You found the perfect house, made an offer, and it was acceptedāamazing! š But when closing day rolls around, thereās a surprise waiting for you⦠that jaw-dropping chandelier you fell in love with? Gone. Vanished. Replaced by a basic builder-grade light fixture from 2004. š¬
So what actually stays with the house when it sells in Ontario? And whatās fair game for the seller to take with them? Letās break it down.
š§¾ Fixtures vs. Chattels: Whatās the Difference?
In Ontario real estate, the big distinction is between:
š© Fixtures ā These are items that are physically attached to the home. Think:
Light fixtures
Built-in appliances
Wall-mounted shelves
Curtain rods
Fixtures typically stay with the home.
š¦ Chattels ā These are movable items not attached to the property. Think:
Furniture
Area rugs
Freestanding appliances (like a portable AC or countertop microwave)
Curtains themselves (not rods)
Chattels usually leave with the sellerāunless otherwise agreed in writing.
š Gray Areas (AKA: Where Fights Happen)
Some items blur the line and lead to last-minute drama:
Mounted TVs (does the bracket stay or go?)
Smart home tech (like video doorbells or thermostats)
Outdoor sheds or playsets
Garage shelving units
Decorative mirrors that look built-in
Thatās why your REALTORĀ® should always clarify whatās included in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. If you love it, list it.
š Pro Tip for Buyers:
If there's something you assume will stay, donāt assumeāASK.
We always include a detailed list of inclusions and exclusions so youāre not left with surprises (or suddenly shopping for a washer and dryer the day you move in).
š¦ Pro Tip for Sellers:
Want to take something with you? Tell us upfront.
If you plan to keep that antique dining room chandelier or built-in espresso machine, weāll flag it from day one. The clearer the listing, the smoother the sale.
š The Bottom Line
Every sale is differentābut your expectations shouldnāt be a mystery.
A strong, clear agreement = happy buyers and sellers. And thatās what weāre all about.
š¬ Thinking about listing your home? Touring open houses? Letās make sure the only surprise on closing day is how smooth it went.
Weāve got your back from āFor Saleā to āWelcome Home.ā
Charlotte Ferguson ā 519-575-1804
@behomewithcharly @mortgagewithchar