Real Estate | KH | Dunkley Law Group

A miniature house and a gavel. The Dower Act is a piece of legislation that provides certain protections to spouses in real estate transactions in Canada

Real Estate • June 26, 2026

When Does the Dower Act Apply in Real Estate Transaction?

Key Takeaways The Alberta Dower Act protects a married spouse's interest in the family home when only one spouse is listed on the property's title. A qualifying property generally cannot be sold, mortgaged, or transferred without the knowledge and written consent of the non-owner spouse. The non-owner spouse may have a life estate, giving them…

Close-up of a hand holding pen and filling out a form

Real Estate • May 1, 2026

What Is Title Insurance in Alberta?

When you’re buying a new home or property, it can be an exciting experience. But it also exposes buyers to risks. There are many ways prospective buyers can protect their investments from known problems, but what about the unknown? One option for securing your investment in residential real estate in Alberta is title insurance. Key…

A person holding on to a set of keys to their new house

Real Estate • March 18, 2026

First-Time Home Buyer GST Relief

First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate is Law: What Changed and Who Qualifies? Canada’s first-time home buyers’ GST relief is no longer just a proposal. Bill C-4, the Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act, received Royal Assent on March 12, 2026. Part 2 amends the Excise Tax Act to create a temporary first-time home buyers’…

Close-up of a man sitting at a desk and holding a calculator while talking to a client who is pointing out on a miniature condominium building

Real Estate • October 2, 2025

Condo Insurance: Do I Need My Own Insurance Policy if I Own a Condo Unit?

Congratulations, you are now the proud owner of a condo. Now you are probably wondering what type of insurance you need and whether you need it at all. The condominium corporation—the legal entity that encompasses all those who own shares in the development—is required to take out and maintain insurance on the common property and…

A man and a woman sitting on a couch, smiling and talking to each other.

Real Estate • October 2, 2025

What are Dower Rights in the Context of Selling a Home?

You must typically deal with dower rights in the context of selling a home when there is a married couple with only one of their names on the title. The Dower Act protects a spouse who is not on the title of their home from having their home sold without their consent—the titled spouse must…

A lawyer pointing to documents while discussing with a client

Real Estate • October 2, 2025

What Is a Real Property Report in Alberta & Who Needs One?

Navigating the complexities of real estate law can be a complicated process. From title insurance to residential lease agreements, all the details matter. Another crucial detail in Alberta real estate is a real property report (RPR), an important document ensuring municipal compliance, and most Alberta real estate transactions require it. You will find that understanding…

Real Estate • July 10, 2025

GST Relief Could Be En Route for First-Time Home Buyers

This blog was originally published on July 10, 2025. Since then, new information has emerged. Please refer to our updated blog on this topic. Tackling the Housing Affordability Crisis: Bill C-4 Canada’s housing affordability crisis continues to be a key concern for policymakers and Canadians alike. In response, the federal government has introduced Bill C-4,…

Real Estate • July 8, 2024

Navigating Commercial Leases

Commercial leasing is a vital aspect of business operations, offering companies the opportunity to secure suitable spaces for their operations. While commercial leases come in all different shapes and sizes, a quality commercial lease considers the rights and obligations of both parties, to each other, as well as to any potential third-party stakeholders – such…

Real Estate • March 4, 2024

Alert: Upcoming Increases to Land Titles Office Registration Fees

On February 29, 2024, the Government of Alberta announced increases to the Land Titles Office (LTO) registration fees, which will affect both property transfers and mortgage registrations. These changes, outlined in the 2024 Budget "Fiscal Plan 2024-27", will have implications for individuals engaging in real estate transactions across the province. Currently, the LTO registration fees…

Real Estate • February 22, 2023

Property Rights Statutes Amendment Act, 2022 – an Update to Adverse Possession Law in Alberta

The Alberta Property Rights Statutes Amendment Act, 2022 (the “Act”), came into force on December 15, 2022. The Act amends three existing Alberta statutes: the Land Titles Act, the Law of Property Act and the Limitations Act, with the effect of updating the law regarding adverse possession in order to protect registered private landowners’ property…