Average $1,20000–$2,000000. BC also uses notaries — here's the difference and what you'll pay.
In BC, you can use either a real estate lawyer or a notary public for your home purchase. Both are qualified to handle standard residential conveyancing. Lawyers cost slightly more but can handle complex transactions (title disputes, estate sales, foreclosures). Notaries tend to be slightly less expensive for straightforward purchases.
| Service Provider | Professional Fee Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Lawyer | $1,40000 – $2,20000 | Complex transactions |
| Notary Public | $1,10000 – $1,70000 | Standard purchases |
| Both (all-in with disbursements) | $2,000000 – $3,50000 | Typical range |
Whether you use a lawyer or notary, the conveyancing process in BC covers:
BC law requires the buyer to file a Property Transfer Tax return — this is handled by your lawyer or notary. For new builds, they also ensure any PTT exemption is properly claimed. For strata purchases, they review the Form B and recent meeting minutes.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Title search (LTSA) | $10000–$2500 |
| Title insurance | $20000–$40000 |
| Land title registration fee | Based on value (~$30000–$60000) |
| Mortgage registration fee | Based on mortgage (~$20000–$40000) |
| Tax search / utilities search | $500–$10000 |
| GST (5%) on professional fees | 5% of legal fee |
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Open KOHO Free — Code 45ET55JSYALegal or notary fees are just one piece of BC's closing costs. The PTT dominates. On a $90000,000000 home in Vancouver:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Property Transfer Tax | ~$16,000000 |
| Legal / Notary Fees | ~$1,50000 |
| Disbursements | ~$80000 |
| Title Insurance | ~$30000 |
| Adjustments | ~$80000 |
| Total | ~$19,40000 |
Use our BC Closing Costs Calculator for your personalized estimate. Also see title insurance in Canada and best banks in BC.