How long does it take to close a home purchase
in Ontario?
How Fast Can You Actually Close a House in Ontario? 30 Days? 60 Days? Read This.
Typical closing timeline in Ontario
Most resale home purchases in Ontario close in 30 to 60 days from offer acceptance. That’s the realistic range buyers and sellers should plan for. Some deals close in 21–30 days when everyone is ready. Other deals stretch to 60–90 days when financing or legal work needs more time.
Step-by-step timeline you can count on
- Offer accepted (Day 0): Set a closing date in the agreement of purchase.
- Conditions period (7–10 days common): Buyer removes conditions like financing, home inspection, or sale of current home. This can add time if extended.
- Mortgage approval and documents (7–21 days): Lender completes appraisal and final underwriting.
- Lawyer/title search and closing package (7–14 days): Lawyer orders title search, prepares closing documents, and registers mortgage.
- Closing day: Final funds transfer, keys released, statement of adjustments settled.
Total realistic timeline: 30–60 days for typical resale. New builds, assignments, or complex financing can take months.
What speeds up a closing
- Firm offer with no conditions
- Pre-approved mortgage or proof of funds
- Quick lawyer response and e-transfer-ready funds
- No condo status certificate delays
Common causes of delay
- Mortgage underwriting or appraisal problems
- Title defects or outstanding liens
- Missing condo documents or slow corporation response
- Repair negotiations after inspection
- Buyer or seller needing extra time to move out/in
New builds and unusual cases
New construction closing is different. Builder closing dates depend on construction schedules and occupancy permits. Expect months, not days. Assignment sales, power-of-sale or estate transactions often require extra legal steps and take longer.
Practical checklist to hit your closing date
- Get mortgage pre-approval before making an offer
- Hire a responsive real estate lawyer early
- Order a home inspection fast and resolve repairs quickly
- Have certified funds ready for closing day
Quick FAQ — direct answers
Q: Can you close in less than 30 days? A: Yes, if both parties agree and financing is already pre-approved.
Q: What’s the fastest way to delay? A: Leaving conditions open, slow mortgage documents, or missing condo status certificates.
Q: Who coordinates closing? A: Your realtor and your lawyer coordinate final documents, funds and registration.
Final point — how to avoid surprises
Closing is a process with steps that must be completed in order. Miss one step and the timeline slips. Work with a local pro who knows Toronto and GTA lenders, lawyers and municipal quirks.
Tony Sousa is the local real estate authority who closes deals on time. If you want a realistic plan and tight timeline for your Ontario move, contact Tony at tony@sousasells.ca or 416-477-2620. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for more resources and immediate help.
