Buying a Pre-Construction Condo in Ottawa: The 10-Day Review Period

Published September 28, 2026 · Meysami Law Professional Corp. · Ottawa

A pre-construction condominium agreement is usually much longer and less familiar than a standard resale offer. Ontario gives purchasers a limited review period, but the value of that period depends on receiving the required documents promptly and reviewing the full package before the deadline expires.

Confirm exactly when the 10-day period begins

The Condominium Authority of Ontario explains that the cooling-off period begins on the latest date when the purchaser has received the fully signed purchase agreement, the current disclosure statement and the current Condo Buyers' Guide. Record the date and time each item was received. Do not calculate the deadline from a sales appointment or deposit date without checking the required documents.

Review the agreement and every schedule

The agreement, addenda and schedules can address deposits, adjustments, closing charges, assignment restrictions, changes to the unit, parking or locker rights, occupancy dates and circumstances in which the project may be delayed or cancelled. A sales summary is not a substitute for the signed contract. Provide the complete package to your lawyer and identify any promises that are not written into it.

Read the disclosure statement and proposed condominium documents

The disclosure statement can include the proposed declaration, by-laws, rules, first-year budget and agreements the developer expects the future condominium corporation to enter. These documents can affect use of the unit, common expenses and how the property will operate. Ask about provisions that matter to your plans, including leasing, pets, parking, alterations or shared facilities.

Understand interim occupancy

A purchaser may be allowed to occupy the unit before the condominium is registered and title can be transferred. During interim occupancy, the purchaser does not yet own the unit and may be required to pay an occupancy fee composed of prescribed elements. Review the estimated timeline, critical dates and occupancy provisions rather than treating the move-in date as the final closing date.

Test financing and cash-flow assumptions

A lender's approval, rate commitment or appraisal may not remain available until final closing if the project takes longer than expected. Build a timeline for deposits, interim occupancy charges, adjustments and final closing funds. Ask the lender and lawyer what information they require and avoid assuming that a future assignment, rental or resale will be permitted.

Use the review period efficiently

Send the complete package to your lawyer immediately, confirm the deadline in writing, make a list of intended uses and financing assumptions, and obtain answers before deciding whether to proceed. The statutory period is short; waiting until the final day can make document review, lender questions and written notice more difficult.

This article is general information as of September 28, 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and circumstances can change. Contacting the firm does not create a lawyer-client relationship.