Nova Scotia directory

Real Estate Law Firms in Halifax County, Nova Scotia

40 law firms.

What does a real estate lawyer in Halifax do?

A real estate lawyer in Halifax handles the legal side of buying, selling, or refinancing a property, and in Nova Scotia a lawyer, not a notary, carries out this work. The lawyer reviews the agreement of purchase and sale, searches title, prepares and registers the deed and mortgage, arranges the payout of the seller's mortgage, and manages the money that moves on closing day. Whether you're buying on the Halifax peninsula, in Dartmouth, Bedford, Lower Sackville, or out toward Fall River, the same closing process applies. If a dispute over a property ends up in litigation, it's heard at the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in the Law Courts at 1815 Upper Water Street, though most transactions close without a hitch.

How does title work under Nova Scotia's land system?

Nova Scotia records ownership under the Land Registration Act, and your lawyer confirms title through the province's Land Registration System. Older properties that haven't yet been brought into the system are "migrated" the first time they're sold or mortgaged, which means the lawyer investigates the historical chain of title and registers the parcel with a clear description. Once a parcel is registered, its ownership sits in Property Online, the province's electronic land record that lawyers use to search titles and to submit documents. Migration takes extra time, so it's worth asking early whether the home you're buying in Bedford or Fall River is already registered or still needs to be migrated.

What taxes and closing costs come with a Halifax purchase?

Buyers in Nova Scotia pay a municipal deed transfer tax, and the rate is set by each municipality rather than the province. The Halifax Regional Municipality levies one across Halifax, Dartmouth, Lower Sackville, and the rest of the region, and you can check the current municipal rates on the province's deed transfer tax rate list. On top of that, Nova Scotia charges a provincial deed transfer tax on non-resident buyers of residential property, along with related property-tax measures, and both the rate and the exemptions have changed more than once in recent years. If you live outside the province, confirm the current rate and whether an exemption applies before you sign, because the amount can be significant.

How do you choose a real estate firm in Halifax?

Pick a firm that closes residential deals regularly in your part of the region, whether that's central Halifax, Dartmouth, or a growing community like Lower Sackville or Fall River. Ask how they handle title migration, what their fee covers, and who you'll actually deal with as your closing date approaches. A firm that answers the phone and explains each step plainly is worth more than one that only quotes the lowest fee. You can confirm any lawyer's standing with the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society. Browse the real estate law firms in Halifax below.

Arcus Legal

7 lawyers

Arcus Legal is a Halifax law firm advising individuals and business owners on tax planning, real estate, business law and estate planning. Its services cover owner-managed tax structures, business purchases and sales,…

Tax LawTax LawBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawReal Estate LawReal Estate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & Trusts

Bailey and Associates

4 lawyers · Est. 1984

Bailey and Associates is a Dartmouth, Nova Scotia law firm founded in 1984 as Bailey and Black. It practises criminal law, family law, real estate and residential law, wills and estate planning, motor vehicle charges,…

Criminal DefenceCriminal DefenceFamily LawFamily LawReal Estate LawReal Estate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & Trusts

BOYNECLARKE LLP

47 lawyers · Est. 1972

BOYNECLARKE LLP is a large full-service law firm based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, founded in 1972. It's grown into one of Atlantic Canada's largest firms, with more than 55 lawyers covering personal matters like real …

Real Estate LawReal Estate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsFamily LawFamily LawPersonal InjuryPersonal Injury

Brooks Business Law

2 lawyers · Est. 2024

Brooks Business Law is a boutique corporate, commercial and real estate transactions firm based in Bedford, Nova Scotia, established by Garnet Brooks in 2024. The firm advises entrepreneurs, professionals and Indigeno…

Business & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawReal Estate LawReal Estate LawImmigration LawImmigration Law

Burchell MacDougall LLP

30 lawyers · Est. 1944

Burchell MacDougall LLP was founded in Truro, Nova Scotia in 1944 by Wilfred Burchell and R. Lorne MacDougall and is one of the oldest, most established law firms in the province. It has grown from its Truro roots to …

Business & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawReal Estate LawReal Estate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsFamily LawFamily Law

Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP (BWB) is a full-service law firm based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with a history spanning well over a century. The firm advises businesses, institutions and individuals across litigation, co…

Indigenous LawIndigenous LawAdministrative & Regulatory LawAdministrative & Regulatory LawBankruptcy & InsolvencyBankruptcy & InsolvencyConstruction LawConstruction Law

Burnside Law Group

3 lawyers

Burnside Law Group is a small general practice firm based in the Burnside Industrial Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, serving individuals, families and small businesses. The firm handles business law, civil litigation,…

Business & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCriminal DefenceCriminal DefenceEmployment & Labour LawEmployment & Labour Law

Burton Law

1 lawyer · Est. 2020

Burton Law is a Halifax, Nova Scotia solo law practice founded in 2020 by David Burton, a former Toronto litigator. The firm focuses on real estate transactions and life and legacy planning, including wills and trusts…

Real Estate LawReal Estate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & Trusts

Clarke Legal Group

1 lawyer · Est. 1960

Clarke Legal Group is a downtown Halifax law office that also operates as Clyde A. Paul & Associates, a firm founded in 1960, sharing an office on Herring Cove Road. The practice focuses on wills, estate planning, pow…

Wills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsReal Estate LawReal Estate Law

DCL Law

4 lawyers

DCL Law is a small, client-focused law firm based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, offering real estate, wills and estates, and corporate law services. The firm emphasizes an approachable, personal style of service and has …

Real Estate LawReal Estate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate Law

Diamond & Diamond Lawyers LLP is a national personal injury firm headquartered in Toronto, with offices across Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Nova Scotia. Its main focus is personal injury and accident claims,…

Personal InjuryPersonal InjuryWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsReal Estate LawReal Estate LawBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate Law

Fall River Law

2 lawyers · Est. 1996

Fall River Law opened in 1996 and offers real estate, small business, and wills and estate law services, with a specialty in mediation and collaborative family law. The firm emphasizes a relaxed, plain-language approa…

Family LawFamily LawReal Estate LawReal Estate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate Law

Farrow Hicks McDade Law

5 lawyers · Est. 2009

Farrow Hicks McDade Law is a general practice law firm in Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia, founded as Farrow Law by Jacqueline Farrow in 2009. The firm handles real estate, corporate and commercial law, family law, wills…

Real Estate LawReal Estate LawBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawFamily LawFamily LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & Trusts

Fownes Law Offices

2 lawyers · Est. 1985

Fownes Law Offices is a general-practice firm founded in 1985 by Allen Fownes, with offices in Halifax, Liverpool (South Shore) and Barrington (Shelburne County). It serves the Queens, Lunenburg, Shelburne and Halifax…

Wills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsReal Estate LawReal Estate LawBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate Law

Heritage House Law

6 lawyers · Est. 1986

Heritage House Law is a general practice law firm based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, serving clients since 1986 (formerly known as MacIntyre MacKinnon). It has offices in downtown Dartmouth and on the Eastern Shore in M…

Real Estate LawReal Estate LawBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsFamily LawFamily Law

IY Law Firm

1 lawyer

IY Law Firm is a Halifax, Nova Scotia law practice offering services in personal injury, corporate law, contracts, real estate, civil litigation and immigration. The firm serves multilingual clients, with staff speaki…

Business & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionReal Estate LawReal Estate LawImmigration LawImmigration Law

J. Adams Law

1 lawyer · Est. 2025

J. Adams Law is a solo law practice in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, run by lawyer Jonathan Adams. The firm advises businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals on incorporations, corporate transactions, real estate, commercia…

Business & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawReal Estate LawReal Estate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & Trusts

Dartmouth Lawyer is the marketing site of Jeremy Gay, a Dartmouth, Nova Scotia lawyer who practises with Bailey and Associates, Barristers and Solicitors. His practice covers real estate, wills and estates, debt colle…

Real Estate LawReal Estate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & TrustsCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionNotary & Commissioner ServicesNotary & Commissioner Services

Kennedy Schofield Lutz Lawyers

5 lawyers · Est. 2010

Kennedy Schofield Lutz Lawyers is a full-service law firm based in Head of St. Margaret's Bay, Nova Scotia, offering real estate, corporate, family, notary, probate, and wills and estates services. It grew from Tracey…

Real Estate LawReal Estate LawBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawFamily LawFamily LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & Trusts

Landry McGillivray

5 lawyers · Est. 1976

Landry McGillivray is a Dartmouth, Nova Scotia law firm founded in 1976 by Peter Landry and Maurice McGillivray. It serves individuals, small businesses, financial institutions, and land developers across the Halifax …

Real Estate LawReal Estate LawPersonal InjuryPersonal InjuryBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawFamily LawFamily Law

Lester R. Pyne, Barrister & Solicitor is a sole-practitioner law office in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The firm's preferred area of practice is real estate, covering residential and commercial purchases, sales, and mortga…

Real Estate LawReal Estate Law

Linh Law Inc.

2 lawyers

Linh Law Inc. is a Halifax, Nova Scotia general practice offering criminal law, immigration law, business incorporations, commercial and corporate law, wills and estates, and real estate services. The firm serves clie…

Criminal DefenceCriminal DefenceBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawReal Estate LawReal Estate Law

LM Legal Solutions

6 lawyers

LM Legal Solutions is a boutique law firm located in downtown Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, near King's Wharf. Formerly known as Lenehan Musgrave LLP and previously focused solely on family law, the firm has since expanded …

Family LawFamily LawReal Estate LawReal Estate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & Trusts

McInnes Cooper

241 lawyers · Est. 1859

McInnes Cooper is among Canada's 25 largest law firms and the exclusive Atlantic Canada member of Lex Mundi, a global network of independent law firms. Founded in 1859, it has more than 500 people, including over 240 …

Business & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionReal Estate LawReal Estate LawWills, Estates & TrustsWills, Estates & Trusts