Property valuation fee

Approximate Cost: $300 - $500

This is the fee for determining the property lending value for mortgage purposes. This value may or may not be the same as the purchase price of the home.

Home inspection fees (may not apply if you are purchasing a new home)

Approximate Cost: $500

The home inspector evaluates the structures and systems that make up your home and provides you with a written report. While not mandatory, many people make a professional home inspection a condition of their Offer to Purchase.

Property survey

Approximate Cost: $750 - $1,000

A survey indicates the boundaries and measurements of the land and positions of major structures, and any registered or visible easements (such as a driveway) or encroachments (such as a neighbour's fence) on the property.

Land transfer tax (if applicable)

Varies based on Province

This is charged whenever a property changes hands and is based on the purchase price. Most provinces in Canada charge a provincial land transfer tax and some cities also charge an additional municipal land transfer tax. In some cases, first time homebuyers may be exempt from a portion of this cost. You can obtain further details about land transfer tax on provincial or municipal websites to help you estimate the cost.

Legal fees and related expenses

Approximate Cost: $1,300 - $2,500

These fees vary by province and are subject to GST or HST where applicable. Ensure your lawyer's quote includes all related expenses and disbursements, not just legal fees. Make sure your interests are protected by discussing your Offer to Purchase with your lawyer or notary prior to signing.

GST/HST where applicable (sometimes included in sale price)

Varies based on Province

Some properties are GST and/or PST sales tax exempt and some are not. Generally, GST or HST where applicable is charged on new homes, but not on resale properties. Always ask before signing an Offer.

Title insurance

Approximate Cost: $250

Title insurance is optional and covers problems that may arise due to encroachment issues (for example, a structure on your property is actually part of your neighbour's property and needs to be removed), existing liens against the property's title, title fraud, undischarged mortgages and other issues relating to the property's previous owners.

Insurance costs for high-ratio mortgages

If your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price of your home, you must pay a one-time insurance premium on your mortgage amount. You can make arrangements to pay the premium to the lender before closing, or it can be added to the principal amount of your mortgage. If it is added to the principal amount of your mortgage, you will pay interest on it at the same interest rate you pay on the principal amount of your mortgage.

Interest adjustments

Approximate Cost: $100 - $1,000

You will need to pay interest on any gap between the closing date of the purchase and the first payment date of the mortgage. You can avoid an interest adjustment by arranging to make your first mortgage payment exactly one payment period after your closing date.

Prepaid property tax and utility adjustments

Approximate Cost: $400 - $500

You will be required to reimburse the vendor for any prepaid property taxes or utility bills.

Home insurance

approximately $450/year

Protection for your home and your contents. House insurance is mandatory and will be required to be shown to your lawyer at the closing of your mortgage.

Mortgage life insurance

Insurance is optional and it's your personal choice to purchase it.

Costs vary but can be conveniently included in your regular mortgage payment. Mortgage life insurance is optional and provides peace of mind. It protects your family's financial security by paying off all or a portion of your mortgage.