Buyer Notes买房话题
New-build deposits: know what is protected买新房前，先看定金保护
For Ottawa buyers comparing new builds, the deposit is not just a line on the worksheet. It is money paid before you own the home, so the purchase agreement, receipts, builder status and Tarion steps all deserve attention before the excitement takes over.
Protection has limits
Tarion says deposit protection can apply if a new-home purchase is not completed because the builder goes bankrupt, fundamentally breaches the agreement, or the buyer has a statutory right to terminate. For freehold homes signed on or after January 1, 2018, the stated coverage is up to $60,000 when the price is $600,000 or less, and 10 per cent of the purchase price up to $100,000 when the price is higher. Condo deposits are primarily protected through trust requirements, with Tarion coverage up to $20,000 if needed.
Registration timing matters
Tarion's current page says that, starting April 1, 2026, new homebuyers should register their purchase agreement within 45 days of signing, while a transition period defers the coverage-limit changes until January 1, 2027. The practical takeaway is simple: do not leave registration and paperwork until move-in.
Make one clear next step
Before signing, ask for the Warranty Information Sheet, deposit schedule, receipts, builder licence details and any upgrade-payment terms. Then have your lawyer review the agreement before you rely on a rebate, incentive or deposit-protection assumption.
在渥太华看新房时，定金不是 worksheet 上一个简单数字。钱交出去时，房子还没有交到你手里，所以 purchase agreement、收据、builder 资质和 Tarion 步骤，都要在兴奋签字前先看清楚。
保护有范围
Tarion 说明，如果新房交易因为 builder 破产、严重违反购房协议，或买家依法可以解除协议而没有完成，定金保护可能适用。2018年1月1日或之后签的 freehold 新房，价格 600,000 加币或以下，定金保护最高 60,000 加币；价格更高时，为房价 10%，最高 100,000 加币。公寓定金主要通过信托要求保护；如果没有放入信托或没有退回，Tarion 另有最高 20,000 加币保护。
登记时间不要拖
Tarion 目前页面说明，从 2026年4月1日开始，新房买家应在签 purchase agreement 后 45 天内登记；同时有过渡期，部分 coverage limit 变化延后到 2027年1月1日。实际做法很简单：不要等到交房前才想起 Tarion。
下一步先收齐资料
签字前，先要 Warranty Information Sheet、定金付款表、收据、builder licence 信息，以及 upgrades 或 extras 的付款规则。再请律师看购房协议，不要只靠销售中心口头解释来判断定金、优惠或保护范围。
Further reading: 参考资料：Tarion: Coverage and claims before you move inTarion：入住前的保障与索赔说明. General guidance; confirm agreement terms and legal rights with your lawyer.。本文为一般说明，购房协议和法律权利请由律师按具体文件确认。
If you are comparing new builds, share the builder, deposit schedule and closing timeline so the cash and paperwork can be checked before you commit.如果你正在比较新房，可以先说说 builder、定金时间表和预计交房时间，把现金和文件先理清楚。
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