What Does a Property Deed Look Like in Ontario?

When you buy or sell a home in Ontario, the excitement often centres on finding the perfect neighbourhood, deciding between trendy Leslieville or family‑friendly Etobicoke, or imagining life in a sun‑filled kitchen. Yet beneath the surface of open houses and negotiations lies a critical piece of paper: the property deed—formally known as the “Transfer.” Far more than a signature‑filled form, this legal document is your proof of ownership, the key to your rights over the land, and the final link in a secure and binding home transaction.

Despite the legalese, understanding the deed’s function and appearance can offer welcome clarity. Picture a lawyer‑stamped form listing your name, the purchase price, your property’s legal description (think “Lot 12, Plan M‑4567, City of Toronto”), and whether you own it solo or with another person. Once registered through Ontario’s Teranet system, it becomes the official record that confirms you own your home—and protects you from hidden claims or surprises.

What is a property deed?

In Ontario, a property deed—called a Transfer—is a legal document that transfers property ownership from the seller (grantor) to the buyer (grantee). It contains essential legal details, including:

• Buyer and seller names, clearly identifying the parties involved
  
  

• Legal property description, such as lot and plan numbers used in the Ontario Land Registry
  
  

• Purchase price, listed as the consideration
  
  

• Signatures, usually the seller's, witnessed and filed as required by law
  
  

After the deed is signed, it’s registered in the Ontario Land Titles system through OnLand or Teranet. Only licensed lawyers in Ontario are authorized to register Transfers, ensuring every transaction is legitimate and properly executed.

Common types of deeds in Ontario

When multiple people purchase a property, ownership is typically registered in one of two ways:

• Joint Tenancy: This is common among spouses or family members. Each owner has equal interest in the property, and upon the death of one, their share passes automatically to the surviving owner(s). This is known as the right of survivorship.
  
  

• Tenants in Common: Each person owns a defined share of the property. Shares can be unequal, and each owner has the right to transfer or sell their portion independently. When one owner dies, their share passes according to their will or estate plan.
  
  

If only one person is named on title, the property is held as registered ownership.

Some other deed types include transfers by personal representatives—used when property is transferred from an estate after the original owner’s death. These documents often make no warranties or guarantees about the property’s condition.

All of these structures are outlined in Ontario’s standard Transfer form, and each carries distinct legal consequences.

How deeds support your rights

Registering a deed in Ontario secures what’s called a bundle of ownership rights, including:

• Possession – you have legal ownership of the property
  
  

• Control – you decide how the property is used
  
  

• Exclusion – you can prevent others from entering
  
  

• Enjoyment – you can use the property within the law
  
  

• Disposition – you can sell, lease, or transfer the property
  
  

As part of the registration process, your real estate lawyer will ensure any mortgages or liens are discharged, so the new deed is clean and free of previous debts or claims.

What your deed document actually looks like

The Ontario Transfer form is a structured legal document that includes:

• Full names of the buyer(s) and seller(s)
  
  

• The property’s legal description, often by lot, plan, and municipality
  
  

• Declared purchase price (consideration)
  
  

• Designation of ownership type: joint tenancy, tenants in common, or registered owner
  
  

• Signatures, typically by the seller(s), and often witnessed or sealed
  
  

• A registration section, which will include the date of registration, the registration number, and the Land Titles Office details
  
  

This form becomes legally binding and official once registered by your lawyer through the Teranet e-registration system.

How deeds are registered in Ontario

In the past, registering a deed could take days, but with Ontario’s electronic land registration system (Teranet), the process can now take just minutes. That said, legal representation is required by law: only lawyers can legally register a Transfer in Ontario. This ensures that the sale complies with provincial laws and protects all parties involved.

The standard registration timeline can range from 5 to 10 business days when considering lender funding, document preparation, and legal due diligence. However, the final electronic registration itself is usually completed quickly once all conditions are met.

Why it matters to GTA home buyers and sellers

Accurate registration of a deed is not just about bureaucracy—it protects you from fraud and future disputes. Title fraud is a real and growing concern in Ontario. There have been high-profile cases in the GTA where homes were sold without the owner’s knowledge, using forged documents or stolen identities.

Registering a deed through a trusted lawyer ensures the legal transfer of ownership is secure and recognized by the provincial land registry system. It’s your strongest defence against title theft and registration errors.

Final Thoughts

A property deed in Ontario—called a Transfer—is far more than paperwork. It’s your legal evidence of home ownership and the basis of your rights to enjoy, sell, and protect your property. Whether you're buying your first condo in Liberty Village or selling a detached home in Markland Wood, working with an experienced lawyer ensures that your Transfer is properly drafted, registered, and free of liabilities.

When your Transfer is that important, you'll want experienced guidance every step of the way. That’s where The Johnson Team comes in.

With solid local expertise and a reputation built on trust, The Johnson Team—led by Jeff and Liz Johnson—offers tailored support to every buyer or seller in Toronto and the GTA. As your Buyer's Representative, they’ll streamline your search, analyse comparable properties, handle negotiations, and protect your interests—at no cost to you. As Sellers’ Agents, they’ll craft effective marketing strategies, stage your home to shine, and negotiate top dollar—while managing all the paperwork.

Don't navigate this critical process alone. If you’re ready to start house hunting or prepare your home for sale, contact The Johnson Team today to connect with a dedicated agent and get started right away.