Buying a Home: ON
Buying a Home in Ontario
This page is the free Ontario 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 Ontario home buyers.
Ontario 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 sectionOntario charges Land Transfer Tax (LTT) on a sliding scale: 0.5% up to $55k, 1% $55k–$250k, 1.5% $250k–$400k, 2% $400k–$2M, 2.5% over $2M. Toronto homebuyers pay a second Municipal LTT on the same schedule.
Official rate information →First-Time Buyer Rebate
First-time buyers get a provincial rebate up to $4,000 (eliminates LTT on homes up to ~$368k). Toronto adds a municipal rebate up to $4,475.
2
Closing Costs to Budget For
Open this section ↓- Land Transfer Tax (provincial + possibly municipal)
- Legal fees (ask for a quote)
- Title insurance (varies by property value)
- Home inspection (varies by property size and age)
- HST on new builds (resale homes exempt)
- Adjustments (property tax, utilities prepaid by seller)
- Mortgage discharge/setup fees
3
Professionals You'll Need
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionLawyer / Notary
A real estate lawyer is required for title transfer in Ontario; you cannot close without one. 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. Protects against title fraud, survey errors, and unknown liens. 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 legally required but strongly recommended. Ask for a OAHI-member inspector. Costs vary with the size, age and location of the property; ask the inspector for a quote.
4
Where Title Is Registered in Ontario
Your lawyer registers the transfer/deed with the Ontario land registry (POLARIS / ONLAND).Open this section ↓Your lawyer registers the transfer/deed with the Ontario land registry (POLARIS / ONLAND).
Ontario land registry (POLARIS / ONLAND) →5
Step-by-Step Process
Open this section ↓- 1Get pre-approved for financing
- 2Hire a real estate agent (or go FSBO; Guidepost can help)
- 3Make an offer with conditions (financing, inspection)
- 4Satisfy conditions and firm up the offer
- 5Hire a real estate lawyer
- 6Complete title search and arrange title insurance
- 7Final walkthrough 24–48 hours before close
- 8Close: sign documents, transfer funds, get keys
↑ Close this sectionArrange home insurance
Your lender requires proof of insurance before funds are released. Contact your insurer before possession day.
Partner · Guidepost earns a commissionSquare One quotes home and condo insurance online in Ontario.
6
Watch Out For
Open this section ↓Never waive a home inspection in a competitive market without understanding the risk
Confirm no liens on title before closing; your lawyer handles this
New builds trigger HST; the builder price may or may not include it
Assignment sales have complex tax implications; consult a lawyer
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.