In June, CTV Ottawa reported that buyers lined up, some for days, for a chance at twelve new builds in Orléans. If you win a spot like that, there is one more task after you sign the agreement, and it has a deadline.
This is general information, not legal advice. Your real estate lawyer should confirm how it applies to your purchase.
What changed on April 1, 2026
Tarion, the body that runs Ontario’s new home warranty program, says that starting April 1, 2026, new freehold home purchasers must register their purchase within 45 days of signing the agreement of purchase and sale with the builder. Tarion says registration is free and quick, and that it gives you information about your builder’s warranty.
It applies to freehold homes, which covers most new singles, semis and townhomes in Orléans. Tarion’s Q&A says condominiums and contract homes are not affected by the deposit changes, and condo builders must hold deposits in trust under the Condominium Act.
How to register
Registration is done online through Tarion’s new home registration page. You will need:
- your contact details
- the builder’s name
- the property address
- the amount of your deposit
Tarion says a lawyer, agent or other representative can register for you. If you want your lawyer to do it, ask them in the first week, and get the date you signed written down so the 45 days are easy to count.
What happens if you miss it
You do not lose your warranty. Tarion’s Q&A says all purchasers still receive deposit protection and full warranty coverage. What changes is how a deposit claim is paid. Buyers who register on time keep the maximum deposit coverage now available. Claims from buyers who miss the deadline would fall under a sub-limit, which Tarion describes as a 5-million special fund for any given year, shared if claims exceed it.
Tarion says that deposit change is deferred until January 1, 2027, but the registration requirement itself started on April 1. Treat the deadline as real now.
How much your deposit is protected
Tarion’s pre-possession coverage page lists the limits for freehold agreements signed on or after January 1, 2018. For a price of $600,000 or less, deposits are protected up to $60,000. Above $600,000, the limit is 10% of the price, up to a maximum of $100,000. Deposits above those limits are not covered, so ask how much you are paying and when.
What else is coming on January 1, 2027
Tarion’s updates page also lists provincial changes starting January 1, 2027, including new information sheets and a 10-day cooling-off period for new freehold buyers. It says the information sheet and addendum must be included with the purchase agreement for it to be binding and for the cooling-off period to begin. If your agreement is signed in 2027, ask your lawyer how that works before you sign.
A short checklist
- Note the date you sign, and count 45 days from it.
- Decide who will register: you or your lawyer.
- Keep your confirmation email from Tarion with your agreement.
- Ask your lawyer to review the agreement before you sign, not after.
For families weighing a new build in Orléans, this is a small step that protects a large deposit. If you’d like to talk through the process, you can reach me through the contact form.
Sources: Tarion: New Home Purchase Registration; Tarion: Important Updates for Home Buyers; Tarion: Deposit Protection Q&A; Tarion: Coverage Before You Move In; CTV News Ottawa: Buyers line up to scoop up new homes.
Photo: Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash.