This encyclopedia-style resource is divided into six pillars of the Canadian property market. Every entry is crafted with search-intent in mind, utilizing terms specific to RECO, TRESA, and the CMHC.
Jump to a Category:
Legal, Regulatory & The TRESA Framework | Mortgage, Finance & Taxes | Condominiums & Shared Ownership | Property Types & Specialized Features | Market Trends & Professional Jargon | Inspections, Maintenance & Construction | Architectural Styles | Architectural Components & Details
Legal, Regulatory & The TRESA Framework
Focusing on the 2026 legal standards for consumer protection and agency.
A B C D E F H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z
A
Abstract of Title: A summary of the history of ownership and all recorded legal instruments affecting a specific parcel of land.
Acknowledge and Consent: A formal disclosure under TRESA where a client confirms they understand their representation status.
Adverse Possession: Commonly called “squatter’s rights”; the legal process of acquiring land title through continuous, open occupation.
Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, often used in real estate litigation.
Agency Relationship: The legal relationship created when a person (the client) delegates to another (the agent) the right to represent them.
Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS): The primary legal contract used in Ontario to outline the terms and conditions of a property transfer.
Amendment: A document used to change the terms of an already accepted APS, such as moving the closing date.
Arbitration: A private dispute resolution process where a neutral third party makes a binding decision outside of court.
Assignment of Lease: A contract where a tenant transfers their entire interest in a lease to another party.
Assignment Sale: Selling the “interest” in a property before it officially closes, frequent in Ontario’s pre-construction condo market.
Attornment: The act of a tenant acknowledging a new landlord after the property is sold.
B
Binding Agreement: The legal state of a contract once it has been signed by both parties and acceptance has been communicated.
Bona Fide: A Latin term meaning “in good faith”; acting honestly without the intention to deceive.
Breach of Contract: Failure to perform any term of a contract without a legitimate legal excuse.
Broker of Record: The individual designated by a real estate brokerage to be responsible for compliance with the Trust in Real Estate Services Act.
Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA): A contract establishing a formal relationship where a brokerage works for a buyer.
C
Caveat Emptor: “Let the buyer beware”; the principle that the buyer is responsible for checking the quality of the goods before purchasing.
Certificate of Pending Litigation (CPL): A notice registered on title stating that the property is currently the subject of a lawsuit.
Client vs. Self-Represented Party (SRP): Under current Ontario law, a Client receives advice, while an SRP only receives factual information.
Cloud on Title: Any claim, lien, or encumbrance that impairs the owner’s ability to transfer a clear title.
Commissioner of Oaths: A person authorized to witness the signing of legal documents and affidavits.
Conditions (Subjects): Clauses that must be satisfied (e.g., financing, inspection) before a deal becomes legally firm.
Conveyance: The legal process of transferring property title from one person to another.
Counter-Offer: A rejection of an original offer that simultaneously proposes new terms for the transaction.
Covenant: A formal agreement or promise in a deed or lease to do or not do a specific act.
D
Deed (Transfer): The legal document that is registered with the Land Registry to prove ownership.
Designated Representation: A model where a brokerage assigns a specific agent to represent a client’s interest exclusively.
Disclosure of Interest: The legal requirement for an agent to reveal if they (or a relative) are buying or selling the property in question.
Dower Rights: Specific legal protections for spouses regarding the matrimonial home (primarily used in Western Canada).
Dual Agency: A situation (now strictly limited) where one agent represents both the buyer and seller.
E
Easement: A legal right for someone else (like a utility company) to use a specific portion of your property.
Encroachment: When a structure from a neighbor’s property (like a shed) physically crosses your property line.
Encumbrance: Any right to or interest in land which may subsist in third persons to the diminution of the value of the land.
Escheat: The reversion of property to the state (Crown) when a person dies without a will or heirs.
Escrow: A process where funds or documents are held by a neutral third party until specific conditions are met.
Estate: The degree, quantity, nature, and extent of interest which a person has in real property.
Estoppel: A legal principle that prevents a person from asserting something contrary to what is implied by a previous action or statement.
Exclusion: Items that are physically attached to the property but that the seller intends to take with them (e.g., a specific chandelier).
Execution: The act of signing a legal document to make it valid.
F
Fee Simple: The most common and complete form of land ownership in Canada.
Fiduciary Duty: The legal obligation of a real estate agent to act in the absolute best interest of their client.
Fixture: Any item permanently attached to the land or building (e.g., built-in shelving) that is included in the sale by default.
Foreclosure: A legal proceeding where a lender takes possession of a property after a borrower defaults.
Fraudulent Conveyance: A transfer of property made with the intent to delay, hinder, or defraud creditors.
H
Holdover Clause: A provision in a listing agreement that entitles a broker to a commission if the home is sold to a buyer they introduced during the listing period.
I
Indemnity: Security or protection against a loss or other financial burden.
Injunction: A court order requiring a person to do or cease doing a specific action.
Instrument: A formal legal document in writing, such as a deed, mortgage, or lease.
Irrevocable: A period during which an offer cannot be withdrawn or changed by the party making it.
J
Joint Tenancy: Ownership of real estate by two or more people where, if one dies, their interest automatically passes to the survivors.
L
Land Registry: The government office where all documents relating to land ownership are recorded.
Latent Defect: A serious physical problem with a property that is not visible to the naked eye (e.g., mold behind walls).
Legal Description: The specific geographical description of a property as recorded in the Land Registry.
Lien: A legal claim against a property for an unpaid debt (e.g., a tax lien or a construction lien).
Listing Agreement: The contract between a seller and a brokerage authorizing the sale of a property.
M
Material Fact: Any information that would likely affect a reasonable person’s decision to buy or sell a property.
Matrimonial Home: The home in which a married couple resides; it has special legal status in Ontario regarding sale and encumbrance.
Mutual Release: A document signed by both parties to cancel a contract and decide how the deposit will be handled.
N
Notary Public: A person authorized to witness the signing of documents and administer oaths.
Notice: A formal communication informing the other party that a condition has been met or an action taken.
Notice of Fulfillment (NOF): A document that confirms a condition (like a home inspection) has been satisfied.
O
Offer to Purchase: A written proposal by a buyer to purchase a property under specified terms.
Open Offer Disclosure: A TRESA rule allowing sellers to share competing offer details if they choose.
P
Patent Defect: A visible physical problem with a property (e.g., a large hole in a wall).
Power of Attorney (POA): A legal document giving one person the authority to act on behalf of another.
Power of Sale: A process where a lender sells a property to recover their debt after a default (the most common method in Ontario).
Q
Quiet Enjoyment: The right of a property owner or tenant to use the property without interference from others.
Quit Claim Deed: A document where a person gives up any claim or interest they might have in a property.
R
Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO): The regulatory body responsible for protecting the public interest in real estate trades.
Registrar: The official in charge of the land registry or the regulatory body (RECO).
Rescission: The cancellation of a contract by court order or mutual agreement, returning parties to their original positions.
Restrictive Covenant: A clause in a deed that limits the use of the property (e.g., “no commercial use”).
Right of First Refusal: A contractual right to be the first person allowed to buy a property if the owner decides to sell.
Right of Way: A type of easement that allows someone to pass through another person’s land.
S
Self-Represented Party (SRP): An individual in a transaction who has chosen not to hire a real estate agent.
Severance: The legal process of splitting a single piece of land into two or more separate lots.
Specific Performance: A court order requiring a party to carry out their part of a contract (often used to force a sale).
Statute of Frauds: A law requiring certain contracts (like real estate sales) to be in writing to be enforceable.
Survey: A professional diagram showing the exact boundaries, dimensions, and structures on a property.
T
Tenancy in Common: Ownership of land by two or more people where each person’s share can be left to their own heirs.
Title: The legal evidence of ownership of a property.
Title Insurance: Insurance that protects against losses arising from title defects or fraud.
Title Search: An examination of public records to ensure a seller has a clear right to sell.
Trust Account: A secure bank account where a brokerage holds client deposits.
Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA): The modern legislation governing real estate professionals in Ontario.
U
Undeveloped Land: Land in its natural state, without buildings or utilities.
V
Vacant Possession: A requirement that the seller must have all occupants and belongings out of the home by the closing time.
W
Waiver: A legal document where a party voluntarily gives up a right or a condition in a contract.
Witness: A person who watches another sign a document and then signs it themselves to confirm.
Z
Zoning: Municipal rules that control how land and buildings can be used in specific areas.
Mortgage, Finance & Taxes
Focusing on the financial mechanisms of Canadian real estate.
A B C D E F G H I L M N O P Q R S T U V
A
Acceleration Clause: A mortgage term that allows the lender to demand the full balance if you default.
Accrued Interest: Interest that has built up on a loan but has not yet been paid.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): A mortgage where the interest rate and the payment amount fluctuate based on the prime rate.
Adjustment Date: The date (usually closing) from which all expenses are shared between buyer and seller.
Amortization: The process of paying off a mortgage over a set number of years (e.g., 25 years).
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The total cost of borrowing, including interest and fees, expressed as a yearly rate.
Appraisal: An expert’s report on the market value of a property, usually required by a bank.
Appraisal Gap: The difference between a home’s sale price and the bank’s lower appraised value.
Appreciation: The increase in a property’s market value over time.
Arrears: Payments that are past due but have not yet been made.
Assumable Mortgage: A mortgage that can be transferred from the seller to the buyer.
B
B-Lender: An alternative financial institution that offers mortgages to those who don’t qualify at major banks.
Balloon Payment: A large, one-time payment due at the end of a mortgage term.
Bank of Canada: The central bank of Canada that sets the “Overnight Rate” which influences mortgage rates.
Basis Point (BPS): A unit of measure for interest rates; one basis point is equal to 0.01%.
Blended Payment: A mortgage payment that includes both interest and the principal amount.
Blended Rate: A mortgage rate that combines a current rate with a previous rate when renewing or refinancing.
Bridge Financing: A short-term loan used to “bridge” the gap between buying one home and selling another.
Buy-Down: When a seller pays a lump sum to a lender to lower the buyer’s interest rate for a few years.
C
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC): The federal agency that provides mortgage insurance and housing research.
Capital Gains Tax: Tax paid on the profit from selling an asset (like an investment property).
Cash Back Mortgage: A mortgage where the lender gives the borrower a lump sum of cash on closing.
Charge: Another word for a mortgage document registered against a property.
Closed Mortgage: A mortgage that cannot be paid off early without a significant financial penalty.
Closing Costs: The various fees (LTT, legal, etc.) paid on the final day of a real estate transaction.
Collateral: The property itself, which acts as security for the mortgage loan.
Collateral Mortgage: A mortgage registered for more than the loan amount, allowing for future borrowing without re-registering.
Commitment Letter: A formal document from a lender stating they will provide a mortgage under specific terms.
Compound Interest: Interest calculated on both the original principal and the interest that has already accumulated.
Conventional Mortgage: A mortgage where the buyer puts down 20% or more of the purchase price.
Convertible Mortgage: A mortgage that can be changed from variable to fixed-rate during the term.
Credit Score: A number representing your creditworthiness, used by lenders to decide whether to give you a mortgage.
D
Debt Consolidation: Using home equity to pay off high-interest debts (like credit cards) through a mortgage.
Debt-to-Income Ratio: A comparison of your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income.
Default: Failure to fulfill the legal obligations of a mortgage, such as missing payments.
Default Insurance: Insurance (like CMHC) that protects the lender if the borrower defaults.
Deposit: The “good faith” money paid by a buyer upfront when their offer is accepted.
Discharge: The legal removal of a mortgage from the property title after it has been paid in full.
Down Payment: The portion of the home’s price that the buyer pays in cash.
Draw (Advance): A partial payment of mortgage funds, typically used during the construction of a new home.
E
Equity: The market value of your home minus the amount you still owe on your mortgage.
Equity Take-Out: Refinancing your home to withdraw cash from your accumulated equity.
F
FHSA (First Home-Savings Account): A tax-free account for Canadians saving for their first home.
First Mortgage: The primary loan registered against a property; it has the first claim if the property is sold.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage: A mortgage where the interest rate stays the same for the entire term (e.g., 5 years).
Float: When a borrower chooses not to “lock in” an interest rate, allowing it to move with the market.
Foreclosure: The legal process where a lender takes title to a property because the borrower defaulted.
G
Garantor: A person who agrees to pay your mortgage if you are unable to do so.
GDS (Gross Debt Service) Ratio: The percentage of your income needed to cover housing costs (mortgage, taxes, heat).
Grace Period: A short period after a payment is due during which it can be made without penalty.
H
HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit): A flexible loan that lets you borrow against your home’s equity.
High-Ratio Mortgage: A mortgage where the down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value.
Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP): A federal program letting first-time buyers withdraw from their RRSP tax-free for a down payment.
Home Equity: The value of the owner’s interest in their home.
I
Interest Adjustment Date (IAD): The date from which mortgage interest begins to be calculated before the first payment.
Interest-Only Mortgage: A mortgage where you only pay the interest for a set period, not the principal.
Intermediate Term: A mortgage term that is usually between 3 and 5 years.
L
Land Transfer Tax (LTT): A tax paid to the province (and sometimes city) by the buyer on closing.
Lending Value: The value of the property as determined by the lender for the purpose of the mortgage.
Leverage: Using borrowed money (a mortgage) to increase the potential return on an investment.
Line of Credit: An arrangement that allows you to borrow up to a certain limit at any time.
Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: The ratio of the mortgage amount to the appraised value of the home.
Lump Sum Payment: An extra payment made to the principal of a mortgage to pay it off faster.
M
Maturity Date: The final day of your mortgage term, when the balance must be paid or the mortgage renewed.
Mortgage: A legal agreement where a lender provides money for a property, and the property acts as security.
Mortgage Broker: A professional who compares mortgages from different lenders to find you the best deal.
Mortgage Insurance Premium: The fee paid for mortgage default insurance (often added to the mortgage principal).
Mortgage Life Insurance: Insurance that pays off your mortgage if you pass away.
Mortgage Statement: A document from your lender showing your balance, interest paid, and payments made.
Mortgage Term: The length of time your mortgage contract and rate are in effect (e.g., 5 years).
Mortgagee: The lender who provides the mortgage funds.
Mortgagor: The borrower who receives the mortgage funds.
MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation): The body that determines property values for tax purposes in Ontario.
N
Negative Amortization: When mortgage payments don’t cover the interest, causing the total debt to increase.
Net Worth: Your total assets (cash, home, car) minus your total liabilities (mortgage, loans).
Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST): A tax for foreign buyers purchasing property in certain parts of Ontario.
O
Open Mortgage: A mortgage that can be paid off in full at any time without a penalty.
OSFI (Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions): The federal body that regulates Canadian banks.
Overnight Rate: The interest rate set by the Bank of Canada for one-day loans between banks.
P
P&I (Principal and Interest): The two parts that make up a standard mortgage payment.
Penalty: A fee charged for breaking a mortgage contract early.
PIT (Principal, Interest, and Taxes): A mortgage payment that also includes a portion for property taxes.
Portable Mortgage: A mortgage that can be moved from one property to another when you move.
Pre-Approval: A lender’s written statement of how much they are willing to lend you.
Pre-Payment Privilege: The right to pay extra toward your mortgage principal without a penalty.
Prime Rate: The interest rate banks charge their best customers; it influences variable mortgage rates.
Principal: The actual amount of money you borrowed from the bank.
Property Tax: A yearly tax paid to the municipality based on the value of your property.
Q
Qualified Buyer: A buyer who has proven to a lender that they have the income and credit to afford a home.
R
Rate Hold: A guarantee from a lender that they will keep an interest rate for you for a set time (e.g., 90 days).
Refinancing: Breaking an old mortgage to start a new one, often to get a lower rate or take out equity.
Renewal: An agreement to continue your mortgage with the same lender for a new term.
Reverse Mortgage: A loan for seniors (55+) that lets them turn home equity into cash without monthly payments.
S
Sagen: A private company in Canada that provides mortgage default insurance (formerly Genworth).
Second Mortgage: A second loan registered against a property, sitting “behind” the first mortgage.
Secondary Suite Incentive: A government program to help homeowners build rental suites (common in 2026).
Stress Test: The calculation used to ensure you can afford payments if interest rates were to rise.
T
TDS (Total Debt Service) Ratio: The percentage of your income needed for housing costs plus all other debts.
Term: (See Mortgage Term).
U
Underwriting: The process a lender uses to assess the risk of giving you a mortgage.
V
Variable-Rate Mortgage: A mortgage where the interest rate changes based on the prime rate.
Vendor Take-Back (VTB) Mortgage: A mortgage where the seller lends the buyer the money to buy the property.
Condominiums & Shared Ownership
Terms essential for the “Condo Capital” of Canada.
A
Adjudication (CAT): The process of resolving condo disputes through the Condominium Authority Tribunal.
Air Rights: The legal right to the space above a property, important in high-rise condo developments.
Amenities: Shared facilities like a gym, pool, or rooftop terrace in a condo building.
Assessment (Condo): (See Special Assessment).
B
Bylaws (Condo): The rules that govern how a condo corporation is run.
C
CAO (Condominium Authority of Ontario): The organization that provides education and dispute resolution for condo owners.
Common Elements: The parts of a condo building shared by everyone (e.g., lobby, hallways).
Common Expenses (Condo Fees): The monthly fees owners pay for building maintenance and the reserve fund.
Condominium Act: The Ontario law that sets the rules for all condo corporations.
Condominium Corporation: The legal entity created to manage a condo building.
D
Declaration: The “constitution” of a condo building that defines units and common elements.
E
Estoppel Certificate: (See Status Certificate).
Exclusive Use Common Elements: Shared areas (like balconies) that only one unit owner is allowed to use.
I
Interim Occupancy Fee: The “rent” paid to a developer before a new condo is officially registered.
L
Locker: A small, private storage space usually located in a condo building’s basement.
M
Management Agreement: The contract between a condo board and a professional property management company.
O
Occupancy Date: The date a buyer can move into their new condo.
P
Parking Space (Titled vs. Assigned): Whether you own your parking spot or have been given the right to use it.
Phased Condominium: A condo project that is built in several stages.
R
Reserve Fund: A “rainy day” fund for major building repairs like roof or elevator replacement.
Reserve Fund Study: A professional report required every 3 years to ensure the reserve fund has enough money.
Rules (Condo): Specific regulations about daily life, such as pet restrictions or noise limits.
S
Special Assessment: An extra, mandatory fee charged to owners for a repair the reserve fund can’t cover.
Standard Unit Definition: A document that defines what the condo corporation is responsible for repairing inside a unit.
Status Certificate: A document that tells a buyer about a condo’s financial and legal health.
Strata: The term used for condos in Western Canada (B.C.).
T
Turnover Meeting: The meeting where the developer hands over control of the building to the owners.
U
Unit Factor: A number representing an owner’s share of the common elements and their voting power.
Property Types & Specialized Features
SEO-centric terms for classifying real estate.
A B C D E F G H I L M N O P R S T V
A
Acre: A unit of land measurement equal to 43,560 square feet.
B
Backsplit: A house where the levels are split from front to back.
Brownfield: A former industrial site that may have environmental contamination.
Bungalow: A single-story house.
C
Carriage House: A secondary dwelling located above or behind a garage.
Co-housing: A community where people share common spaces but have private homes.
Commercial Real Estate: Property used for business purposes rather than residential.
Custom Home: A home built to a specific buyer’s unique design and requirements.
D
Detached Home: A house that stands alone and shares no walls with neighbors.
Duplex: A building with two separate living units.
E
Estate Residential: Large, luxury homes typically built on one or more acres of land.
F
Finished Basement: A basement that has been renovated for living space.
Freehold: Full ownership of a property and the land it sits on.
G
Gated Community: A residential area with restricted access and private roads.
Greenfield: A piece of land that has never been built on before.
H
Heritage Property: A building designated as having historical or architectural importance.
Hobby Farm: A small farm used for pleasure rather than primary income.
I
In-Fill: Building a new home on a vacant lot in an already established neighborhood.
In-Law Suite: A secondary apartment within a home, usually for family members.
Investment Property: Real estate bought to generate income or profit.
L
Leasehold: Owning the building but leasing the land from someone else for a long period.
Link House: Two houses that are connected only by their foundations.
Loft: A large, open-concept living space, often in a converted industrial building.
Luxury Real Estate: The top tier of properties in a market based on price and features.
M
Manufactured Home: A home built in a factory and then moved to its final location.
Mixed-Use: A building that has both residential and commercial spaces (e.g., shops on the ground floor).
Modular Home: A home built in sections in a factory and assembled on-site.
Multi-Family: A building with multiple separate units for different families (e.g., a triplex).
N
New Construction: A home that is being built or was recently completed.
O
Off-Grid: A home that is not connected to public utilities like power or water.
P
Plex (Triplex/Fourplex): A building with 3 or 4 separate apartments.
Pre-Construction: Buying a home based on plans before it is actually built.
Primary Residence: The home where you live most of the time.
R
Recreational Property: A second home used for vacations, such as a cottage or ski chalet.
S
Semi-Detached: One of two houses joined together by a common wall.
Sidesplit: A house where the levels are split from side to side.
Smart Home: A home equipped with technology to control lighting, heating, and security remotely.
Stacked Townhouse: Two townhouse units built on top of each other.
T
Townhouse: One of a row of similar houses joined by side walls.
V
Vacation Home: (See Recreational Property).
Market Trends & Professional Jargon
Terms used to describe market health and sales tactics.
A
Absorption Rate: The speed at which available homes are sold in a market.
Active Listing: A property that is currently for sale on the market.
Asking Price: The price the seller is requesting for their property.
Average Price: The total value of all homes sold divided by the number of sales.
B
Balanced Market: A market where supply and demand are roughly equal.
Benchmark Price: The price of a “typical” home in an area, used to track trends.
Bidding War: When multiple buyers compete for the same home, driving the price up.
Brokerage: The company that employs real estate agents.
Buyer’s Market: A market with many homes for sale and few buyers.
C
CMA (Comparative Market Analysis): A report showing the value of similar sold homes to help set a price.
Co-operating Brokerage: The brokerage representing the buyer in a deal.
Commission: The fee paid to real estate agents for their services (usually a % of the sale price).
CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association): The national body for Realtors.
D
Days on Market (DOM): How long a home has been for sale.
Double Ending: When one agent represents both the buyer and the seller (restricted in Ontario).
E
Expired Listing: A listing that did not sell before the contract ended.
F
Flipping: Buying a home, renovating it quickly, and selling it for a profit.
FSBO (For Sale By Owner): A property sold directly by the owner without an agent.
H
Holding Offers: A strategy where a seller picks a specific day to look at all offers.
I
Inventory: The total number of homes for sale in a market.
L
List Price: (See Asking Price).
M
Market Value: The highest price a buyer is willing to pay and a seller is willing to accept.
MLS® (Multiple Listing Service®): The system Realtors use to share and search for listings.
N
Net Proceeds: The amount of money a seller gets after all costs and commissions are paid.
P
Pocket Listing: A listing that is not on the MLS® and is sold privately.
Pre-emptive Offer (Bully Offer): An offer made before the seller’s scheduled offer date.
R
Realtor®: A real estate professional who is a member of CREA.
S
Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio: A formula used to determine if it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market.
Seller’s Market: A market with many buyers and very few homes for sale.
Sold Over Asking: When a home sells for more than its list price.
Staging: Decorating a home to make it look as attractive as possible to buyers.
U
Under-Priced: When a home is listed below its market value to attract more offers.
Inspections, Maintenance & Construction
Terms focusing on property health and physical components.
A B C D E F G H I K L M O P R S T U V W
A
Air Exchange Rate: How quickly the air inside a home is replaced by fresh outdoor air.
Asbestos: A harmful mineral used in older insulation that must be professionally removed.
B
Backflow Valve: A device that prevents sewage from flowing back into a home’s basement.
Basement Apartment: A separate living unit located in the basement of a house.
Bearing Wall: A wall that supports the weight of the floors or roof above it.
Building Code: Government rules for how buildings must be designed and constructed.
Building Permit: A document from the city allowing you to build or renovate.
C
Circuit Breaker: A safety switch that cuts off power if an electrical circuit is overloaded.
Condensation: Moisture that forms on cold surfaces (like windows) when it’s humid inside.
D
Drywall: Large panels used to create smooth walls and ceilings inside a home.
E
Efflorescence: A white, powdery salt deposit on concrete walls, often a sign of moisture.
EIFS (Stucco): A type of exterior finish that must be installed correctly to avoid rot.
Energy Audit: A professional test to see how energy-efficient a home is.
F
Footing: The wide base at the bottom of a foundation wall that supports the house.
French Drain: An underground pipe system that pulls water away from a foundation.
Furnace: The primary heating system for most Canadian homes.
G
Greywater: Recycled water from sinks and showers used for gardens or toilets.
H
Heat Pump: An energy-efficient system that can both heat and cool a home.
HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator): A system that brings in fresh air while saving heat.
HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
I
Ice Dam: A build-up of ice on a roof that prevents melting snow from draining.
Insulation (R-Value): Material used to keep heat inside; R-Value measures its effectiveness.
K
Kitec Plumbing: A brand of piping known for leaking that must often be replaced.
Knob and Tube: An old, unsafe type of electrical wiring found in very old homes.
L
Laminate Flooring: A synthetic floor designed to look like wood or stone.
Lead Paint: Poisonous paint used in homes before 1960; a health hazard if peeling.
Load-Bearing: (See Bearing Wall).
Low-E Glass: Window glass that reflects heat to keep a home cool in summer and warm in winter.
M
Mold: A fungus that grows in damp areas and can cause health problems.
O
Over-Improved: A home that has been renovated so much its price is higher than the neighborhood average.
P
Parging: A thin layer of cement applied to the outside of a foundation for protection.
R
Radon Gas: A radioactive gas that can leak into basements; it must be tested for and vented.
Retrofit: Adding new technology or features to an older building.
Roughed-In: When the basic plumbing or electrical lines are installed but not finished.
S
Septic System: A private sewage treatment system used in rural areas.
Sewer Lateral: The pipe connecting a home’s plumbing to the city’s sewer main.
Shingles: Small, overlapping pieces used to cover a roof.
Siding: Material used to cover the outside walls of a house (e.g., vinyl or wood).
Soffit: The underside of a roof’s overhang.
Sump Pump: A pump in the basement used to remove water and prevent flooding.
T
Thermal Imaging: Using a special camera to find heat leaks or moisture in walls.
U
UFFI (Insulation): A type of foam insulation from the 70s that was banned but is mostly safe now.
V
Vapour Barrier: A plastic sheet used to prevent moisture from getting into walls.
W
Water Softener: A system that removes minerals from “hard” water.
Weeping Tile: A perforated pipe around a foundation that drains water away.
Well Water: Water that comes from a private hole in the ground rather than a city pipe.
Architectural Styles
These entries help buyers identify the era and aesthetic of a property.
A B C E F G I M N O P Q R S T V
A
Art Deco: A 1920s-30s style featuring bold geometric shapes, “zigzag” motifs, and smooth surfaces like stucco or terra cotta.
Arts and Crafts: A movement emphasizing handcrafted wood, natural materials, and “honest” construction, often seen in the Muskoka and Oakville regions.
B
Baroque Revival: An ornamental style with symmetrical facades and lavish, theatrical classical elements.
Beaux-Arts: A grand, symmetrical neoclassical style often used for Ontario’s civic buildings and banks, featuring massive columns and “noble” entrances.
Bellcast Roof: A roof that flares outward at the eaves, common in early Quebec architecture to shed snow and water away from the foundation.
Brutalism: A post-war style characterized by massive, monolithic concrete forms and highly textured surfaces; often seen in 1970s Ontario universities and high-rises.
C
Cape Cod: A low, broad, single-story frame building with a moderately steep pitched gabled roof, a large central chimney, and very little ornamentation.
Chateau Style: Inspired by 15th-century French castles, featuring steeply pitched copper roofs, turrets, and ornate gables (e.g., the Fairmont hotels).
Classic Revival: A style rooted in Greek and Roman temples, featuring robust columns, heavy entablatures, and triangular pediments.
Colonial: A broad category (Georgian, French, or Dutch) featuring symmetrical windows, large central chimneys, and steep, pointed roofs.
Contemporary: Real estate built after 1970 that avoids heavy ornamentation in favor of varied materials like glass, steel, and concrete.
Craftsman: A North American evolution of Arts and Crafts, featuring low-pitched roofs, wide overhanging eaves, and exposed rafters (knee braces).
E
Edwardian Classicism: Popular between 1900–1910; a simplified, lighter version of Victorian architecture with balanced proportions and large windows.
F
Foursquare: A square, boxy house design, usually two stories high with a pyramidal hipped roof and a large central dormer.
G
Georgian Tradition: Characterized by strict symmetry (usually 3 or 5 bays wide), multi-paned windows, and a central front door with a transom.
Gothic Revival: Defined by pointed “lancet” windows, steep gables, and decorative “gingerbread” wood trim (vergeboards).
I
International Style: A 1930s-50s modernist style featuring flat roofs, “curtain walls” of glass, and a complete lack of traditional ornament.
Italianate: Inspired by Italian villas, featuring flat or low-pitched roofs, very tall windows, and decorative brackets under wide eaves.
M
Mid-Century Modern: A style from 1945–1969 featuring open floor plans, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and a seamless connection to nature.
Modern Farmhouse: A 2020s trend combining white board-and-batten siding, black window frames, and large wrap-around porches.
N
Neoclassical: A refined 19th-century style with semi-elliptical fanlights over doors and columns based on Roman orders.
O
Ontario Cottage: A unique regional form featuring a symmetrical one-story plan, hipped roof, and a central “Gothic” gable.
P
Post-Modernism: A reaction against the “blandness” of International Style, reintroducing color and whimsical classical elements in a modern way.
Q
Queen Anne Revival: The quintessential “Victorian” look, featuring wrap-around verandas, turrets, and irregular, asymmetrical shapes.
R
Regency: Brought to Canada by British officers; features high ceilings, deep eaves, and “tent-like” verandas with delicate treillage posts.
Romanesque Revival: Noted for heavy, rough-textured masonry and wide, rounded “Roman” arches over windows and doors.
S
Second Empire: Distinguished by the Mansard Roof (a double-pitched roof with a flat top) and dormer windows, allowing for full use of the attic space.
T
Tudor Revival: Mimics medieval English cottages with “half-timbering” (exposed dark wood beams against white plaster) and tall, narrow windows.
V
Vernacular: Architecture that uses local materials and traditional designs without following a formal professional style (e.g., pioneer log cabins).
Victorian: A broad era of styles (1837–1901) known for elaborate trim, bright colors, and vertical emphasis.
Architectural Components & Details
Technical terms for the specific “parts” of a house.
A B C D E F G H K L M N O P Q R S T V
A
Architrave: The decorative molding or frame around a door or window used to conceal the joint between the frame and the wall.
Ashlar: Stone masonry that has been cut into square or rectangular blocks and dressed with a smooth surface.
B
Balustrade: A railing system composed of a top rail supported by a series of small posts called balusters.
Bargeboard: Decorative woodwork fixed to the edge of a gabled roof, often highly ornate in Gothic homes (also called Gingerbread).
Batten: A narrow strip of wood used to cover the joints between wider boards (see Board-and-Batten).
Bay Window: A window space projecting outward from the main walls of a building, forming a “bay” in a room.
Belvedere: A windowed, turret-like structure on a roof designed to provide a view (sometimes called a Widow’s Walk).
Board-and-Batten: A type of siding consisting of wide vertical boards with narrow strips (battens) covering the seams.
Bracket: A projecting support piece under an eave or balcony, often carved or decorative.
Bull’s Eye Window: A small, circular window often found in gables or above doors (also called an Oculus).
Buttress: A masonry support built against a wall to help it resist the outward thrust of a roof or arch.
C
Cantilever: A structural beam or floor section that projects out beyond its support (common in modern “floating” balconies).
Capital: The decorative “head” at the top of a column or pilaster.
Casement Window: A window that is attached to its frame by one or more hinges at the side, opening like a door.
Clerestory: A high wall with a row of windows above eye level, used to bring natural light deep into a building.
Colonnade: A long sequence of columns joined by their entablature, often forming a shaded walkway.
Cornice: The decorative molding at the very top of a wall, just below the roofline.
Cupola: A small, dome-like structure on top of a roof, originally used for ventilation or light.
D
Dentil: Small, square, tooth-like blocks found in a series under a classical cornice.
Dormer: A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof, creating extra space and light in an attic.
E
Entablature: The horizontal part of a classical building supported by columns, consisting of the architrave, frieze, and cornice.
Escutcheon: The metal plate surrounding a keyhole or door handle.
F
Fanlight: A semi-circular or semi-elliptical window above a door, often with “ribs” resembling a folding fan.
Fascia: The flat, horizontal board that covers the ends of the rafters at the edge of the roof.
Façade: The “face” or front exterior of a building.
Fenestration: The arrangement and design of windows and doors in a building.
Fretwork: Decorative patterns made by cutting or “fretting” wood with a saw.
Frieze: The middle section of an entablature, often decorated with sculpture or patterns.
G
Gable: The triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof.
Gambrel Roof: A roof with two slopes on each side, the lower slope being steeper than the upper (often called a Barn Roof).
H
Hipped Roof: A roof where all sides slope downward to the walls, usually with a fairly gentle slope.
K
Keystone: The central, wedge-shaped stone at the top of an arch that locks all the other stones in place.
L
Lintel: A horizontal support (stone or steel) placed across the top of a door or window opening.
M
Mullion: A vertical element that forms a division between the panes of a window.
Muntin: The small “bars” that hold individual panes of glass within a single window sash.
N
Newel Post: The central supporting pillar of a staircase or the post at the end of a stair railing.
O
Oriel Window: A form of bay window that projects from an upper floor but does not reach the ground.
P
Parapet: A low wall along the edge of a roof or balcony, often used to hide the roofline or for safety.
Pediment: The triangular space (gable) above the columns in a classical building.
Pilaster: A rectangular “fake” column that projects slightly from a wall, used for decoration.
Portico: A porch leading to the entrance of a building, supported by columns or enclosed by walls.
Q
Quoins: Decorative blocks of stone or brick used to accent the corners of a building.
R
Rafters: The sloping wooden beams that support the roof.
S
Sash: The moveable frame of a window that holds the glass.
Sidelight: A narrow window located immediately beside a door.
Soffit: The finished underside of a roof overhang or eave.
T
Transom: A window located directly above a door or another window.
Treillage: Ornate, lattice-like woodwork often used on Regency-style verandas.
Turret: A small tower that projects from the corner of a building, often found on Queen Anne homes.
V
Vergeboard: (See Bargeboard).
Vestibule: A small entrance hall or “mudroom” between the outer door and the main interior of a house.
Voussoir: One of the wedge-shaped stones used to construct an arch.