Selling a Parent's Home With Power of Attorney

Neeraj Moolchandani is a REALTOR® in Markham, Ontario, and cofounder of the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the teams Markham families trust with their biggest moves.
By Neeraj Moolchandani, REALTOR® · Cofounder, Kaizen Real Estate Team · eXp Realty, Brokerage

The short answer

In Ontario, a person named in a valid Continuing Power of Attorney for Property can usually sell a parent's home on their behalf, as long as the sale is in the parent's best interest, for example to pay for care. The attorney must keep careful records, and the proceeds stay in the parent's name. The buyer's lawyer will review the power of attorney before closing. A power of attorney ends at death; after that, the executor takes over.

Your Duties as Attorney

Act in your parent's best interest, not your own or the family's
Keep your parent's money separate from yours
Keep records of every decision, cost and payment
Consider your parent's wishes and involve them where possible
Be ready to account for what you did if asked

How the Sale Works

Confirm the document. Your lawyer reviews the Continuing Power of Attorney for Property and any conditions in it.
Plan the care budget. Know what the sale needs to cover: care, rent and future costs.
Value and prepare. A written valuation, then sorting, keepsakes and light preparation.
List and negotiate. You sign as attorney. We keep the family informed in writing.
Close. The lawyer confirms authority, and proceeds go to your parent's account.

Planning a move to care for a parent? Call or text Neeraj at (647) 370 8885

If There Is No Power of Attorney

If your parent can still understand and make decisions, they can sign the sale themselves or make a power of attorney now with a lawyer. If they no longer have capacity and there is no power of attorney, someone may need to apply to become their guardian of property, through the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee or the court. That takes time, so start early.

Choosing the next home or care setting? See our baby boomer guide and downsizing guide.

Start With a Conversation

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Call or text (647) 370 8885 · info@kaizenrealestate.ca
Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage · 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4

Power of Attorney Sales, Answered

Can I sell my parent's house with power of attorney in Ontario?

Usually yes, if you hold a valid Continuing Power of Attorney for Property and the sale is in your parent's best interest. Your lawyer will review the document.

Where does the money go?

The proceeds stay in your parent's name and should be used for their benefit, with careful records.

Does a power of attorney work after death?

No. It ends at death. The executor named in the will then handles the estate, often through probate.

What if my parent has no power of attorney?

If they still have capacity, they can sign the sale or make a power of attorney. If not, a guardianship application may be needed.

Can siblings object to the sale?

The attorney must act in the parent's best interest and keep records. Clear communication and written updates help prevent disputes.

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Have a question these guides do not answer? Call or text Neeraj at (647) 370 8885

Sources: Substitute Decisions Act, 1992 (Ontario); Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee. General information only, not legal advice.

Neeraj Moolchandani, REALTOR®, Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage. Reviewed by Neeraj Moolchandani on October 28, 2026. General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Commission is negotiable and any rate shown is for illustration only. Market commentary describes current conditions and is not a promise of future prices. Not intended to solicit properties currently under contract.