What you'll actually pay at closing.

Land Transfer Tax (the big one)

Provincial + (in Toronto) Municipal Land Transfer Tax. This is usually the largest single closing cost.

• Outside Toronto: roughly 1.5-2% of price
• In Toronto: roughly 3-4% of price (both LTTs apply)
• First-time buyer rebate: up to $4,000 (ON) + $4,475 (Toronto)

Read the full LTT guide and use the calculator →

Legal fees

Your real estate lawyer's fee for handling the transaction.

• Typical range: $1,500 – $2,500 for a straightforward transaction
• Higher for complex deals: new construction, multiple titles, foreign buyer involvement, or rush closings
• HST applies on the legal fee (13% in Ontario)

Title insurance

One-time premium that protects you against title defects, survey errors, and certain forms of fraud. Often required by lenders.

• Typical cost: $300 – $500 for a residential property
• Paid through your lawyer at closing
• Lasts as long as you own the property

Property tax and utility adjustments

If the seller has prepaid property taxes or utilities for periods after your closing date, you reimburse them on a prorated basis (or vice versa if they're in arrears).

• Typical range: $500 – $3,000 depending on closing date and amounts
• Your lawyer calculates these — you don't have to

CMHC premium & PST (if down payment under 20%)

If you're putting less than 20% down, you need mortgage default insurance (CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty).

• Premium: 2.80% to 4.00% of mortgage amount, depending on LTV (added to your mortgage)
• PST on the premium: in Ontario, you pay 8% PST on the premium upfront at closing (this is the part that hits your closing cost budget, not the premium itself)
• Example: $500k mortgage × 4.00% premium = $20,000 premium → $1,600 PST due at closing

Home inspection

Optional but recommended for resale homes. Skipped less often for condos, since the status certificate review covers building-level concerns.

• Typical cost: $400 – $600 for a condo; $500 – $800 for a house
• Paid directly to the inspector, usually within 24-48 hours of booking

Status certificate review (condos only)

• Certificate fee: $100 (regulated maximum, paid to the condo corporation)
• Lawyer's review fee: $200 – $500 to interpret it for you

Tarion warranty (new construction only)

If you're buying a new build from a registered Ontario builder, Tarion enrollment fees apply (the builder usually pays, but check your contract). Roughly $300 – $1,500 depending on home price.

Moving costs

Not technically a "closing cost" but happens the same week. Budget realistically:

• DIY (truck rental + boxes): $300 – $600
• Local professional movers (Toronto): $800 – $2,000
• Long-distance: $3,000+

Total estimate (realistic budgeting)

For most Toronto buyers:

For first-time buyers, the rebates take some sting out of LTT, but the rest is real. Don't drain your down payment to the dollar — keep a closing-cost reserve.

This guide is informational, not financial or legal advice. Confirm specific amounts with your real estate lawyer and mortgage professional before closing. Numbers in this guide are typical ranges as of late 2024 — fees and rates change.