Everything you'll pay when buying a home in Alberta — a complete breakdown of closing costs, taxes, fees, and how Alberta compares to other provinces.
Buying a home in Alberta costs significantly less at closing than comparable purchases in Ontario or BC. The primary reason: Alberta has no provincial land transfer tax. Understanding every cost before you commit prevents nasty surprises. This guide breaks down every dollar you'll need beyond your down payment.
When a buyer in Ontario purchases a $600,000 home, they pay $8,475 in provincial land transfer tax to the provincial government — before even turning a key. In Alberta, that line item is $0. Every Alberta buyer — from first-timers in Lethbridge to luxury buyers in Canmore — benefits from this advantage.
Alberta also has no provincial sales tax (PST), meaning services like legal fees and home inspections cost less in gross terms than in provinces with HST. The effective tax rate on closing services in Alberta is just GST (5%) vs. HST (13–15%) in Ontario and the Maritimes.
Alberta charges a small registration fee at the Land Titles Office. This is not a land transfer tax — it's a nominal administrative fee based on property value:
| Property Value | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| $300,000–$400,000 | ~$400–$450 |
| $400,000–$600,000 | ~$450–$550 |
| $600,000–$900,000 | ~$550–$600 |
| Ontario LTT on $600K | $8,475 (for comparison) |
A real estate lawyer reviews the purchase contract, conducts title searches, registers the transfer and mortgage, and ensures clear title. Budget:
Legal fees are subject to GST (5%). Disbursements (title searches, registration fees) add $200–$500.
A qualified home inspector examines the structural, mechanical, and electrical systems of the home. Cost: $425–$900 depending on city and property size. Always use a CAHPI or NAHI certified inspector.
Title insurance protects against title defects, survey errors, and fraud. One-time premium of $175–$600 depending on purchase price. Strongly recommended for all Alberta buyers.
Required when your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price:
| Down Payment | CMHC Premium | On $500K Home |
|---|---|---|
| 5–9.99% | 4.00% | $19,000 |
| 10–14.99% | 3.10% | $13,950 |
| 15–19.99% | 2.80% | $11,200 |
| 20%+ | $0 | $0 saved |
The CMHC premium is added to your mortgage balance (not paid upfront) but increases your total borrowing cost. A 20% down payment eliminates this entirely.
If the seller has prepaid property taxes, you reimburse them for the portion from your possession date to year-end. This is an adjustment at closing, not a new cost — but budget $500–$2,500 depending on your possession date.
Budget $1,500–$4,000 for local moves and $5,000–$15,000+ for inter-provincial moves. Get three quotes from registered moving companies.
Utilities in Alberta are deregulated. Budget $0–$500 for deposits with electricity and gas retailers if you're a new customer without an established credit history.
| Cost Item | $400K Home | $600K Home | $900K Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provincial LTT | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Land Title Fee | ~$430 | ~$520 | ~$600 |
| Legal Fees | ~$1,300 | ~$1,500 | ~$2,000 |
| Home Inspection | ~$475 | ~$550 | ~$700 |
| Title Insurance | ~$250 | ~$350 | ~$500 |
| Total (excl. CMHC) | ~$2,455 | ~$2,920 | ~$3,800 |
See your total savings. Full details: bremo.io/alberta-land-transfer-tax.
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Get $100 with KOHO →Learn more about Alberta's land transfer tax advantage at bremo.io/alberta-land-transfer-tax.