Looking for real estate lawyers in Winnipeg? The right firm can help you understand the documents, deadlines, costs and legal risks involved in buying, selling, refinancing or developing property. To make your search easier, we have put together eight Winnipeg firms that offer real estate legal services, beginning with Olschewski Davie.
Disclosure: This article is published by Olschewski Davie. Our firm appears first, and the remaining firms are included for general comparison. This is not an independent award or a definitive ranking. Services, fees, locations and availability can change, so contact a firm directly before making a decision.
Olschewski Davie has also been included in Best in Winnipeg’s list of real estate law firms in Winnipeg.
How to choose a Winnipeg real estate lawyer
A real estate transaction may look routine, but the details vary by property, lender and agreement. Before retaining a lawyer, ask whether the firm regularly handles your type of matter and request a written estimate that separates legal fees, taxes and disbursements.
- Relevant services: Confirm that the firm handles purchases, sales, refinances, private sales, condominiums, new builds, commercial transactions or any other issue involved in your matter.
- Clear communication: Ask who will be your main contact, how updates are provided and when you should expect to sign documents.
- Transparent costs: A useful quote should explain what is included and identify possible extra charges.
- Convenience: Consider office location, parking, remote signing options and appointment availability.
- Related experience: If your transaction involves a business, estate, separation, construction issue or dispute, a firm with complementary practice areas may be helpful.
8 real estate law firms in Winnipeg to consider
1. Olschewski Davie
Our first choice for comprehensive, practical real estate service. Olschewski Davie has served Winnipeg clients since 1999. The firm’s real estate team assists individuals, families and businesses with residential and commercial property matters. Its lawyers act for purchasers, vendors, lenders, contractors, property owners, developers, landlords and tenants.
Services include buying and selling homes, mortgages and equity loans, commercial purchases and sales, leasing, land-use matters, landlord and tenant issues, foreclosures and construction-defect disputes. Because the firm also practises civil litigation, corporate law, family law, and wills and estates, clients can access related advice when a property matter overlaps with another legal issue.
- Residential and commercial real estate services
- Experience acting for buyers, sellers, lenders, developers, landlords and tenants
- Several Winnipeg office locations
- No upfront payment for many real estate transactions; confirm the payment arrangement for your matter
- Established litigation practice for disputes that may arise from a transaction
Good fit for: Home buyers and sellers, investors, landlords, businesses and clients whose property matter may involve financing, construction, an estate or a dispute.
Explore Olschewski Davie’s real estate law services, meet our lawyers or call (204) 947-2100.
2. Fillmore Riley LLP
Fillmore Riley is a full-service Manitoba firm with a broad commercial real estate practice. Its team advises purchasers, vendors, landlords, tenants and developers on property transactions. The firm’s published experience includes commercial, industrial, office, hotel, farmland and multi-family properties, as well as leasing, financing, development, subdivisions and land-title matters.
Its range of related business, construction, tax and municipal-law services may be useful for sophisticated transactions involving several legal disciplines.
Good fit for: Corporations, institutions, developers and investors dealing with complex commercial property, financing, land development or leasing.
3. Taylor McCaffrey LLP
Taylor McCaffrey is a large Winnipeg firm offering real estate and property-development services alongside business, tax, litigation and other practice areas. Its real estate work includes residential and commercial transactions, property development, construction, subdivisions, condominiums, leasing, financing, residential tenancies, and mortgage sale and foreclosure matters.
A larger multidisciplinary team can be useful when a transaction has corporate, tax, environmental, construction or financing considerations.
Good fit for: Businesses, developers, financial institutions and clients with complex or multidisciplinary real estate needs.
4. TLR Law Office
TLR Law Office positions itself as a neighbourhood firm focused on making legal issues easier to understand. Its team handles residential real estate matters, including home purchases and sales, and also offers corporate and estate-planning services.
With three Winnipeg locations, TLR may appeal to clients who value a community-based office and straightforward explanations throughout a residential transaction.
Good fit for: First-time buyers, residential buyers and sellers, and clients who prefer a neighbourhood office with related wills and business services.
5. Sullivan McMullan
Sullivan McMullan focuses on real estate law. The firm’s services cover residential purchases and sales as well as commercial property, refinancing, development, cottages, new construction, investment or tenanted properties, financing arrangements, long-term land leases, and land-related estate or succession planning.
A practice concentrated on real estate may be attractive to clients who want a team that regularly deals with a wide variety of property transactions. Confirm current fees and what a quote includes before retaining the firm.
Good fit for: Residential buyers and sellers, investors, cottage owners and clients with commercial or less typical property transactions.
6. Harrison Law Office
Harrison Law Office offers residential and commercial real estate services as part of a general practice. Its real estate work includes purchases and sales, financing and commercial leasing. The firm also serves clients in corporate and commercial law, family law, and wills and estates.
A general-practice setting can be convenient when a real estate transaction is connected to a family, business or estate-planning matter.
Good fit for: South Winnipeg clients, individuals and small businesses looking for real estate help alongside other personal or business legal services.
7. Castellano Law Corporation
Castellano Law Corporation concentrates on residential and commercial real estate. Its services include negotiating offers, refinancing, property purchases and sale closings. The firm emphasizes technology, transaction efficiency, clear communication and a hands-on client experience.
This focused approach may suit clients who want a smaller real estate practice and regular updates about what to expect.
Good fit for: First-time home buyers, repeat investors and clients seeking a technology-forward, real-estate-focused firm.
8. Lange Law
Lange Law, formerly associated with the Lange Khokhar name used in the Best in Winnipeg article, offers real estate, wills and estate-planning services. Its real estate practice assists with home purchases, sales and refinancing, and the firm promotes clear communication, transparent fees and at-your-door service.
The firm also publishes a fee schedule, which can help prospective clients understand common charges before requesting a matter-specific quote.
Good fit for: Residential buyers and sellers who value mobile service, published pricing information and related estate-planning help.
What does a real estate lawyer do?
The lawyer’s role depends on whether you are buying, selling, refinancing or developing property. In a typical residential transaction, legal work may include reviewing the agreement, searching title, explaining mortgage and closing documents, calculating adjustments, arranging funds, registering a transfer or mortgage, paying out existing secured debts and reporting to the client and lender.
Commercial matters can involve additional due diligence, corporate structures, financing, leases, environmental or zoning issues, and negotiated representations or conditions. Ask early whether your intended lawyer handles the full scope of your transaction.
Questions to ask before hiring a real estate lawyer
- Do you regularly handle this type of property and transaction?
- What is included in the legal fee, and which taxes or disbursements are extra?
- Could additional charges apply to a condominium, new build, private sale, rush closing or multiple mortgage payouts?
- Who will be my day-to-day contact?
- When do you need my purchase or sale documents?
- Can signing be completed at a convenient office or remotely?
- When should I expect to receive sale proceeds or the final report?
- What should I do if a title, financing, damage or closing issue arises?
Frequently asked questions
When should I contact a real estate lawyer?
Contact a lawyer as early as practical. Buyers and sellers commonly retain counsel after an offer is accepted, but getting advice before signing can be valuable when an agreement is private, conditional, unusual or connected to a new build, condominium, commercial property or family arrangement. Early contact also gives the firm time to obtain lender instructions and closing documents.
How much does a real estate lawyer cost in Winnipeg?
Costs vary with the transaction and the firm’s pricing model. A quote may include a legal fee plus GST and disbursements such as searches, registrations, couriers, title insurance or other third-party charges. Ask for a written estimate and disclose any feature that could add work, including a rush closing, refinancing, a condominium, private sale, new construction or additional debts to pay out.
Do buyers and sellers use the same lawyer?
Usually, the buyer and seller have separate lawyers because their interests differ. Limited exceptions may exist, but conflict-of-interest rules apply. Each party should ask their lawyer about the arrangement for the specific transaction.
What should I bring to my signing appointment?
Your firm will provide a specific checklist. Common requirements include government-issued identification, insurance information, void-cheque or banking details, and any funds required to close. Sellers may also need mortgage details, keys and information about property taxes or utilities.
Talk to Olschewski Davie about your property transaction
Whether you are buying your first home, selling an investment property, refinancing, leasing commercial space or dealing with a real estate dispute, Olschewski Davie can help you understand the process and the legal work involved.
Contact Olschewski Davie or call (204) 947-2100 to discuss your Winnipeg real estate matter.
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Obtain advice about your specific circumstances.
