Purchase & Property Documents

Once you’ve found “the one” — the property you want to buy — your lender needs a few documents to confirm the details of the home, the condition of the property, and the terms you’ve agreed to with the seller. These documents help your lender (and the mortgage insurer, if applicable) assess the overall risk of the property itself, not just your finances.

Here’s what lenders typically ask for:

• The Signed Offer to Purchase (Agreement of Purchase and Sale). This outlines the final purchase price, conditions, deposit amount, closing date, and everything agreed upon between you and the seller. Your lender uses this to verify the numbers and make sure the deal aligns with your approved mortgage amount.

• MLS Listing. Most lenders request a copy of the property listing. It includes important details like year built, square footage, property taxes, condo fees (if applicable), and general features — all of which help with the lender’s risk assessment.

• Deposit Confirmation. If you put down a deposit with your offer, you’ll need to provide proof of that deposit (usually a receipt or bank draft). Lenders use this to confirm the deposit amount and ensure it matches the offer.

• Property Appraisal (Sometimes Required) Depending on the lender, property type, or market conditions, an appraisal may be ordered to ensure the value of the home matches the price you’re paying. Some lenders order this automatically; others only request it if something looks unusual or if the value is hard to determine.

• Condo Documents (If Applicable). Buying a condo? You may be asked for:
  • The status certificate or condo document package
  • Information about monthly condo fees
  • Confirmation of the building’s reserve fund and financial health

These details help lenders understand the stability of the condo corporation.

• New Build Purchases. If you’re buying a brand-new home, you might also need:
  • Builder Agreement of Purchase
  • Construction schedule
  • Warranty information (Tarion or provincial equivalent)

For pre-construction condos, developers often have their own contract format — and lenders may request additional documentation.

Pro Tip: Send your offer documents to your mortgage broker the same day you sign them — even if you still have conditions to waive. The earlier your lender sees the property paperwork, the quicker they can start reviewing and prepping your file.