Starting April 1, 2026, new requirements make it more important than ever for pre-construction freehold homebuyers in Ontario to register their purchase agreements with Tarion. 

To qualify for the maximum deposit protection coverage, purchasers must register their pre-construction agreement within 45 days of signing, using Tarion’s Register Your Purchase Agreement for Tarion Deposit Protection webpage. 

Purchasers who register after 45-day period, or who do not register at all, may qualify for a reduced level of deposit protection.

Registration is streamlined and may be completed by third parties, such as the purchaser’s real estate agent or lawyer. To register, purchasers need only provide basic information, including their contact details, the builder’s name, the property address, and deposit amount.

New freehold home purchasers who sign agreements on or after April 1, 2026 should be reminded that registering the agreement is essential and is the only way to ensure access to the maximum level of deposit protection coverage under Tarion.

By Lawyers Ontario Real Estate publications have been updated to help practitioners navigate this important change.

As a temporary measure, the federal government has introduced a GST/HST first-time home buyers' rebate for individuals purchasing newly constructed or substantially renovated homes, where the agreement of purchase and sale is entered into after March 19, 2025, and before 2031.

The maximum rebate is capped at $50,000, which can eliminate GST on eligible homes valued up to $1,000,000. For homes priced between $1,000,000 to $1,500,000, the rebate is reduced on a sliding scale. No rebate is available for homes priced at $1,500,000 or more.

The rebate applies only to homes intended for the purchaser's primary residence and is not available for investment purchases. Corporations and partnerships are not eligible for the rebate.

To qualify, purchasers must meet the definition of a first-time home buyer under the Excise Tax Act 1985. This requires that the purchaser:

• be at least 18 years of age;

• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; and

• has not lived in a home owned by the purchaser or their spouse or common-law partner, as a primary residence in the current or previous 4 calendar years.

The purchaser must acquire the property as their primary residence and be the first occupant. A purchaser cannot reapply for the rebate if they have already received it for another property.

The agreement of purchase and sale must be for a newly constructed or substantially renovated property. A substantial renovation is defined as one in which more than 90% of the interior has been renovated or replaced. Construction or renovation must begin before 2031 and be substantially completed before 2036, with ownership transferred to the purchaser before 2036.

The rebate application process depends on whether the builder pays or credits the rebate to the purchaser at closing. It also depends on the type of property transaction. There are 5 possible application types, depending on whether the purchase includes the purchase of land, a lease of land from the builder, or shares in the capital stock of a housing co-operative.

If the purchaser applies to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the application must be submitted within 2 years of the ownership transfer date.

This new rebate represents a significant increase in GST/HST relief for eligible first-time home buyers. By Lawyers has updated all publications and will continue to monitor legal and regulatory changes to help practitioners adapt efficiently to these developments.

By Lawyers has released new guidance and precedents covering family property proceedings in Alberta under the new Family Focused Protocol. Complete with legal commentary, legally drafted precedents, and best practice tools, By Lawyers Property Division guide provides everything needed to obtain family property orders under the new protocol.

Coverage includes claims by spouses and adult interdependent partners under the Family Property Act 2000 and provides practical legal guidance on navigating property division proceedings in the Court of King’s Bench.

A detailed explanation is provided of how family law matters now proceed under the Family Focused Protocol (FFP) through three procedural streams: the regular family process, the desk process, and the urgent process. The guide also includes extensive guidance on how the regular family process applies to contested family property proceedings.

In addition, it offers practical guidance on common issues in property division matters, including disclosure obligations, exclusive possession orders, unjust enrichment claims, and succession considerations. Guidance is also provided on electronic filing, service requirements, Webex remote hearings, and the trial process.

Designed as a practical resource for lawyers and legal professionals, the By Lawyers Property Division guide provides a comprehensive system for handling family property matters. It includes a best practice matter plan that guides practitioners through each step of the process. The plain-language commentary delivers clear answers and is supported by a wide range of drafted precedents, including updated Family Property Agreements, Section 38 Acknowledgments, Mediation and Arbitration Agreements, and other best practice tools, such as the Family Property Agreement Review Checklist, Family Property Classification Worksheet for clients, and Document Disclosure Checklist – each designed to streamline file management and reduce administrative workload.

By Lawyers will continue to monitor refinements to the Family Focused Protocol and update our practical commentary, legally drafted precedents, best practice tools, and matter plans to assist practitioners across Alberta in navigating this significant change to family law practice in the province.

By Lawyers is proud to announce new guidance and precedents designed to help Ontario practitioners navigate the complexities of private mortgage transactions. This comprehensive resource covers all key aspects of private mortgages, including standard charge terms, Forms 9D and 9E, implied covenants, title searching, electronic registration, discharge, transfer, assignment, and default. It also provides detailed explanations and adaptable, file-ready precedents for every standard mortgage document, giving practitioners the tools to streamline their private mortgage conveyancing practice.

The publication delivers a complete, practice-ready toolkit for lawyers handling private mortgage matters. Alongside precedents for each standard document, it includes worksheets, checklists, letters, and a matter plan to guide practitioners through every stage of a transaction. Whether preparing a one-off lending arrangement or handling occasional mortgage transactions, this resource helps ensure all documentation is clear, thorough, and adaptable to client-specific circumstances. By Lawyers designed the materials to save time, reduce errors, and promote consistency in high-quality service delivery.

Written in plain language and structured for practical use, the publication equips lawyers to expand and enhance their private mortgage practice with confidence. It emphasizes best practices, efficiency, and risk management, providing a strong foundation for both new and experienced practitioners to deliver reliable, professional outcomes.

With this comprehensive resource, By Lawyers supports practitioners to strengthen their private mortgage practice, improve workflow, and provide clients with secure, well-documented lending solutions. It is a must-have for any lawyer seeking to build expertise and efficiency in private mortgage transactions. Explore By Lawyers Mortgages guide on our website.