Property

Buying a Home in Canada

Offer accepted and closing day on the calendar? Start here.

Land transfer tax, closing costs, what a lawyer does, and how to protect yourself, province by province.

Is this guide for you?

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You are purchasing a residential property (house, condo, or co-op) in Canada

•

You are buying for personal use, not a commercial development project

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You are working with a mortgage lender or purchasing with cash

Non-Canadian buyers: the federal prohibition on residential purchases by non-Canadians (extended through 2027) may apply. Consult a lawyer before making an offer.

Not legal or financial advice

This guide is for general information. Engage a real estate lawyer or notary before closing on any property.

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Home buyer's checklist for your province

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✓Province-specific closing cost breakdown
✓Land transfer tax guide for your province
✓Step-by-step buying checklist
✓What to watch out for in your province

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Closing costs · land transfer tax · buyer checklist

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✓Offer checklist
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✓Step-by-step buyer guide

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The buying process: step by step

Mortgage Pre-Approval

Know your budget before you start. Locks in your rate for 90–120 days and signals seriousness to sellers.

Property Search

MLS listings, private sales, and new developments. Guidepost focuses on private home purchases.

Conditional Offer

Subject to financing, home inspection, and review of documents. Never waive conditions blindly.

Home Inspection

Hire a qualified inspector. $400–$700 for potential to discover thousands in issues.

Lawyer / Notary

Required in every province to complete title transfer. Budget $1,000–$2,500 depending on province.

Close & Take Possession

Sign documents, transfer funds via lawyer, and receive keys on closing day.

Home Buyer's Plan (HBP): First-Time Buyers

First-time buyers can withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSPs tax-free to put toward a home purchase (Budget 2024 update). The withdrawal must be repaid to your RRSP over 15 years. To qualify, you must not have owned a principal residence in the past 4 calendar years. Ask your financial institution about Form T1036.

Closing costs to budget for

Beyond the purchase price, buyers typically spend an additional 1.5–4% on closing costs depending on province and property type.

Cost	Typical Range	Notes
Land Transfer Tax	0–5% of price	Higher rates apply on portions above $3M in BC; additional taxes may apply for non-Canadian buyers. AB and SK have no LTT
Legal Fees	$1,000–$2,500	Required in all provinces
Title Insurance	$200–$400	One-time; strongly recommended
Home Inspection	$350–$700	Not legally required but essential
Property Tax Adjustment	Varies	Reimburse seller for prepaid taxes
Mortgage Setup	$0–$500	Some lenders charge appraisal or setup fees

Non-Canadian buyersThe federal Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (extended through 2027) restricts most non-Canadians from purchasing residential property in Canada. Certain exemptions apply. If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, consult a real estate lawyer before making an offer.