Moving from Vancouver to Toronto: What to Plan Before You Go

BC real estate is regulated by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA). Your listing agent must be licensed with the BCFSA. The standard offer document is the Contract of Purchase and Sale (CPS).

BC closings are handled by a notary public or real estate lawyer. As a seller, you should budget for real estate commissions, notary or legal fees, and any costs associated with preparing your home for sale.

If you own a strata unit, you will need to provide the buyer with strata documents as part of the transaction. Your notary or lawyer can advise on your disclosure obligations.

If your Vancouver property is not your principal residence, capital gains tax may apply on the sale. Consult a tax professional before listing.

Ontario real estate is regulated by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA). Your buyer's agent must be registered with RECO.

The standard offer document in Ontario is the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS). Ontario closings require a real estate lawyer -- notaries are not used for property transfers in Ontario.

Ontario's Land Transfer Tax (LTT) is payable by the buyer. If you're purchasing within the City of Toronto, a second municipal LTT applies. First-time buyers may qualify for a rebate. (Source: Ontario Ministry of Finance; City of Toronto.)

The GTA is a large and diverse market. Neighbourhoods vary significantly in character, price, transit access, and school quality. A local Toronto REALTOR(R) with knowledge of your specific destination area is essential.

• Provincial LTT: 0.5% on the first $55,000; 1% from $55,001 to $250,000; 1.5% from $250,001 to $400,000; 2% above $400,000
• Toronto Municipal LTT applies in addition to provincial LTT within Toronto boundaries
• First-time buyer LTT rebates available -- confirm current amounts with your lawyer
• Ontario requires a real estate lawyer for closing -- budget $1,500 to $2,500 for legal fees

BC uses notaries public for residential closings; Ontario requires a real estate lawyer. Engage the right professional in each province.

Vancouver's strata market is governed by BC's Strata Property Act; Toronto's condo market is governed by Ontario's Condominium Act. The documents and processes differ, though the underlying concept of shared ownership is similar.

Toronto's Land Transfer Tax structure differs from BC's Property Transfer Tax. Budget for the applicable tax in your Ontario purchase.

Offer timelines and negotiation norms differ between the two cities. Your local agent in each province will guide you through what is standard in their market.

Driver's licences and vehicle registration must be transferred to Ontario within 60 days of establishing residency. (Source: ServiceOntario.)

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage begins after a three-month waiting period for new residents. Arrange private health insurance to cover this gap. (Source: Ontario Ministry of Health.)

If you have children, research school boundaries in your destination community before finalising your purchase. Ontario has both English-language and French-language public school boards in most areas.

Toronto has an extensive transit network (TTC, GO Transit, UP Express). Research transit access when evaluating neighbourhoods, particularly if you plan to commute without a car.

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