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Selling a home involves more than putting up a sign. This guide walks through each step of a sale in St. John's, from pricing to closing day, and explains what you, your REALTOR® and your lawyer each handle. It is general information, not legal or tax advice. Real estate trading in Newfoundland and Labrador is regulated under the Real Estate Trading Act, 2019 and the Real Estate Trading Regulations, NLR 66/20.
Step 1: Price it on evidence
The right price comes from evidence, not hope. A REALTOR® compares your home with similar homes that have recently sold nearby, then adjusts for differences such as size, condition, lot, parking and any rental apartment. Asking prices of homes still on the market show you the competition, but sold prices show what buyers actually paid. To start, request a free home valuation or try the home value estimate.
Step 2: Prepare the home
Repairs vs cosmetic fixes
Fix what a buyer's inspector is likely to flag, such as leaks, broken fixtures or safety issues, and handle small cosmetic jobs that make the home look cared for. Ask your REALTOR® before you take on a major renovation just to sell. If you are showing in winter, keep the driveway, steps and walkway clear, and make sure the home is warm and well lit.
Documents to gather
Gather what your lawyer and the buyer's lawyer will usually need: your deed, any existing survey or surveyor's Real Property Report (location certificate), your latest property tax and water/sewer bills, your mortgage details so it can be paid out, details of any oil tank (age, type and location, especially if it's underground), and permits for past renovations, if any. Your lawyer will tell you if anything else is needed, such as a new survey.
A Real Property Report is prepared by a registered Newfoundland and Labrador land surveyor. ANLS FAQs Lawyers also commonly ask about environmental issues such as an underground oil tank. Law Society of NL practice resources
Step 3: Disclosure
The Property Condition Disclosure Statement is generally voluntary, but don't hide problems you know about
In Newfoundland and Labrador, no law requires you to fill out the Property Condition Disclosure Statement. It's a standard REALTOR® form, and it becomes part of your contract only if you and the buyer agree to that in writing. Whether or not you use it, answer accurately or say "do not know", and don't hide problems you know about. Ask your lawyer what you must disclose.
A buyer's offer can also make a completed statement a condition of the deal. The NLAR rules do not require the form either. NLAR Rules and Regulations, October 2025
Step 4: Listing and marketing on MLS® and REALTOR.ca
Once the price is set and the home is ready, your REALTOR® lists it on the MLS® System, and the listing appears on REALTOR.ca. Good photos, an accurate description and clear showing instructions help buyers decide whether to book a viewing. See how homes are described in our guide to housing styles in St. John's.
Step 5: Offers, conditions and deposits
Counter-offers, conditional periods and when the deal goes firm
A buyer makes a written offer with a price, a deposit, a closing date and any conditions, such as financing or a home inspection. You can accept it, reject it or make a counter-offer. Once you agree, the buyer has until the dates in the agreement to satisfy or waive each condition. When every condition is met or waived, the deal is firm.
Step 6: Your lawyer and closing
What your lawyer handles
Your lawyer prepares the documents that transfer the home to the buyer, arranges for your mortgage to be paid out from the sale proceeds and works with the buyer's lawyer to complete the transfer at the Registry of Deeds. Ask your lawyer to explain the closing statement before closing day. On the closing date in your agreement, the funds change hands and the buyer gets the keys.
Selling a home with tenants: the sale doesn't end the tenancy
If your home has tenants, the sale doesn't end the tenancy. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 has no special notice for a sale or for a buyer who wants to move in. Only the standard landlord notice applies:
| Type of tenancy | Landlord notice to end |
|---|---|
| Month-to-month | 3 months before the end of a rental period |
| Fixed term | 3 months before the end of the term |
| Week-to-week | 4 weeks |
- A fixed-term lease runs to its end date. A sale alone doesn't end it.
- You and your tenant can agree in writing to end the tenancy on a
specific date.
- Once notice of termination has been given, you may enter at a
reasonable time to show the home to a buyer, making a reasonable effort to give 4 hours' notice.
- The rent-increase rules still apply.
If you are selling a home with an apartment, a buyer may also read our guide to buying a two-apartment home.
Taxes: the principal residence exemption
If the home was your principal residence for every year you owned it, you generally don't pay tax on the gain. You still have to report the sale on Schedule 3 and designate the home on Form T2091(IND). If it was your principal residence for every year you owned it, or all but one, you only need to complete page 1 of Form T2091(IND). CRA: principal residence Confirm your situation with CRA or a tax professional.
Common questions from sellers
How long does it take to sell a house in St. John's?
It depends on the home, the price and the market. The steps are pricing, preparing, listing, showings, an accepted offer, the conditional period and closing on the date in your agreement.
Do I have to fill out a Property Condition Disclosure Statement in NL?
Generally no law requires it. Whether or not you use the form, answer accurately or say "do not know", and don't hide problems you know about. Ask your lawyer what you must disclose, and ask your REALTOR® for the Property Condition Disclosure Statement.
Can I sell my house if I have tenants?
Yes. The sale doesn't end the tenancy, and the standard landlord notice applies.
Do I pay tax when I sell my home?
If it was your principal residence for every year you owned it, the principal residence exemption generally covers the gain. Report the sale on Schedule 3 and Form T2091(IND).
What does my lawyer do when I sell?
Your lawyer prepares the transfer documents, pays out your mortgage from the proceeds and completes the sale with the buyer's lawyer.
Sources
Official references checked October 16, 2026. Confirm what applies to your property with your lender, lawyer or municipality.
