Step-by-step journey
We have refined our process over two decades of practice so that every client receives consistent, high-quality real-estate law support with no surprises along the way.
Free initial consultation
Your journey begins with a complimentary 30-minute consultation — by phone, video call or in person at our Montréal office. During this session, we listen to your situation, identify the legal issues at play and outline the scope of work. Whether you are purchasing a first home, selling a commercial building or facing a boundary dispute, this conversation allows us to understand your goals and recommend the right approach. There is no obligation and no pressure — just honest guidance from an experienced real-estate law practitioner.
Engagement and file opening
Once you decide to move forward, we prepare a clear engagement letter that outlines the services we will provide, the applicable fees and the expected timeline. You sign the letter, provide the initial retainer (if applicable) and we open your file. At this stage, we assign a dedicated lawyer and a support coordinator to your matter so you always know exactly who to contact with questions.
Document collection and review
We request all relevant documents — the promise to purchase, certificate of location, mortgage pre-approval, condominium declaration, vendor disclosure forms and any other materials specific to your transaction. Our team reviews every page with meticulous attention, flagging potential issues such as unclear servitudes, outstanding municipal taxes, non-conforming renovations or restrictive covenants that could affect your rights. We prepare a detailed summary report for you, written in plain language rather than legal jargon, so you understand every finding.
Title search and due diligence
This is where our expertise truly shines. We conduct a comprehensive search of the Quebec Land Registry to trace the chain of title, verify the absence of undisclosed hypothecs and confirm that the seller has the legal authority to transfer the property. For commercial transactions, we extend this analysis to include zoning verification, environmental assessment review and lease portfolio auditing. Any anomalies are flagged immediately, and we propose solutions — whether that means negotiating a price adjustment, requiring the seller to clear a lien or arranging title insurance as a safeguard.
Negotiation and condition management
Real-estate transactions rarely proceed without some form of negotiation. Perhaps the inspection reveals a structural concern, or the title search uncovers an unregistered easement. Our lawyers handle all negotiations on your behalf, drafting amendments to the promise to purchase, requesting seller concessions and ensuring that every condition — financing, inspection, legal review — is satisfied or properly waived within the contractual deadlines. We keep you informed at every turn, presenting options and recommendations so you can make confident decisions.
Closing preparation
As the closing date approaches, we coordinate with the notary, your mortgage lender and the opposing party's counsel to ensure all documents are in order. We review the deed of sale, confirm the adjustment of property taxes and utility costs, verify that the mortgage funds will be available on time and prepare a closing statement that accounts for every dollar. Our goal is a seamless closing day where you sign with full confidence that every detail has been addressed.
Closing day and fund transfer
On closing day, you attend the notary's office to sign the deed of sale and mortgage documents. Our lawyer is available by phone or in person to answer any last-minute questions. Once the documents are signed, funds are disbursed, keys are handed over and the transaction is registered at the Land Registry. Congratulations — the property is now legally yours (or successfully sold, if you are the vendor).
Post-closing support
Our relationship does not end at closing. Depending on your package, you receive 30 to 90 days of post-closing support during which you can contact us with any questions about your new property — from understanding your tax obligations to clarifying the terms of a servitude that appeared in the deed. We also retain a copy of your file for future reference, making it easy to assist you with refinancing, renovations or a future sale down the road.
What you can expect throughout
Beyond the steps above, these principles guide every interaction you have with our team.
Timely updates
You will never wonder about the status of your file. We provide proactive updates at every milestone — by email, phone or through our secure client portal — so you are always in the loop.
Plain-language reporting
Legal documents can be dense and intimidating. We distil every finding into clear, jargon-free summaries so you understand exactly what you are signing and why it matters for your investment.
Responsive availability
Questions arise at unexpected moments. Our team responds to client emails within four business hours and returns phone calls the same day. Urgent matters receive immediate attention.
Quality assurance
Every document we prepare undergoes a two-layer review — first by the assigned lawyer, then by a senior partner. This dual-check process minimises errors and ensures the highest standard of legal work.
Why our process matters
A well-structured legal process is not just about efficiency — it is about protecting your interests at every turn. In Quebec, real-estate law is governed by the Civil Code, which imposes specific obligations on both buyers and sellers that differ from the rest of Canada. Missing a deadline, overlooking a hidden defect or failing to register a document properly can have costly consequences.
At Ridgeway Property Legal, our eight-step process has been refined through thousands of successful transactions. Each step includes built-in checkpoints and safeguards designed to catch problems early, when they are easiest and least expensive to resolve. Our clients consistently tell us that the clarity and predictability of our process is what gives them confidence to move forward with major property decisions.
Whether your transaction is straightforward or highly complex, you deserve a legal team that treats your matter with the same rigour and attention we would apply to our own investments. That is the standard we hold ourselves to on every file, every time.
Start your consultationCommon questions about our process
Practical answers for clients who want to know exactly how working with a real-estate law firm unfolds.
How long does a typical residential transaction take?
From engagement to closing, most residential transactions in Quebec take between 45 and 90 days. The exact timeline depends on factors such as financing conditions, inspection scheduling and the responsiveness of the other party. We work proactively to keep things on track and will alert you immediately if any delay is anticipated.
Can I attend meetings virtually?
Absolutely. While we welcome clients to our Montréal office, we conduct the majority of consultations and update meetings via secure video conferencing. The only in-person requirement is typically the notarial signing on closing day, which is mandated by Quebec law.
What happens if a serious issue is found during the title search?
If we discover a significant title defect — such as an unregistered hypothec, a boundary encroachment or an outstanding legal hypothec of the construction industry — we present you with a clear explanation of the risk and your options. These may include requiring the seller to resolve the issue before closing, negotiating a price reduction, obtaining title insurance or, in extreme cases, exercising your right to withdraw from the transaction under the conditions of the promise to purchase.
Do you handle the notarial signing as well?
In Quebec, the deed of sale must be signed before a notary. While we are not a notarial firm, we work closely with trusted notaries across Montréal and coordinate the entire closing process on your behalf. We review the notarial documents before signing day so there are no surprises.