Do I need a real estate lawyer in Ontario?
Yes. Only a lawyer can register a transfer of land in Ontario. Notaries and title companies cannot close a residential purchase here.
This is not optional and it is not a choice between service levels. Ontario requires a lawyer to complete the transaction.
Budget for fees plus disbursements plus title insurance, and get one all-in written quote so you can compare honestly. Ask what a rush closing costs and whether they act for your specific lender, because not all lawyers are on every lender's approved list.
Retain them before you make an offer, not after it is accepted. You want the agreement of purchase and sale reviewed before you sign it, and once you are in a bidding war there is no time to find someone.
Next questions
What does a real estate lawyer actually do for the fee?
Searches title and clears defects, executes searches against the property and the parties, takes your lender's instructions, calculates and remits land transfer tax, prepares the statement of adjustments, and registers the transfer and the mortgage.
Ontario
What is title insurance and do I actually need it?
A one-time premium covering title fraud, unknown title defects, survey and encroachment problems, and some municipal work orders. Your lender requires a policy regardless; the owner's coverage on the same policy is the part that protects you.
Ontario