Pre-Construction Townhome Buyer's Agent — Southwestern Ontario
I'm Andy Nagpal, a Broker with eXp Realty and a pre-construction specialist covering the corridor from Toronto through Milton, Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, London and St. Thomas. For more than 12 years I've represented townhome buyers — never builders — through the pre-construction process. Townhomes carry a wrinkle condos and detached homes don't: many are registered as common-element condominiums even though they look like an ordinary row house, which changes your maintenance fees, your reserve fund exposure, and whether you get a statutory cooling-off period at all. Freehold townhomes generally don't get that legislated rescission window, which makes reviewing the agreement before you sign the whole ballgame, not a formality. I review every agreement, negotiate deposit terms, and walk every site with you — at no added cost, since the commission is paid by the builder. Every purchase comes with an 18-month buyer satisfaction guarantee. Here's how the process works, and what townhome buyers ask me most.
Freehold or Condo Townhome? I Tell You Which One You're Actually Buying
The registration type changes your fees, your governance and your legal protections. I confirm which structure applies before you commit, not after.
Builder Pays the Commission — Representation Costs You Nothing
The co-operating commission is already built into the builder's price list. Using my representation doesn't add a cent to what you pay.
No Statutory Cooling-Off on Most Freehold Townhomes — So Review Happens Before You Sign
Without a legislated do-over window, the agreement, deposit structure and assignment clause get reviewed and negotiated before you sign, not during a rescission period afterward.
12+ Years Screening Corridor Pre-Construction Projects
Not every project on this site made the cut. Each one is screened for builder track record and financing status before it's shown to a buyer.
18-Month Buyer Satisfaction Guarantee
Buy a townhome through me and if you're not satisfied for any reason within 18 months of closing, I'll list and sell it for free — no listing commission. Ask me for the full written program terms.
How It Works
- Discovery call. Budget, target cities, freehold-vs-condo townhome preference, and your timeline.
- Shortlisted projects. Only builders and floor plans that pass a track-record and financing screen make the list.
- Registration check. I confirm whether each community is freehold or a common-element condo before you fall for a floor plan.
- Personal site walkthrough. I tour the sales centre and site with you — not a solo trip to the builder's office.
- Agreement review and negotiation. Deposit structure, price, incentives and contract clauses reviewed and negotiated before you sign.
- Legal review window. Condo townhomes get the 10-day statutory rescission; freehold townhomes get a lawyer review before firm signing since there's no legislated do-over.
- Construction updates. You're kept current on the build timeline, Tarion registration and any occupancy date changes.
- Closing support and guarantee follow-up. Not satisfied after closing? I list and sell it for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a freehold and a condo townhome?
With a freehold townhome you own the lot outright, and there's typically no condo corporation — though some carry a small POTL (parcel of tied land) fee for shared services like snow removal or a private road. A condo townhome is registered as a condominium: you own the unit, common elements are shared, monthly maintenance fees apply, and a condo board governs the property. Two townhomes can look identical and be structured completely differently — it's worth confirming which one you're actually buying before you fall for a floor plan.
Does hiring a buyer's agent cost more when I buy a pre-construction townhome?
No. The builder pays the buyer's agent commission out of a co-operating fee that's already built into their pricing, whether or not you use an agent.
Is there a cooling-off period for a pre-construction townhome in Ontario?
It depends on how the townhome is registered. Condo-registered townhomes get Ontario's 10-day statutory rescission period, the same as a condo apartment. Freehold townhomes generally do not get a legislated cooling-off period at all, which is why a lawyer reviews the agreement before firm signing rather than after.
How are deposits structured on a pre-construction townhome?
Freehold townhome deposits are often lower than condo deposits and are protected up to a defined limit under Ontario's new-home warranty program. Condo-registered townhome deposits follow the same rules as condo apartments — typically 15–20%, staged over months or years, with legislated deposit protection.
What ongoing fees should I expect after closing?
Condo townhomes carry monthly maintenance (common element) fees on top of property tax. Freehold townhomes may still carry a modest POTL fee for shared amenities, but there's no condo corporation or reserve fund to budget around.
What happens to my deposit if the project is cancelled?
Condo-registered townhome deposits carry the same legislated protection as condo apartments. Freehold townhome deposits are protected up to a defined limit under Ontario's new-home warranty program (Tarion).
What closing costs should I budget for beyond the purchase price?
Development charges and levies (negotiate a cap in your agreement), Tarion warranty enrolment, utility hookup fees, HST treatment depending on end use, and Ontario land transfer tax. A full closing-cost worksheet should be provided before you sign anything.
General information, not legal or mortgage advice. Verify current rules with your lawyer and lender — I'll connect you with both.
Ready to start your pre-construction townhome search with someone on your side of the table? Call 548 490 4577 or browse current listings.