Real Estate & Conveyancing Lawyer in Surrey, BC
At Pacific Point Law, we understand the gravity of purchasing property, especially for the first time in a new place. Our resourceful team works to ensure a seamless transition, free from hassle, with real peace of mind. We deliver services including buying and selling property, preparing and reviewing contracts, tenant agreements, and residential and commercial transactions.
A real estate and conveyancing lawyer in British Columbia ensures legal title is transferred safely during residential and commercial property transactions. Legal representation covers title searches at the Land Title and Survey Authority (LTSA), mortgage coordination, calculating property transfer tax, and registering the Form A Transfer on completion day.
Tarun Malik, Founder & Principal Lawyer · Last updated October 2026
Areas of Mastery
Buying & Selling Property
Ensuring a seamless transition, free from hassle, with real peace of mind for first-time or experienced buyers.
Contract Preparation
Resourceful team working to prepare and carefully review residential and commercial property contracts.
Tenant Agreements
Drafting and reviewing tenant agreements for residential and commercial transactions.
Commercial Transactions
Understanding the gravity of high-value commercial real estate purchases and transactions.
The BC Real Estate Closing Process
Offer and subject removal
Most BC purchase contracts are conditional on 'subjects', commonly financing approval, a satisfactory home inspection, and review of strata documents for a condo or townhouse. The buyer has a negotiated window, often 5 to 14 days, to remove these conditions in writing. Once subjects are removed, the contract becomes firm and legally binding.
Legal review and title search
Your lawyer conducts a title search at the Land Title and Survey Authority (LTSA) to confirm ownership, check for existing charges or encumbrances, and prepare the Form A Transfer required under BC's Land Title Act. This is also when non-standard terms like a vendor take-back mortgage or unusual closing conditions are reviewed.
Mortgage coordination
If you are financing the purchase, your lawyer receives instructions directly from your lender, confirms mortgage terms, and arranges for funds to be in place before completion day.
Adjustment date
Ongoing costs like property taxes and strata fees are prorated between buyer and seller as of the adjustment date, which is usually the same day as completion.
Completion day
Funds are released to the seller and the Form A Transfer is registered with the Land Title and Survey Authority, which officially updates the public registry to reflect the new ownership.
Possession day
You receive the keys and can move in, typically the day after completion, though this is negotiated as part of the contract.
Understanding the Numbers.
Legal fees
Typical legal fees for a BC purchase with a mortgage run roughly $1,300 to $2,100; a straightforward sale is usually $1,000 to $1,600. Complex transactions involving bespoke contract terms or title defects cost more than a standard closing.
Property transfer tax
BC's property transfer tax is 1% on the first $200,000 of the purchase price, 2% on the portion between $200,000 and $2,000,000, and 3% above that, with a further 2% on the residential portion of properties over $3,000,000.
First-time buyer and newly built home exemptions
Qualifying first-time buyers get a full property transfer tax exemption on properties valued at $500,000 or less, phasing out completely at $860,000. Newly built homes have a separate exemption, fully exempt up to $1,100,000 and phased out by $1,150,000.
Additional property transfer tax for foreign buyers
Foreign nationals, foreign corporations, and taxable trustees pay an additional 20% property transfer tax on residential property within specified BC regions, which includes all of Metro Vancouver Regional District covering Surrey and Delta.
Registration fees and disbursements
Land Title Office registration fees, courier charges, and title search disbursements are billed in addition to legal fees. Ask for an all-inclusive estimate rather than just a base legal fee.
Who This Is For
Anyone buying or selling residential or commercial property in Surrey, BC, Delta, BC, or elsewhere in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. In British Columbia, both lawyers and licensed notaries public can handle standard property conveyancing. A lawyer is essential when the transaction involves non-routine terms like a vendor take-back, commercial leases, corporate ownership, or a deposit dispute, since notaries in BC are not permitted to give legal advice or represent clients in court.
Not sure whether you need a lawyer or a notary? Read our full breakdown of BC real estate closings.
For commercial property transactions or business acquisitions involving leased premises: Business & commercial law, Commercial lease agreements guide
Buying or selling in South Surrey or White Rock? See how we serve South Surrey and White Rock.
Buying or selling in Kelowna or the Okanagan? See how our Kelowna office handles real estate matters.
Your First Consultation
Bring your contract of purchase and sale if signed, photo ID, and your mortgage commitment letter if financing. We will review your closing timeline, flag contract items needing attention before subject removal, and provide a clear estimate of legal fees and disbursements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conveyancing is the legal transfer of real estate ownership from seller to buyer under BC's Land Title Act. A conveyancing lawyer reviews the purchase contract, conducts LTSA title searches, investigates property charges or liens, prepares closing documents including the Statement of Adjustments, coordinates lender mortgage instructions, and registers the final transfer.
Either can close a straightforward BC property transaction. A lawyer is the right choice if your deal involves bespoke terms, corporate ownership, private lending, or a potential dispute, since notaries cannot provide legal advice or represent clients in court.
Yes. Institutional and private lenders in British Columbia require a lawyer or notary public to handle mortgage refinances. Your lawyer reviews lender instructions, prepares legal security documents, discharges the existing mortgage from title, and registers the new mortgage charge with the Land Title and Survey Authority.
Legal fees for a typical BC purchase with a mortgage run about $1,300 to $2,100, and a sale is usually $1,000 to $1,600, plus disbursements. Ask for an all-in estimate at your consultation so there are no surprises at closing.
It is a provincial tax on BC property purchases: 1% on the first $200,000, 2% up to $2,000,000, and 3% above that. Exemptions exist for qualifying first-time buyers and newly built homes, which can significantly reduce or eliminate what you owe.
Qualifying first-time buyers get a full exemption on properties valued at $500,000 or less, with a partial exemption phasing out completely at $860,000. Eligibility depends on Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, prior ownership history, and principal residence requirements.
Your lawyer releases purchase funds to the seller's lawyer and registers the transfer with the Land Title and Survey Authority, officially updating ownership on the public register. Possession, or key handover, usually takes place the following day.
Completion is when the legal transfer of title happens and funds change hands. Possession is when you actually receive the keys and can move in, typically one day after completion, as negotiated in your contract.
Once a contract is firm, most BC closings complete within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the agreed completion date and how quickly lender mortgage instructions and title documents are finalized.
Require Decisive Action?
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