Do BC strata buyers need a lawyer or a notary?

Direct answer

Either can complete a routine BC residential conveyance. BC notaries public (Society of Notaries Public of BC) and BC lawyers (Law Society of BC) both have authority to handle title transfers, register Land Title Office documents, prepare statements of adjustments, and disburse funds at completion. The practical differences: (1) scope — notaries cannot represent a client in litigation, draft complex contracts beyond standard residential, give legal advice on non-conveyancing matters, or appear in court; lawyers can. For a routine resale single-family or strata transaction with no unusual issues (no litigation, no estate complications, no commercial component, no foreign-buyer structuring), a notary is fully sufficient and typically charges $1,200-$1,800 + disbursements. For a transaction with ANY of: contested estate, family law overlay, builders' lien risk, pre-incorporation transfer, ALR or commercial-residential mixed use, foreign-buyer structuring, or assignment, choose a lawyer ($1,800-$3,500+ + disbursements is typical). (2) cost — notaries are typically 20-30% cheaper than lawyers for equivalent simple work. (3) errors-and-omissions insurance — both carry mandatory professional liability insurance via their respective regulators. Practitioner truth: ask your realtor whether your specific transaction has any complications BEFORE choosing; the cost saving of a notary disappears fast if you needed a lawyer.