Joel DyckReal Broker SK Ltd.
Saskatoon · From the topic map

What is an estoppel certificate and why does my buyer want one?

An estoppel certificate is a document a condominium corporation issues confirming the unit's monthly fees, arrears, pending special assessments and the reserve fund's state. In Saskatchewan it is issued under the Condominium Property Act, and a buyer's lawyer, regulated by the Law Society of Saskatchewan and costing $800 to $1,500, reviews it before conditions come off.

Your buyer wants one because it is the only reliable way to confirm the corporation's finances match what was disclosed during showings. A reserve fund that looks healthy in a listing description can turn out to be underfunded, and the certificate is what actually proves the numbers.

It also protects the buyer from inheriting a problem. If a special assessment of a few thousand dollars is coming due, or if the corporation is behind on fees from a previous owner, the certificate surfaces it before the sale closes rather than after, when it becomes the new owner's bill.

As a seller, getting this document ready early keeps your condo sale on schedule instead of stalling during the buyer's condition period. Get your hand-reviewed valuation from Joel Dyck.

Get your hand-reviewed valuation from Joel Dyck.

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