Reviewing an Ontario Agreement of Purchase and Sale: An Ottawa Buyer Checklist

Published October 13, 2026 · Meysami Law Professional Corp. · Ottawa

An Agreement of Purchase and Sale is not merely a step toward buying a home; once accepted, it is the contract that structures the transaction. Ottawa buyers should understand the parties, property, price, deposit, deadlines, conditions and closing obligations before signing. A standard form still requires transaction-specific review, and a lawyer cannot restore a protection that the buyer has already waived without the seller's agreement.

Treat the offer as a proposed binding contract

Read the complete agreement, schedules and attachments before signing. Confirm that names, property description, purchase price, deposit, irrevocable period and closing date match the intended transaction. Do not rely on a listing, text message or verbal promise if the point matters to the purchase; ask whether it belongs in the written agreement.

Match conditions to the property and financing plan

A buyer may need conditions addressing financing, inspection, insurance, condominium-document review, sale of an existing property or another material concern. The wording, deadline and method for satisfying or waiving a condition matter. A condition that expires or is waived can remove the buyer's contractual exit route, so obtain advice before the deadline rather than after it.

Review the deposit and default consequences

Confirm the deposit amount, due date, holder and permitted payment method. Understand that a deposit is not simply a refundable reservation. If a transaction fails, release of the deposit can depend on the agreement, mutual written direction or a court process, and other claims may remain. Verify payment instructions independently before sending funds.

List inclusions, exclusions and rental equipment clearly

Identify fixtures, chattels, appliances, parking, storage and other items that are included or excluded. Determine whether a furnace, water heater, security system or similar equipment is rented, financed or subject to a service contract. The agreement should address any obligation the buyer is expected to assume.

Check title, closing and adjustment provisions

Review the requisition date, vacant-possession terms, title-search arrangements, permitted encumbrances, document delivery and how property taxes, utilities, common expenses or other items will be adjusted. If the property is tenanted, rural, a condominium, newly built or being purchased with another person, additional clauses and due diligence may be appropriate.

Send every amendment and notice to the lawyer

Provide the signed agreement, schedules, waivers, notices and amendments as soon as they exist. Tell the lawyer about financing deadlines, unusual promises, title concerns and any change to the closing date or parties. Keep a complete final set; reviewing only the first offer can miss the terms that actually govern closing.

This article is general information as of October 13, 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and circumstances can change. Contacting the firm does not create a lawyer-client relationship.