Buying a Home — NS
Buying a Home in Nova Scotia
Province-specific costs, taxes, and the step-by-step process for Nova Scotia home buyers.
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Offer checklist, closing cost summary, land transfer tax guide, and step-by-step buyer guide — customized for Nova Scotia.
Land Transfer Tax / Fees
Nova 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.
First-Time Buyer Rebate
No province-wide rebate; check your municipality.
Closing Costs to Budget For
- Deed Transfer Tax (~1.5%)
- Legal fees ($1,200–$2,000)
- Title insurance ($200–$350)
- Home inspection ($400–$600)
- Property tax adjustments
- HST on new builds
Professionals You'll Need
Lawyer / Notary
$1,200–$2,000.
Title Insurance
Strongly recommended. Cost: $200–$350.
Home Inspector
Highly recommended, especially for older Cape Cod and Victorian-era homes common in the province.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Pre-approval
- 2
Offer with conditions
- 3
Satisfy conditions
- 4
Lawyer completes title search and transfer
- 5
Close
Watch Out For
Older homes may have oil heating — budget for potential oil tank decommissioning
Check for urea-formaldehyde foam insulation in homes built 1975–1985
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