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Buying a Home: AB

BUY A HOME

Buying a Home in Alberta

This page is the free Alberta guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.

Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check

Province-specific costs, taxes, and the step-by-step process for Alberta home buyers.

Free, on this page

Alberta home buyer's checklist

Keep it with the rest. This one files behind tab 3 of the Home File.

  1. 1

    Land Transfer Tax / Fees

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    Alberta has no provincial Land Transfer Tax. Instead, Land Titles charges a registration fee on the transfer: $50 plus $5 for each $5,000 of the value of the land (about $550 on a $500,000 home). A separate fee of $50 plus $5 for each $5,000 of the principal amount applies to register a mortgage.

    First-Time Buyer Rebate

    No first-time-buyer rebate.

    Official rate information →
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  2. 2

    Closing Costs to Budget For

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    • Land Title registration fee ($50 + $5 per $5,000 of value; about $550 on a $500,000 home)
    • Legal fees (ask for a quote)
    • Title insurance (varies by property value)
    • Home inspection (varies by property size and age)
    • GST on new builds
    • Property tax and utility adjustments
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  3. 3

    Professionals You'll Need

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    Lawyer / Notary

    A lawyer (or notary public) is required to complete the title transfer in Alberta. No law society publishes a set fee tariff, so fees vary by firm and by the complexity of the transaction; ask for a quote up front.

    Title Insurance

    Recommended. Protects against fraud, encroachments, and title defects. Premiums are a one-time cost that varies with the property value and the insurer; ask your lawyer or notary for a quote.

    Home Inspector

    Not required but highly recommended. Costs vary with the size, age and location of the property; ask the inspector for a quote.

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  4. 4

    Where Title Is Registered in Alberta

    Your lawyer registers the transfer/deed with the Alberta Land Titles (Service Alberta).Open this section ↓

    Your lawyer registers the transfer/deed with the Alberta Land Titles (Service Alberta).

    Alberta Land Titles (Service Alberta) →
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  5. 5

    Step-by-Step Process

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    1. 1
      Get mortgage pre-approval
    2. 2
      Search and view properties
    3. 3
      Make a written offer: use AREA standard form or have a lawyer draft
    4. 4
      Conditions period: financing and inspection
    5. 5
      Remove conditions and firm up
    6. 6
      Lawyer completes title search and transfer
    7. 7
      Close and receive keys

    Arrange home insurance

    Your lender requires proof of insurance before funds are released. Contact your insurer before possession day.

    Partner · Guidepost earns a commission

    Square One quotes home and condo insurance online in Alberta.

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  6. 6

    Watch Out For

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    Alberta has no cooling-off period for residential purchases

    Confirm the property is not in a flood-risk zone or industrial area

    Condo buyers: request condo document package and review reserve fund study

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Built by Nathan, nine years in the Canadian Army, paperwork done the hard way first.

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Home Buyer Package

$14

Closing costs · land transfer tax · buyer checklist

  • ✓Offer checklist
  • ✓Closing cost worksheet
  • ✓Land transfer tax guide
Get it: $14

See a full sample (PDF)

Official sources

Facts checked September 2026

Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.