Buying a home involves more than just the purchase price, and understanding Land Transfer Tax can help you plan for all the costs. Carol Bass explains what the tax is, how it’s calculated, and what you need to know in each province.
Land Transfer Tax is a one-time tax paid to the provincial or municipal government when a property changes ownership. It is usually calculated as a percentage of the purchase price or the fair market value.The revenue from this tax supports public services, infrastructure, and housing programs. While it adds to the cost of buying a home, understanding it upfront helps make the process smoother.
Who Pays Land Transfer Tax?
The buyer is responsible for paying the Land Transfer Tax. It is due in full at closing and cannot be added to the mortgage. In most provinces, lawyers or notaries typically handle the payment to ensure the property title can be legally transferred.
Want to know how much you’ll pay? Use our Land Transfer Tax Calculator to get your exact estimate instantly.
Rates vary by province — and sometimes by municipality — and most use a tiered system where different portions of your purchase price are taxed at different percentages.
Select province from the drop-down to see detailed rate brackets and calculations.
Ontario charges a tiered provincial Land Transfer Tax. If you’re buying a home in Toronto, a municipal Land Transfer Tax applies in addition to the provincial tax and mirrors the same tiered structure.
Tax Calculation:
0.5% on the first $55,000
1.0% on $55,001 - $250,000
1.5% on $250,001 - $400,000
2.0% on $400,001 - $2,000,000
2.5% on amounts over $2,000,000 (one or two single-family residences)
British Columbia charges a tiered Property Transfer Tax on residential properties.
Tax Calculation:
1% on the first $200,000
2% on $200,0001 - $2,000,000
3% above $2,000,000
Additional 2% on the portion of residential value over $3,000,000
Quebec applies a tiered Welcome Tax
Tax Calculation:
0.5% on the first $61,500
1.0% on $61,501 - $307,800
1.5%on amounts over $307,800
Alberta does not charge a Land Transfer Tax; instead, buyers pay Land Titles Registration Fees.
Tax Calculation:
$50 base fee + $5 for every $5,000 (or portion) of property value
Saskatchewan charges Title Transfer Fees instead of a Land Transfer Tax
Tax Calculation:
No fee for title values up to $500
$25 flat fee for title values $500.01–$6,300
0.4%of the title value for amounts over $6,300
Manitoba applies a sliding scale based on the property purchase price.
Tax Calculation:
0% on the first $30,000
0.5% on $30,001 - $90,000
1.0% on $90,001 - $150,000
1.5% on $150,001 - $200,000
2.0% on amounts above $200,000
Nova Scotia’s Deed Transfer Tax rate varies by municipality
Tax Calculation:
0.5% - 1.5% of the purchase price
Additional 10% for provincial non-resident buyers
New Brunswick applies a flat transfer tax.
Tax Calculation:
1% of the purchase price or assessed value (whichever is greater)
Prince Edward Island charges a flat transfer tax.
Tax Calculation:
1% of the greater of the purchase price or assessed value
No tax if the property value is below $30,000
Newfoundland & Labrador charges a Registration of Deeds fee in place of a land transfer tax
Tax Calculation:
$100 flat fee for property values under $500
$100 + $0.40 for every $100 above $500 for value above $500
Yukon applies Title Transfer Fees based on the property value at the time of transfer.
Tax Calculation:
$50 for values under $100,000
$150 for values from $100,000 to $499,999
$350 for values from $500,000 to $2,999,999
$550 for values from $3,000,000 to $9,999,999
$750 values $10,000,000 and above
The Northwest Territories charges Land Titles Fees rather than a transfer tax.
Tax Calculation:
$1.50 per $1,000 (minimum $100) for properties under $1,000,000
$1,500 + $1 per $1,000 above $1,000,000 for properties over $1,000,000
Nunavut charges registration fees instead of a Land Transfer Tax.
Tax Calculation:
$1.50 per $1,000 (minimum $60) for properties under $1,000,000
$1,500 + $1 per $1,000 above $1,000,000 for properties over $1,000,000
Calculate Your Land Transfer Tax Instantly
Enter price and location to get an instant land transfer tax estimate.
Note: Cost breakdowns should be used for reference only. Actual costs will vary by individual situation.
Unsure if you’re paying too much tax? Carol Bass can break it down for you — free and personalized.
Some provinces offer rebates or incentives for first-time homebuyers. These rebates can reduce or partially cover the Land Transfer Tax on eligible properties, depending on the province and the purchase price. Reach out to Carol Bass to learn more about available rebates and how they may apply to your home purchase.
Looking for help with your Land Transfer Tax Rebate application?
First-time home buyer You haven’t lived in a home owned by yourself or your spouse/common-law partner in the current year or in any of the past four years
Plan to occupy the home as your principal residence within 9 months
How much can you get?
Ontario: Up to $4,000
Toronto: Up to $4,475 in addition to the Ontario rebate
British Columbia: Full exemption for homes up to $500,000
Other provinces vary; check your local rules
Ready to Buy? Let's Discuss Your Costs
Understanding land transfer tax is just one part of the home buying process. Let me guide you through every step and help you budget accurately for your dream home.
Land Transfer Tax Details
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