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Buying a Home: NL

BUY A HOME

Buying a Home in Newfoundland & Labrador

This page is the free Newfoundland & Labrador 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 Newfoundland & Labrador home buyers.

Free, on this page

Newfoundland & Labrador 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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    Newfoundland & Labrador has no Land Transfer Tax. A Registry of Deeds registration fee applies instead: $100 on the first $500 of value plus 40 cents for each additional $100 of value, about $2,098 on a $500,000 home.

    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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    • Registration fee ($100 + 40 cents per additional $100 of value; about $2,098 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)
    • HST on new builds
    • Property tax adjustments
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  3. 3

    Professionals You'll Need

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    Lawyer / Notary

    A lawyer completes the title transfer. 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. 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

    Highly recommended, especially for older homes with wood-frame construction common in the province.

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  4. 4

    Where Title Is Registered in Newfoundland & Labrador

    Your lawyer registers the transfer/deed with the Registry of Deeds, Service NL (CADO).Open this section ↓

    Your lawyer registers the transfer/deed with the Registry of Deeds, Service NL (CADO). NL uses a hybrid deeds and land titles system. Your lawyer handles registration.

    Registry of Deeds, Service NL (CADO) →
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  5. 5

    Step-by-Step Process

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    1. 1
      Pre-approval
    2. 2
      Offer with conditions
    3. 3
      Satisfy conditions
    4. 4
      Lawyer completes title registration
    5. 5
      Close

    Arrange home insurance

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

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  6. 6

    Watch Out For

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    Radon levels in NL are among the highest in Canada; test for radon

    Check for oil heating and the condition of underground tanks

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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.