A buyer of a condominium was hit with a $34,000 special assessment shortly after purchasing a condominium and the judge ruled the buyer is exempt from paying his share because the possibly of the special assessment wasn’t properly disclosed in the status certificate.   The case of Adam Bruce v Waterloo North Condominium Corporation No. 26, they buyer Adam Bruce purchased a condominium in 2021. The buyer received the status certificate package including the status certificate... [read more]

Why Are Condo Fee So High? Condominiums have been the hottest segment of the market around GTA until Covid hit, it was partly because of the lack of affordability for freehold housing, as well as changing demographics, lack of available land in Downtown Toronto, life-style choices, just to name few reasons. In this article we will look at why are condo fees so high. The amount to be paid for monthly condo fees can range anywhere from $200 for a studio unit in the brand new condominium... [read more]

The below write up concentrates on Ontario rules but some elements and principals can be applied anywhere. What is a Status Certificate. Status certificate is a document that provides essential information regarding the financial status of the unit and the condo corporation. What’s included in the Status Certificate. Financial statements, budgets, special assessments, liens, arrears, lawsuits, condo declaration, by-laws, reserve fund study, insurance policy and claims,... [read more]

When discussing the condominiums, we often hear terms special assessments and loans, in this blog we will explain what they mean and why they are often a sign of the existing issues. Both loans and special assessments are a form of financing where funds aren’t readily available. Loans – this is pretty self-explanatory, the corporation would apply and receive a loan which would be repaid over an extended period of time and collected via, likely increased, monthly common fees.... [read more]

What is POTL. The term is associated with certain types of properties, in this short blog we will explain what it means as well as how it affects some properties. POTL is short for A Parcel of Tied Land. The most common forms of ownership of properties are freehold (detached or semi-detached homes, freehold townhomes) and Standard Condominium Corporation (your typical condo apartment, condo townhomes). POTL in the context of GTA residential real estate ownership refers to a... [read more]