On May 27th, 2024, new provisions of the Ontario government’s Homeowner Protection Act came into force, bringing significant changes to the residential real estate market. Whether you’re a real estate agent or a new home buyer or seller, understanding these changes is crucial for navigating the current landscape. Let’s break…

Many millennials may not yet see the urgency in estate planning, believing it’s only for older or wealthier generations. However, with millennials poised to inherit over $1 trillion from Baby Boomer parents by 2026, the largest wealth transfer in Canadian history, having a Will is not just wise—it’s essential. Here’s…

The one question that estate planning lawyers receive from clients and prospective clients most often is, “Why do I need a Will?”  While this is a complex question, there are many compelling reasons why everyone should have a Will. Estate planning is a crucial aspect of financial and personal planning…

The Canadian federal government has proposed a significant change to the capital gain inclusion rate, impacting individuals, businesses, and trusts. This proposed change, included in the Federal budget, suggests an increase in the inclusion rate from 50% to 67% for individuals earning more than $250,000 in capital gains annually, as…

In recent years, the concept of shared home ownership has gained traction across Ontario as an innovative solution to the challenges of the real estate market. Across Canada, 6% of homeowners co-own a property with someone other than their spouse. This ownership model offers individuals the opportunity to co-own property,…

The recent court decision in the case of CanDeal Group Inc. v. Capservco Limited (2024 ONSC 1315) underscores the enduring relevance of the principle of caveat emptor, or “buyer beware,” in real estate transactions. This principle essentially means that the responsibility for discovering any issues with a property lies with…

The Ontario Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA) represents a significant overhaul of real estate practices in Ontario. This legislation came into effect on December 1, 2023 and amends the previous Real Estate and Business Brokers Act (REBBA) and has two substantial implications for home buyers and sellers. #1…

Kelly Santini’s J.P. Zubec and Henry Bertoia achieved a successful result in a motion brought within a complicated estate dispute between step-siblings.    The case arose out of the following facts:  J.P. and Henry’s clients, Tracy and Virginia, were the children of a woman (Colleen) who left the vast majority of her estate to…