Moving to Ontario: A Practical Guide for Canadians Relocating to the Province

Ontario stretches from the Great Lakes in the south to Hudson Bay in the north, covering more than one million square kilometres. The vast majority of the population lives in Southern Ontario, particularly in the Greater Golden Horseshoe -- the region surrounding Toronto that includes Hamilton, Oshawa, Barrie, and Kitchener-Waterloo. (Source: Statistics Canada, 2021 Census.)

The province has a diversified economy anchored by financial services, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and education. Toronto is Canada's largest city and a major North American financial centre. Ottawa, the national capital, has a large federal public service and a growing technology sector.

Ontario's climate varies considerably by region. Southern Ontario has warm summers and cold winters with moderate snowfall. Northern Ontario experiences harsher winters and shorter summers. The Niagara Peninsula and areas near Lake Erie benefit from a moderating lake effect.

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) -- including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, and Vaughan -- is the largest urban market in Canada. It offers extensive transit, diverse neighbourhoods, and proximity to major employers. Housing costs in the GTA are among the highest in the country.

Ottawa offers a more affordable alternative to Toronto while still providing a large urban centre with strong employment in government, technology, and healthcare. The city has a bilingual character and a distinct culture shaped by its role as the national capital.

Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, and Windsor are mid-sized cities that have attracted buyers priced out of the GTA. Each has its own economic base and character. Kitchener-Waterloo in particular has a growing technology sector.

Cottage country -- including the Muskoka, Haliburton, and Georgian Bay regions -- attracts buyers seeking recreational properties. These markets have seen significant demand from urban buyers, particularly since 2020.

Smaller communities in Eastern Ontario (Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough) and Southwestern Ontario (Guelph, Brantford, Sarnia) offer lower price points and a different pace of life than the major urban centres.

Real estate in Ontario is regulated by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). All licensed REALTORS(R) must be registered with RECO and are bound by the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA), which came into full effect in December 2023.

The standard purchase agreement in Ontario is the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS). Key steps include: making an offer, negotiating conditions (financing, home inspection, status certificate for condos), satisfying conditions within the agreed period, and closing through a real estate lawyer.

Ontario requires a real estate lawyer -- not a notary -- to handle the closing. Your lawyer will review title, register the transfer, and disburse funds on the closing date.

Ontario levies a provincial Land Transfer Tax (LTT) on all property purchases. The City of Toronto also levies a municipal LTT on top of the provincial tax for properties within Toronto's boundaries. First-time buyers may be eligible for a rebate on both taxes. (Source: Ontario Ministry of Finance; City of Toronto.)

• 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 (higher rates apply above $2,000,000)
• Toronto Municipal LTT: applies in addition to provincial LTT for properties within Toronto
• First-time buyer rebates are available -- confirm current amounts with your lawyer
• Home inspections are strongly recommended and are typically a condition of purchase
• Condo purchases require a status certificate review -- allow time for this in your condition period

Ontario has one of the largest pools of licensed real estate professionals in Canada. Working with a buyer's agent costs you nothing directly in most transactions -- the seller's brokerage typically pays a co-operating commission to the buyer's agent.

When relocating from another province, local knowledge matters enormously. School catchment areas, transit access, neighbourhood character, and proximity to employment can vary significantly even within the same city. An agent who specialises in your destination community will save you time and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Camille Elliott can introduce you to a vetted local REALTOR(R) in your Ontario destination -- whether you're heading to the GTA, Ottawa, or a smaller community. The introduction is free and there's no obligation to proceed.

Have a question that isn't answered here? Reach out directly — we're happy to help.