Three numbers to separate: purchase cost, cash due and monthly carry.
What is included in this price, and what remains payable?
Which credits are already reflected?
What must be paid at signing, occupancy and final closing?
Why it matters + source guidance+
Ask for the contract price and its HST basis, every included rebate or credit, parking and locker charges, and the adjustment schedule. A rebate already assumed in the advertised price cannot be deducted again.
A staged deposit tells you when money is due. It does not establish your total down payment, financing approval or cash needed at closing.
Official guidance last checked October 24, 2026. Confirm the current rule and exact agreement before a decision.
GUIDE 02
Capped. What is still extra?
Check the clause, exclusions, tax and where the saving actually lands.
Which charges are capped, and which can still change?
Does tax sit inside or outside the stated amount?
Is the incentive already in the price or credited later?
Why it matters + source guidance+
Get the named categories, dollar cap, exclusions and tax treatment in writing. Ask your lawyer to review the full adjustment schedule, including items outside the cap.
For an incentive or claimed saving, identify who receives the benefit, the qualifying suite, conditions and expiry. A design-studio credit is different from cash available at closing.
Official guidance last checked October 24, 2026. Confirm the current rule and exact agreement before a decision.
GUIDE 03
Keys before ownership.
Move-in, occupancy fees and title closing can be different milestones.
Is the proposed move-in date tentative or firm?
What occupancy charges are estimated?
What remains due when title closes?
Why it matters + source guidance+
For a pre-construction condominium, interim occupancy can precede registration and transfer of title. Budget for occupancy fees separately from final closing.
Read the actual agreement, addendum, amendments and Statement of Critical Dates. Check the signing date and applicable document version with your lawyer before relying on a protection or deadline.
Official guidance last checked October 24, 2026. Confirm the current rule and exact agreement before a decision.
GUIDE 04
HST savings have conditions.
Find the program, price assumption and who must qualify.
Which rebate is included in this quote?
Who claims it, and when?
What happens if the rebate is unavailable to me?
Why it matters + source guidance+
Ask which program is assumed, whether the builder receives an assigned rebate, and what you would owe if you do not qualify. Keep ordinary, enhanced and first-time buyer programs distinct.
Have the transaction, intended use, agreement dates and application requirements checked against current official guidance. This guide does not determine eligibility or calculate a personal rebate.
Official guidance last checked October 24, 2026. Confirm the current rule and exact agreement before a decision.
GUIDE 05
Follow the cash.
Assignment payments and monthly extras need their own breakdown.
Is this an assignment, builder sale or occupied resale?
How much is paid to each party, and when?
Which recurring charges are missing from the condo fee?
Why it matters + source guidance+
For an assignment, ask for the original agreement and amendments, builder consent, deposit reimbursement, assignor consideration, remaining builder balance, and allocation of taxes and fees.
For any condo, itemize maintenance, equipment contracts, utilities, parking and locker costs. Keep unknown extras visible. Add mortgage, taxes and insurance separately.