Appraisal, title, closing costs, what actually happens on closing day, and a full moving checklist for your Guelph move.
Pre-closing
- · Offer accepted
- · Inspection and, for condos, status-certificate review completed
- · Financing secured
Appraisal
Your lender may order an appraisal, paid by you, to verify the property's value. It protects the lender and protects you from overpaying. If the appraisal comes in short of the purchase price, you may be back at the negotiating table.
Survey and title
Unless the seller has a recent, acceptable survey, you can request one; it maps property boundaries and shows any encroachments. This is generally not applicable to condos. Your lawyer conducts a title search for liens, judgments, easements, unpaid taxes or restrictions, then issues title insurance.
What happens on closing day
- · Your lawyer transfers the balance of the purchase price, less your deposit, to the seller's lawyer
- · Title is registered in your name at the land registry office
- · Mortgage documents are finalized with your lender
- · You receive the statement of adjustments, the deed and the keys
Closing costs
Budget roughly 1.5%–4% of the purchase price.
- · Legal fees and disbursements (approx. $1,500–$2,000)
- · Ontario land transfer tax — a first-time buyer rebate may apply
- · Property tax adjustment reimbursing the seller for prepaid taxes
- · Home inspection (approx. $350–$600)
- · Appraisal fee, where your lender requires one
- · Title insurance (approx. $200)
- · Home insurance, required before closing
- · Mortgage default insurance if your down payment is under 20%
- · Utility and condo-fee adjustments, utility hookups and moving costs
Tips for a smooth closing day
- · Stay reachable for last-minute signatures or confirmations
- · Confirm your funds are ready to transfer
- · Make sure Guelph Hydro, Alectra gas, city water and internet are in your name for the move-in date
4–6 weeks before the move
- Declutter, discard and donate
- Collect quotes, choose a mover and sign the contract
- Start a file for moving papers and receipts
- Locate schools and healthcare providers near your new home
- If renting, give notice to your landlord
- Secure off-site storage if needed
- Arrange insurance coverage for the new home
3–4 weeks before — change of address
- Banks and Canada Post
- Hydro, gas and water
- Internet and phone
- Credit card companies
- Insurance companies
- Family and friends
2–3 weeks before
- Notify ServiceOntario of your new address
- Open or close bank accounts
- Discontinue home services such as lawn care or housekeeping
- Arrange child and pet care for moving day
- Use up perishables you can't move
- If moving from a condo, book the elevator with the property manager
1 week before
- Confirm final arrangements with the mover
- Take a photo in your old home
- Arrange transport for pets and plants
- Pack an essentials box for the first night
- Review the moving-day plan
- Label every box with its contents
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, mortgage or insurance advice. Confirm details with your lawyer, lender and insurer. Last reviewed 2026.
This guide is educational and reviewed periodically. It is not legal, financial, tax, mortgage or inspection advice.
Next step
Questions about your own Guelph search?
Carmen is happy to talk it through — financing, neighbourhoods, offers or just where to start.