GST/HST Policy Statement P-111R, The Meaning of Sale with respect to Real Property, February 1995

Transfer of ownership need not be pursuant to a sale agreement (e.g., a demise by will)

C. Application of Agreement to Transfer Ownership

For purposes of determining whether a "sale" has occurred, a transfer of ownership need not be made under an agreement to transfer ownership.

Sale includes transfer of an equitable interest, e.g., grant of a right to lease

E. Other application of sale

In the common law provinces, legal and equitable interest[s] in real property [are] specifically considered "real property" within the meaning of paragraph (b) of the definition of real property in subsection 123(1) of the Act. … The grant or transfer of the legal ownership of an equitable interest in real property may, therefore, be considered a "sale" of real property. … Where such grants or transfers are considered a "sale", the self-assessment rules of subsection 221(2) of the Act would apply.

For example, a person may grant another person an option to purchase or lease real property. The granting of such rights gives the grantee an equitable interest in the property. The consideration paid for the actual grant of the interest may be considered as being in respect of the sale of the interest where there is no consideration related to the actual use of the underlying property.

S. 221(2) applies where transfer of an equitable interest, e.g., grant of option or of right to lease

E. Other application of sale

In the common law provinces, legal and equitable interest[s] in real property [are] specifically considered "real property" within the meaning of paragraph (b) of the definition of real property in subsection 123(1) of the Act. … The grant or transfer of the legal ownership of an equitable interest in real property may, therefore, be considered a "sale" of real property. … Where such grants or transfers are considered a "sale", the self-assessment rules of subsection 221(2) of the Act would apply.

For example, a person may grant another person an option to purchase or lease real property. The granting of such rights gives the grantee an equitable interest in the property. The consideration paid for the actual grant of the interest may be considered as being in respect of the sale of the interest where there is no consideration related to the actual use of the underlying property. …

Real property includes an equitable interest therein, e.g., a right to lease or an option thereto

E. Other application of sale

In the common law provinces, legal and equitable interest[s] in real property [are] specifically considered "real property" within the meaning of paragraph (b) of the definition of real property in subsection 123(1) of the Act. … The grant or transfer of the legal ownership of an equitable interest in real property may, therefore, be considered a "sale" of real property. … Where such grants or transfers are considered a "sale", the self-assessment rules of subsection 221(2) of the Act would apply.

For example, a person may grant another person an option to purchase or lease real property. The granting of such rights gives the grantee an equitable interest in the property. The consideration paid for the actual grant of the interest may be considered as being in respect of the sale of the interest where there is no consideration related to the actual use of the underlying property. …