Buying

Buried Oil Tanks in Ontario Homes: Environmental Liability, Insurance & Due Diligence

Buying an Ontario home with a heating oil tank? According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, exterior tanks over 15 years and interior over 25 typically can't be insured — and no insurance means no mortgage. Here is the due diligence.

Buying Greenbelt or Agricultural Land in Ontario: What You Can Actually Build

Can you build on agricultural or Greenbelt land in Ontario? According to Ontario (PPS 2024, in force Oct 20, 2024), prime agricultural areas tightly limit new lots and homes. A broker's guide.

POTL & Common Elements Condos: Freehold Homes That Still Pay Condo Fees

According to the Condominium Authority of Ontario, a POTL is a freehold home tied to a Common Elements Condo — governed by the Condominium Act, 1998, with a monthly fee and a status certificate to order before buying.

Conservation Authority Permits: Building on or Near Ontario’s Regulated Lands

According to Ontario Regulation 41/24 (in force April 1, 2024), building near wetlands, floodplains, watercourses or shorelines may need a Conservation Authority permit on top of your municipal one. Check before you buy.

Shore Road Allowance: Why Your Ontario Waterfront Lot May Not Reach the Water

According to the Government of Ontario (Ministry of Natural Resources), a ~66-foot original shore road allowance often sits between a waterfront lot and the water, owned by the municipality or Crown.

Homes on Private or Seasonal Roads in Ontario: Access Rights, Maintenance & Financing

Buying an Ontario home on a private or seasonal road? According to CMHC (2026), insured mortgages require year-round access to a public road. Arthur Zhao walks you through access rights, road agreements, financing and insurance.

Buying a Propane-Heated Home in Ontario: Tanks, TSSA Rules, Costs & Insurance

Buying a propane-heated home in Ontario? Know leased vs owned tanks, TSSA's mandatory 10-year inspection (90-day fix window), operating costs vs natural gas, and insurance before you write your offer.

The Pet, Rental, and Renovation Rules Hidden in a Condo’s Governing Documents

Before buying a GTA condo, read the Declaration, By-laws, and Rules in the status certificate. Pet bans, Airbnb limits, and flooring rules bind you at closing.