When you’re caught up in the excitement of buying a new home, it’s easy to focus on square footage, paint colours, and whether your couch will fit in the living room. But behind every charming front porch and freshly painted wall, there could be a story worth asking about.
Here are eight surprising—but important—questions every Canadian homebuyer should ask before signing on the dotted line. These won’t always show up in the listing… but they might just save you from a costly surprise later.
1. Has This House Ever Been Hit by a Car?
It sounds bizarre, but you’d be surprised how many homes in busy intersections or near sharp turns have had an unfortunate run-in with a vehicle.
Ask about past damage and check for any foundation repairs or structural fixes near the front of the home. If something seems off, your home inspector should take a closer look.
2. What Exactly Will I Own?
Property lines and ownership rights aren’t always crystal clear. Are you buying the entire lot? Does that shared laneway actually belong to your neighbour? What about that mysterious strip of land between the driveway and the sidewalk?
Before you commit, ask your lawyer or real estate agent to clarify boundaries, easements, and rights of way. You don’t want a surprise later when it’s time to build a fence or plant a tree.
3. Was the Home Ever Used as a Business?
Was this charming bungalow once a hair salon? Tattoo parlour? Airbnb hotspot?
Homes that were previously used commercially may have been subject to different zoning rules, extra wear and tear, or unpermitted renovations. Ask the seller or your agent to disclose any business activity, especially if the home was advertised or modified for commercial use.
4. Why Exactly Was the Basement Renovated?
Finished basements are a huge bonus—but not all renovations are created equal. If the basement was recently updated, ask why. Was it to cover up water damage? Fix foundation issues?
A fresh coat of paint can hide a lot. Make sure your home inspector checks for signs of moisture, previous flooding, or shortcuts in the renovation work.
5. Is There a Buried Tank on the Property?
Older homes in Canada, especially those built before the 1960s, may have been heated by oil tanks buried underground.
If the tank was never properly removed, it can pose a serious environmental and financial risk. Ask directly about any buried tanks, and if you’re unsure, a scan of the yard can confirm whether something’s lurking beneath the surface.
6. Is the Home Considered Historic?
While owning a heritage home sounds romantic, it can also come with serious restrictions on renovations, materials, and even paint colours.
Ask if the property has any heritage designation or local preservation bylaws that could limit your ability to make changes.
7. Do All the Outlets Work?
This might seem like a minor detail—but old wiring, ungrounded outlets, or overloaded circuits can cause electrical issues, fire hazards, or expensive upgrades later on.
Don’t be afraid to plug something in or bring a phone charger to your showing. It’s a quick way to spot red flags, especially in older homes that may not have had their electrical system updated.
8. How Are Those Trees Doing?
Trees add beauty and shade—but large, mature trees close to the home can also mean foundation risk, root intrusion, or falling branches.
Ask about the age and health of any large trees on the property. If in doubt, a quick visit from an arborist can help you understand whether that stately maple is an asset or a future headache.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes it’s not the obvious things that matter most when buying a home—it’s the stuff that no one thinks to ask. By digging a little deeper and asking the unexpected questions, you can make a more informed, confident decision.
And if you’re getting serious about house hunting, make sure your financing is just as solid. Use our Mortgage Affordability Calculator to figure out what fits your budget—or Contact The Local Broker for expert, personalized mortgage advice.
