Do I Need a Real Property Report (RPR) to Sell My Home?
If you are selling a single-family home, the answer is yes.
This does not apply to apartments or condos, where Condo Documents are typically required instead.
What Is an RPR?
An RPR (Real Property Report) is a legal document prepared by a land surveyor. It provides a detailed and accurate representation of the improvements (e.g., buildings, decks, fences) on a piece of land.
It is used by:
- Municipalities
- Buyers and sellers
- Lenders
Why It's Important for Sellers
According to the standard real estate purchase contract in Alberta, sellers must provide the buyer (or their lawyer) with an RPR within a reasonable time before possession day. This RPR must show evidence of municipal compliance — typically a stamp from your municipality confirming that the improvements comply with local bylaws.
You must provide your lawyer with an RPR before the possession or closing date. In most cases, your lawyer will ask for the RPR in advance of your signing appointment, or will request that you bring it with you to the meeting.
As a seller, you should obtain your RPR as early as possible after listing your home.
Failing to do so may result in delays at closing or even cancellation of the purchase contract.
How to Get or Update Your RPR
You may already have an RPR from when you bought your home. Check your records, or contact the lawyer who represented your purchase — they may have a copy on file.
Note: While RPRs do not expire, they must be up to date. Changes like:
- Building or modifying a deck
- Installing central air conditioning
- Adding or removing a garage, shed, fence, or other permanent structure
...will require a new or updated RPR.