The London condo buying checklist

Updated October 30, 2026 · Print-friendly

How to use this

Work through it in order. Each stage builds on the last.
Bring it to viewings. The building questions are the ones most buyers forget.
Your lawyer and agent handle the legal details, but you're the one who has to live there.

Get a mortgage pre-approval, and ask how the lender treats condo fees in your borrowing limit.
Set a monthly budget, not just a price: mortgage + condo fee + property tax + utilities not included + insurance.
Decide on ownership type: apartment, townhouse, POTL. See condo vs townhouse vs freehold.
List your must-haves: parking, locker, pets allowed, in-suite laundry, elevator, outdoor space, rental permitted.
Choose two or three areas: downtown, north, or south and west.
Check whether you qualify for first-time buyer programs. Our sister site London Down Payment lists them.

Ask your agent for recent sales of similar units in the building, and how long they took to sell.
Find out what the monthly fee includes, and ask for the fee history over the last few years.
Ask whether a special assessment has been levied or is being discussed.
Ask whether any major projects are underway or planned (roof, windows, garage, elevators).
Look up the corporation on the Condominium Authority of Ontario's public registry.
Check the rules on pets, rentals and renovations if they matter to you. See rules, pets & rentals.

Look for water staining on ceilings, under sinks and around windows.
Open windows and balcony doors and check the seals. Look for fogging between panes.
Run taps and flush toilets, and check water pressure and how quickly hot water arrives.
Ask the age of in-suite heating/cooling equipment, and whether it's owned or rented.
Listen for noise from neighbours, hallways, elevators and the street.
Check the parking spot and locker. Are they the ones being sold with the unit?

Walk the hallways, lobby, amenity rooms and garage. Are they clean and well kept?
Look at the garage ceiling and walls for water, rust staining or patching.
Check the bulletin board for notices about repairs, water shut-offs or meetings.
Note the security setup, mail room and parcel handling.
If you can, chat with a resident about management and how issues get handled.

Review recent comparable sales with your agent and agree on a price strategy.
Include a status certificate review condition for your lawyer. See the status certificate guide.
Include a financing condition unless your agent and lender advise otherwise.
Consider an inspection condition, especially for townhouses and older units.
Confirm the parking and locker unit numbers or assignments in the agreement.
Clarify who pays any existing special assessment.
List included appliances and fixtures.

Your lawyer reviews the status certificate and attachments. Read the summary and ask questions.
Read the reserve fund study's next five years yourself. See reserve funds.
Complete the home inspection, if included.
Get your mortgage fully approved, including the property.
Get condo insurance quotes, including deductible coverage. See insurance & mortgages.
Waive conditions only when you're satisfied.

Bind your insurance and send proof to your lender.
Book the elevator and move date with management (deposits may apply).
Arrange hydro, internet and any utilities not included in fees.
Do a final visit if your agreement allows it.
Get fobs, keys, garage remotes, mailbox keys and the building's rules package at closing.

Register with management as an owner, and provide your contact details.
Find your unit's water shut-off valves.
Note warranty or service dates for in-suite equipment.
Attend the AGM. It's the best way to stay informed about your building's finances.