15 Questions to Ask When Buying a House

Buying a home is the biggest purchase most people ever make — yet many buyers feel awkward asking pointed questions. Don't. The right questions surface red flags early, sharpen your offer, and keep you from overpaying. Here are the essential questions to ask when buying a house in Ontario, grouped by what you're really trying to learn.

Key takeaways

• Ask about the property's condition, age of major systems, and any past issues before you fall in love with it.
• Pin down the full cost of ownership — property tax, condo fees and utilities — not just the price.
• Understand the seller's situation and the listing history to shape a smart offer.
• Clarify what's included, what conditions you can add, and the closing timeline.
• A good agent answers these for you — and with HOMEH you can also earn the industry's highest Cashback Rebate.

Questions about the home itself

Start with the bones of the property. Cosmetic fixes are cheap; structural and systems problems are not. These questions help you gauge what you're actually buying — and what you might soon have to repair.

• How old are the roof, furnace, air conditioner, windows and hot water tank?
• Has the home ever had water damage, flooding or a leak?
• Are there any known issues with the foundation, wiring or plumbing?
• Have any renovations been done with proper permits?
• What stays with the home — appliances, fixtures, window coverings?

Verify, don't just ask

Sellers won't always know — or share — everything. A professional home inspection turns answers into evidence, and an appraisal confirms the home is worth the price.

Questions about the true cost of ownership

The sticker price is only the beginning. Two homes at the same price can cost very different amounts to own once you factor in taxes, fees and utilities. Ask for real numbers so there are no surprises.

• What are the annual property taxes? (Rates vary widely — Toronto sits near ~0.7%, while many 905 cities run ~0.9%–1.3%.)
• For a condo, what are the monthly maintenance fees and what do they cover?
• What do utilities typically cost month to month?
• Are there any special assessments or upcoming major repairs planned?
• What closing costs should I budget on top of the price?

Property tax differences alone can change your monthly budget meaningfully. Learn how they work in our Ontario property tax guide, and remember to set aside roughly 1.5%–4% of the price for closing costs.

Condo buyers: read the status certificate

For condos, the status certificate reveals the reserve fund, fees and any planned special assessments. It's one of the most important documents you'll review before committing.

Questions about the seller and the listing

Understanding the seller's motivation and the property's history is pure negotiating power. A home that's been sitting, or relisted at a lower price, tells a very different story than a fresh, hot listing.

• How long has the home been on the market?
• Has the asking price been reduced, or the listing cancelled and relisted?
• Why is the seller moving, and how flexible are they on timing?
• Have there been other offers, and is the seller reviewing offers on a set date?
• What closing date does the seller prefer?

This intelligence shapes whether you go in firm or conditional and how aggressive your number should be — explore the trade-offs in conditional vs firm offers and our guide to making an offer in Ontario.

Questions about the buying process

Finally, make sure you understand the mechanics of getting from accepted offer to keys in hand. Knowing the steps prevents costly delays and missed deadlines.

A real estate lawyer is mandatory in Ontario — see do you need a real estate lawyer. For the full sequence from search to closing, read how to buy a house in Ontario.

Ask one more question: how much cashback?

Here's a question most buyers never think to ask: can I get money back? With HOMEH, a licensed Ontario brokerage, eligible buyers receive the industry's highest Cashback Rebate — funds that can offset your deposit, closing costs and moving expenses. Check what you can afford with the affordability calculator, then estimate your rebate with the cashback calculator.