Country guide · Canada
Selling a home in Canada
Listing agreement, disclosure, adjustments and discharge of the mortgage.
Updated: 04/10/2026
In brief
- Written listing agreements set term, services and fees
- Known defects and material facts must be disclosed
- Prepaid taxes and utilities are adjusted at closing
- Breaking a mortgage early can trigger a penalty
1. Listing agreement
The agreement states the price, the term, the services and the commission arrangement, and whether the brokerage may represent buyers too. Fees and term length are negotiable.
2. Preparation and disclosure
Decluttering, repairs and photography affect showings. Sellers must disclose known defects and material facts; some provinces require written disclosure statements.
3. Offers
Offers arrive in writing with conditions and a deposit. Reviewing several offers at a set time is common. A condition waiver may speed a sale but removes your protection if the buyer's financing fails.
4. Closing
Your lawyer repays the mortgage – a penalty may apply on a fixed-rate mortgage outside the maturity date – and adjusts prepaid property taxes, utilities and rent with the buyer.
Official sources and further reading
National starting points only. State, provincial and territorial rules may add further requirements.
Professionals in Canada
Documented profiles of agents, developers, managers, investors and architects, listed in a neutral order.
More guides for Canada
Other countries
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.