Buying property in Nova Scotia can come with some surprising costs, especially if you’re a first-time buyer or haven’t purchased in a while. Here are five unexpected expenses to watch out for when closing day arrives: 1. Deposit When you make an offer on a property, you’ll need to submit a deposit either with your […]
Category: Real Estate
Should I Add My Child to my Deed to Avoid Probate?
Many times over the years, my clients have asked me to add an adult child or children to their deed to avoid having to probate their house after they die. If a person dies with property in their name alone, their estate will typically have to be probated. Probate is the process of having the […]
By-Law R-400 – New Registration and Maintenance Requirements for Rental Properties
Did you know that the Halifax Regional Municipality recently enacted a new by-law impacting rental properties? On June 12, 2023, By-Law R-400 came into effect. This By-Law requires that all property owners register their rental properties under the Residential Rental Registry by April 1, 2024. I am a Rental Owner, what does By-Law R-400 Mean […]
By-Law M-200 – New Maintenance Requirements for Rental Properties
Did you know that the Halifax Regional Municipality recently enacted a new by-law impacting rental properties? By-Law M-200 outlines the minimum standards that rental owners, including short-term rental owners, will need to ensure that their properties comply with. I am a Rental Owner, what does By-Law M-200 Mean for Me? Under By-Law M-200, and By-Law […]
Airbnb Ban – Understanding the HRM’s New Land Use Restrictions
Did you know that the Government of Nova Scotia recently enacted new laws affecting short-term rental properties? On September 1, 2023, new amendments to land use by-laws came into effect which impact short-term rentals in the Halifax Regional Municipality. These amendments place limitations on where Airbnbs and similar short-term rentals can be operated. What types […]
Buying a House – Getting Started
Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog finally retire from the Muppet Show and decide to purchase a small oceanfront home in Nova Scotia
Buying a home: How does a realtor help?
When we work with clients who are purchasing a home, we take the time to explain the process to them and are always available for any questions they may have.
My House is Haunted, Can I Sue?
This is a hot topic among real estate lawyers and I want to look at some of the issues with buying a haunted house, in the spirit of the Halloween season. In Nova Scotia, when you are purchasing a home, we say that the law is “Buyer beware”. This means that the Seller is required […]
Restrictive Covenants: How will they affect my ownership?
When purchasing a property you will want to know whether there are any covenants attached to your property. Covenants are typically referred to as ‘restrictive covenants.’ A restrictive covenant is normally contained in a deed conveying land. Restrictive covenants are essentially the things you are not permitted to do on, to, over or under land […]
Migrating Your Property into the Land Registry System
Effective December 1, 2004, a new land registry system was rolled out in HRM which is electronically based. Traditionally in Nova Scotia if you were going to purchase a property or re-mortgage, your lawyer’s role would be to certify to you, and your bank, that once you bought the property you would have good marketable […]