Every BC home sale needs a lawyer or a notary to transfer title, pay out mortgages, and register the new owner and lender. BC is one of the few places where notaries public can do this as well as lawyers. For a standard purchase or sale, the work is similar and so are the fees. The difference shows up when something goes wrong.
What conveyancing includes
- Reviewing the contract, searching title, and confirming charges will be cleared.
- Preparing the transfer, the mortgage documents and the property transfer tax return.
- Receiving and paying funds: your down payment, the lender's advance, the seller's mortgage payout, and commissions.
- Adjustments for property tax, strata fees and utilities.
- Registering the transfer and mortgage at the Land Title Office, and reporting to you and the lender.
Lawyer or notary?
- A notary is often a little cheaper for a standard transaction, is regulated by the Society of Notaries Public of BC, and is well suited to a straightforward purchase, sale or refinance.
- A lawyer can do everything a notary can, and can also advise on disputes, litigation, complex contracts, estates with conflicts, separation, and commercial or development deals. They can go to court if a deal collapses.
If there's a certificate of pending litigation on the title, a messy assignment, a separation, a builder's lien, or a chance the deal won't complete, use a lawyer from the start.
What it costs in 2026
Metro Vancouver quotes for a standard purchase with a mortgage commonly run about $1,000 to $2,000 in fees. Notaries are often at the lower end. On top of the fee you pay:
- GST and PST. PST at 7% applies to legal services in BC, so tax adds 12% to the fee.
- LTSA filings and searches. $83.82 to register each of the transfer and the mortgage, $11.06 per title search, and $16.76 for a state of title certificate, as of April 1, 2026.
- Title insurance, usually a few hundred dollars, often required by the lender.
- Couriers, bank and admin charges.
Selling usually costs less, because there's no new mortgage to register.
Ask for an all-in quote that lists the fee, disbursements and taxes, and whether it includes a strata purchase, a presale, or a second mortgage.
When to hire one
Choose your lawyer or notary before you remove subjects, so they're ready once the deal is firm. Two to three weeks before completion is the usual working window. Presales and assignments need them earlier, to review the contract and the developer's assignment terms.
Questions people ask us
Can a notary do a real estate transaction in BC?
Yes. BC notaries public can handle conveyancing, including purchases, sales, refinances and mortgages. For disputes, litigation or complex contracts, use a lawyer.
How much does a real estate lawyer cost in BC?
Fees for a standard Metro Vancouver purchase with a mortgage commonly run about $1,000 to $2,000, plus 5% GST, 7% PST, LTSA filing and search fees, title insurance and small office costs.
Is a notary cheaper than a lawyer in BC?
Often slightly, for a straightforward transaction. The work is similar; the difference is that lawyers can also advise on disputes and go to court.
Is there PST on legal fees in BC?
Yes. BC PST of 7% applies to legal services, in addition to 5% GST.
When should I hire a lawyer or notary to buy a home?
Before you remove subjects, so they're ready when the deal is firm. For presales and assignments, have them review the contract before you sign or commit.
778-918-5990
Need a lawyer or notary?
Dan can refer you to lawyers and notaries who handle BC purchases, sales, presales and assignments every week.
