runs title search, orders payout statements for mortgages, and prepares closing documents.
- Mortgage commitment and adjustments (concurrent, 7–21 days)
- Buyer finalizes mortgage. Seller arranges mortgage discharge instructions with their lender. That payout statement often has an expiry (30 days).
- Closing date coordination (fixed date, often 30–60 days after firm)
- Lawyers pick a closing date convenient for both. Funds need to be wired or cleared by that date.
- Closing day (final day)
- Lawyers exchange funds, register the deed and mortgage discharge, keys handed over once registration confirms. This happens electronically and usually completes the same day.
Typical time ranges
- Resale home, no complications: 30–45 days
- Resale with mortgage discharge complexities: 45–60 days
- New construction or complex sale (assignments, estates, power-of-attorney): 60–120+ days
Georgetown-specific details that change the timeline
- Local lawyer and e-registration speed: Halton Hills and surrounding courts use efficient e-registration systems. If both buyer and seller use local professionals experienced with Halton title work, registration is faster.
- Municipal items: Property tax adjustments are calculated on closing day, but nothing on your end usually delays closing. Building permits or outstanding orders from Halton Region could delay if they affect marketable title.
- Land transfer tax: Buyers pay provincial land transfer tax. Halton Hills does not charge a municipal land transfer tax (unlike Toronto). This reduces complication for local resales.
- Moving windows and seasonal demand: Spring and early summer closings are busier. Expect slightly longer coordination times in peak seasons.
Common causes of delay — and what to do
Delay sources and immediate actions sellers can take to avoid them:
- Buyer financing falls apart
- Action: Keep lines of communication open. Ask for lender contact and confirm financing is in place before firm acceptance.
- Mortgage discharge errors or old mortgage penalties
- Action: Request payoff quote from your lender early. Confirm discharge timing and any administrative fees.
- Title defects or liens
- Action: Order a pre-listing title check or work with a local lawyer to clean up liens before listing.
- Incomplete closing documents from buyer or builder
- Action: Check buyer’s deposit and conditions. For new builds, demand firm timelines in the agreement.
- Lawyer backlog
- Action: Hire an experienced local lawyer with a track record in Georgetown. Avoid firms that outsource out-of-province.
Concrete checklist to make closing fast and painless
Do these now if your home is under contract or you’re preparing to sell:
- Hire a local real estate lawyer with Halton Hills experience within 48 hours of firm offer.
- Request a mortgage payoff statement from your lender immediately.
- Get a pre-listing title check if you have unpaid work orders, builder documents, or unusual title history.
- Confirm buyer’s lawyer contact and estimated financing timeline.
- Clear out personal items that create title or occupancy questions (unlicensed suites, tenant agreements).
- Agree on the exact closing time and where keys will be delivered.
- Keep backup funds ready for adjustments, legal fees, and possible mortgage discharge penalties.
Seller closing costs in Georgetown, ON — what to expect
Sellers often ask what they’ll pay at closing. Typical seller costs in Georgetown:
- Real estate commission (agreed in listing contract)
- Legal fees and disbursements (approx. $800–$1,500, depends on complexity)
- Mortgage discharge penalty (if you break a fixed-rate mortgage)
- Adjustments: property taxes, utilities, condo fees (if applicable)
- Any agreed repairs or credits negotiated after home inspection
Note: Land transfer tax is typically paid by the buyer in Ontario, including Georgetown.
How closing works on the exact day (simple breakdown)
- Morning: Lawyers exchange funds electronically and register documents.
- Midday: Land registry is updated; mortgage discharge is registered.
- Afternoon: Once registration confirms, seller’s lawyer releases keys and funds tied to the sale.
In most smooth cases, all this happens in one business day. If a title issue shows up, registration might be delayed until fixed.
When new builds and assignments change everything
New construction closings are different. Builders schedule closings and often require longer lead times. Expect:
- Builder schedule changes and phased occupancies
- Additional holdbacks for incomplete items
- HST or adjustments on new builds (buyer usually pays HST unless otherwise negotiated)
For sellers assigned on a new-build deal, timelines can be unpredictable. Work with an agent experienced with builder closings in Halton Hills.
Why local expertise matters: the Halton Hills advantage
A local realtor and lawyer know the common hurdles in Georgetown: lender contacts that move quickly, experienced local lawyers who know Halton Land Registry nuances, and the municipal quirks that can stall a closing. Local pros reduce wasted days.
Tony Sousa has closed hundreds of homes in Georgetown and Halton Hills. He coordinates lenders, lawyers, and buyers to keep closings on schedule. If your timeline matters, local experience moves the needle.
Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
Quick negotiation tips to protect your closing date
- Use conditional removal timelines that match lender realities (don’t set tight 48-hour finance conditions).
- Require proof of funds and lender pre-approval before accepting a firm closing date.
- Include a firm closing date and consequences for unreasonable delays.
- If you need flexibility, build an agreed extension clause with compensation (daily holdover rate).
Closing day pitfalls to avoid
- Leaving keys with buyer before registration — always coordinate with lawyers.
- Assuming mortgage discharge will be instant — confirm timing and costs.
- Not preparing for last-minute credits after the final walk-through — have funds available.
Conclusion — the bottom line for Georgetown sellers
Plan for 30–60 days for resale closings in Georgetown. Expect longer for new builds or complex sales. The fastest way to get it done: hire a local realtor and lawyer who handle Halton Hills closings every week, prepare your mortgage discharge early, and keep communication open with the buyer’s team.
Tony Sousa is a local realtor who focuses on speed, clarity, and completed closings in Georgetown. If you want a predictable closing date and no surprises, contact him now: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Answers Georgetown home sellers actually need
How long does closing take in Georgetown, Ontario?
Most resale closings take 30–60 days from firm acceptance. If the buyer needs extended mortgage approval, or if you have a mortgage discharge with penalties, expect 45–90 days. New builds commonly take 60–120+ days.
Can a seller speed up closing?
Yes. Hire a local lawyer immediately, request the mortgage payoff statement right away, and push the buyer for firm financing commitments. Clear any title problems in advance.
Who pays land transfer tax in Halton Hills (Georgetown)?
The buyer pays the provincial land transfer tax. Halton Hills does not charge a municipal land transfer tax like Toronto does.
What costs will a seller pay on closing day?
Common seller costs: real estate commission, legal fees, mortgage discharge fees, and adjustments for property taxes or utilities.
What happens if the buyer’s financing falls through after conditions are removed?
If conditions are removed and financing collapses later, the buyer risks breaching the contract. Sellers should consult their lawyer; options include pursuing damages or re-listing. Many buyers will have clauses allowing delays, so read the agreement carefully.
Do sellers have to be out on closing day?
Most sellers must vacate by the agreed closing date. If you need extra time, negotiate a short holdover agreement with rent and clear written terms.
How long does registration take in Ontario?
Registration is electronic and often completes the same business day. If title issues arise, registration can be delayed until cleared.
Should I use a Toronto lawyer if I live in Georgetown?
Local lawyers with Halton Hills experience are preferable. They’re familiar with local registry quirks and municipal contacts that can speed closing.
Who handles the keys and final walk-through?
Buyers typically do a final walk-through within 24–48 hours before closing. Keys are released by the seller’s lawyer after registration confirms transfer.
What if there are outstanding municipal orders or permits?
Unresolved orders can block a clean title. Resolve these before firm offers or be prepared to adjust the closing date.
For help scheduling a tight closing in Georgetown or to get a free timeline estimate tailored to your sale, contact Tony Sousa: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
