Do I need a lawyer when buying or selling a home?

Yes, a real estate lawyer ensures all legal aspects of your transaction are handled properly, including reviewing agreements, managing funds, and completing the closing process.

What does a real estate lawyer do during a property transaction?

A lawyer handles title searches, prepares and reviews legal documents, ensures the property is free of issues, and oversees the transfer of ownership and funds.

When should I contact a real estate lawyer?

It’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as you’ve signed an Agreement of Purchase and Sale to ensure everything is completed smoothly and on time.

What is a title search, and why is it important?

A title search confirms that the property legally belongs to the seller and identifies any liens, debts, or restrictions that could affect your ownership.

Do you help first-time homebuyers?

Yes, we assist first-time homebuyers by guiding them through the process, explaining each step, and helping them understand their legal responsibilities and options.

Couple shaking hands with a real estate agent in a modern home

BIG PROPERTY DECISIONS DESERVE TRUSTED LOCAL ADVICE

Get trusted guidance before signing, closing, or making important decisions.

Trusted real estate lawyers serving Dartmouth & Halifax.

Practical guidance from offer to closing day.

Residential, commercial & development law experience.

Call Today

REAL ESTATE LAWYERS IN DARTMOUTH & HALIFAX

A successful real estate transaction begins with experienced legal guidance. Whether buying, selling, refinancing, developing, or leasing property, having the right legal team can help you avoid unnecessary delays, reduce risk, and protect your investment.

Landry McGillivray has been serving clients throughout Dartmouth, Halifax, and Nova Scotia since 1976, providing trusted advice on residential and commercial real estate matters. Our lawyers have extensive experience helping clients navigate every stage of the transaction process, from agreement review to closing. From reviewing agreements and conducting title searches to managing closing documents and resolving property disputes, we work to ensure your transaction proceeds smoothly while protecting your interests every step of the way.

Comprehensive Real Estate Legal Services

Real estate transactions often involve significant financial commitments and complex legal requirements. Our lawyers provide practical advice and trusted representation across a broad range of real estate matters.

Residential Real Estate

We assist buyers, sellers, and property owners with:

Residential property purchases and sales
Mortgage refinancing
Agreements of Purchase and Sale
Private property transactions
Title searches and title reviews
Land Registration Act matters
New home purchases and construction projects

Commercial Real Estate

Our team advises businesses, investors, developers, and lenders on:

Commercial property acquisitions and sales
Commercial leasing agreements
Commercial land development
Financing and lending transactions
Land assembly and subdivision projects
Condominium development matters

Property Disputes & Specialized Real Estate Matters

We also assist clients with:

Boundary disputes
Quieting title applications
Foreclosures
Building contracts
Land development issues
Property ownership concerns
Easements and land use restrictions

First-Time Homebuyer Guide

Buying your first home? Landry McGillivray has prepared a helpful guide that explains important topics, including purchase agreements, title searches, mortgages, surveys, insurance requirements, closing costs, and what to expect throughout the transaction process.

Download our First-time Homebuyer Guide to learn more.

Why Work with Landry McGillivray?

Experience You Can Trust

Having practised real estate law in Nova Scotia for decades, our lawyers understand the unique legal requirements, regulations, and processes involved in local property transactions.

Local Knowledge Matters

Our team is highly familiar with property transactions throughout Dartmouth, Halifax, and surrounding Nova Scotia communities, including the requirements of the Nova Scotia Land Registration system and local municipal processes.

Guidance Beyond Closing Day

Real estate questions don't always end when the keys change hands. Our clients value knowing they have an experienced legal team they can contact whenever questions arise in the future.

Transparent Communication

We believe clients should understand both the legal process and the costs involved. Our lawyers are happy to discuss legal fees, disbursements, and closing costs early in the transaction process so there are no surprises.

Buying Your First Home in Nova Scotia?

Purchasing your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. A real estate lawyer plays an important role in helping you understand your rights and obligations while ensuring the transaction is completed properly.

Our team can assist with:

Reviewing your “Agreement of Purchase and Sale”

Reviewing surveys and location certificates

Coordinating mortgage documentation

Explaining ownership structures such as joint tenancy and tenancy in common

Conducting title searches

Confirming municipal tax status

Reviewing closing adjustments

Managing the transfer of funds
and registration of documents

The earlier a lawyer becomes involved in the process, the more opportunities there are to identify and address potential issues before closing. Many first-time buyers are surprised by the number of legal, financial, and administrative steps involved in purchasing a home. Our goal is to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

FAQ

Our Real Estate Lawyers

MAURICE G. MCGILLIVRAY, K.C.

Partner

A founding partner of the firm with decades of experience in residential and commercial real estate transactions, corporate law, and estate planning. Need guidance on a real estate transaction? Connect with Maurice today.

DONALD L. SHEWFELT

B.A., B.B.A., LL.B.

Don combines extensive litigation experience with a strong residential real estate practice, helping clients navigate property transactions with confidence. Buying or selling property in Nova Scotia? Connect with Don.

STEPHEN D. LING

B.Sc., M.B.A., LL.B. - Partner

Stephen's practice focuses heavily on real estate development, condominium law, land acquisition, subdivision development, financing, and complex property transactions. Planning a development project or property transaction? Speak with Stephen.

TIMOTHY J.C. HALL

B.Sc. (Hon.), M.B.A., LL.B. - Partner

Tim assists clients with residential real estate transactions while also providing extensive experience in litigation and administrative law matters. Looking for practical advice on your property transaction? Contact Tim today.

D. MARK GARDINER

B.A., B. Soc. Sci., LL.B - Associate

Mark brings broad legal experience across real estate, civil litigation, family law, and personal injury matters. Need experienced legal guidance for a real estate matter? Speak with Mark.

GRAHAM MCGILLIVRAY

B.Sc., M.B.A, LL.B. - Associate

Graham advises clients on business and real estate matters while helping individuals and families plan for the future. Questions about a property transaction? Contact Graham today.

Whether you are purchasing your first home, selling a property, refinancing, or managing a complex development project, Landry McGillivray is here to help you move forward with confidence.