In BC, a final walkthrough is typically a courtesy visit arranged through the listing agent, not a contractual right unless explicitly written into the Contract of Purchase and Sale. The Real Estate Services Act (RESA), SBC 2004, c. 42, and RESA Rules govern licensee conduct but do not mandate a walkthrough. Verify current details with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed tax professional before acting.

The final walkthrough typically occurs shortly before the completion date—often one to three days before—so the buyer can confirm the property's condition before funds are released and the title transfers under the Land Title Act, RSBC 1996, c. 250. The exact timing is a matter of negotiation and should be arranged through the buyer's representative and the listing brokerage. Verify the specifics for your transaction with a BC lawyer or notary.

Buyers typically confirm that the property is in substantially the same condition as when the offer was accepted, that all items listed as included in the Contract of Purchase and Sale remain, and that any agreed repairs have been completed. The RESA Rules require that licensees act with reasonable care and skill, but the buyer should verify any concerns with their lawyer or notary before completion. This is an inspection for compliance with the contract, not a second home inspection.

Significant new damage discovered at the final walkthrough is typically addressed by the buyer's representative with the listing brokerage and the buyer's lawyer or notary before completion funds are released. Under the RESA Rules, licensees must disclose material latent defects and deal fairly with all parties. The buyer's lawyer or notary may hold back funds, negotiate compensation, or advise on other remedies—verify your options with a BC lawyer or notary immediately.

Whether a buyer can refuse to complete depends on the terms of the Contract of Purchase and Sale and the nature of the problem. Under BC contract law, material breach or misrepresentation may provide grounds to refuse completion, but unilateral refusal without legal grounds can result in forfeiture of the deposit and liability for damages. Verify immediately with a BC lawyer or notary if you discover issues at the final walkthrough.

The buyer's representative typically arranges the final walkthrough by contacting the listing brokerage to schedule access to the property. Under the RESA Rules, licensees must cooperate with other licensees and act in their client's best interests. The seller's cooperation is generally expected as a matter of custom, but verify access rights in your Contract of Purchase and Sale with a BC lawyer or notary.

The seller is not legally required to be present during the final walkthrough in BC; the buyer is typically accompanied by their representative and access is arranged through the listing brokerage. The RESA Rules require licensees to facilitate the transaction and cooperate, but do not mandate seller attendance. Verify the arrangement for your transaction with your BC representative or lawyer.

If the seller has not vacated by the completion date (or the date specified in the Contract of Purchase and Sale), the buyer should immediately notify their lawyer or notary, who may advise holding back funds or seeking other remedies. The Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78, does not apply to owner-occupied sales, so the remedy is typically contractual or through common law. Verify your options with a BC lawyer or notary before completion.

The buyer may bring a home inspector or other professional to the final walkthrough if the seller and listing brokerage agree, but this is not a contractual right unless written into the Contract of Purchase and Sale. The final walkthrough is typically a brief visual confirmation, not a second full inspection. Verify access arrangements and timing with your BC representative, lawyer, or notary.

The buyer's lawyer or notary does not typically attend the final walkthrough but should be notified immediately if the buyer discovers any material issues, missing chattels, or damage. Under the Land Title Act, RSBC 1996, c. 250, and standard conveyancing practice, the lawyer or notary may hold back funds, negotiate adjustments, or advise on legal remedies before releasing completion funds to the seller. Verify the specifics for your transaction with a BC lawyer or notary.