Buying a Home: NS
Buying a Home in Nova Scotia
This page is the free Nova Scotia 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 Nova Scotia home buyers.
Nova Scotia home buyer's checklist
Keep it with the rest. This one files behind tab 3 of the Home File.
1
Land Transfer Tax / Fees
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNova Scotia has a municipal Deed Transfer Tax set by each municipality, typically 1.5% of property value (Halifax Regional Municipality: 1.5%). Non-residents also pay a Provincial Non-resident Deed Transfer Tax of 10% (raised from 5% on April 1, 2025) on residential property with 3 or fewer dwelling units, calculated on the higher of purchase price or assessed value; exempt if the buyer moves to NS within 6 months.
Official rate information →First-Time Buyer Rebate
No province-wide rebate; check your municipality.
2
Closing Costs to Budget For
Open this section ↓- Deed Transfer Tax (~1.5%)
- Legal fees (ask for a quote)
- Title insurance (varies by property value)
- Home inspection (varies by property size and age)
- Property tax adjustments
- HST on new builds
3
Professionals You'll Need
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionLawyer / 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
Strongly 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 Cape Cod and Victorian-era homes common in the province.
4
Where Title Is Registered in Nova Scotia
Your lawyer registers the transfer/deed with the Service NS Land Registration (Property Online).Open this section ↓Your lawyer registers the transfer/deed with the Service NS Land Registration (Property Online).
Service NS Land Registration (Property Online) →5
Step-by-Step Process
Open this section ↓- 1Pre-approval
- 2Offer with conditions
- 3Satisfy conditions
- 4Lawyer completes title search and transfer
- 5Close
↑ Close this sectionArrange home insurance
Your lender requires proof of insurance before funds are released. Contact your insurer before possession day.
6
Watch Out For
Open this section ↓Older homes may have oil heating; budget for potential oil tank decommissioning
Check for urea-formaldehyde foam insulation in homes built 1975–1985
Built by Nathan, nine years in the Canadian Army, paperwork done the hard way first.
Home Buyer Package
$14
Closing costs · land transfer tax · buyer checklist
- ✓Offer checklist
- ✓Closing cost worksheet
- ✓Land transfer tax guide
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.