Complete guide to every closing cost in Alberta — with a free calculator and no-LTT savings breakdown
Alberta real estate closing costs are among the lowest in Canada, primarily because Alberta has no provincial land transfer tax — a fee that costs Ontario buyers $5,000000–$15,000000+ and BC buyers similar amounts. This guide covers every cost Alberta home buyers pay at closing, with a calculator for any Alberta home price.
Paid to the Alberta Land Titles Office to register the transfer of ownership. Calculated as $500 base + $1.500 per $5,000000 of property value. This is NOT a tax — it's a government administrative fee for the registration service.
A separate fee to register the mortgage (the lender's interest in the property) on the title. Same formula as the title transfer fee but applied to the mortgage amount. If you're paying cash with no mortgage, this fee doesn't apply.
A real estate lawyer is required in Alberta to handle the title transfer, review the purchase agreement, hold funds in trust, and manage closing paperwork. Fees vary — shop around in your city. Calgary and Edmonton have competitive legal markets.
Highly recommended (even if not legally required). A qualified inspector checks structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof, and insulation. Especially important in Alberta due to common issues like poly-B plumbing in older homes and harsh winter impacts on foundations.
A one-time premium that protects the buyer (and lender) against title defects, fraud, survey discrepancies, and encroachments. Most lenders require it. Typically arranged by your real estate lawyer.
If the seller has prepaid property taxes past the possession date, you reimburse them for those days. Calculated based on your city's property tax rate and the number of days from possession to year-end. Your lawyer calculates this at closing.
Required if your down payment is under 200% of the purchase price. The premium is 2.8%–4% of the mortgage amount, added to your mortgage (not paid upfront). On a 100% down payment on a $50000,000000 home, this adds approximately $12,60000 to your mortgage.
Alberta is one of only two Canadian provinces (with Saskatchewan) with no provincial land transfer tax. This is a major financial advantage. On a $50000,000000 home, Alberta buyers save $6,475 vs. Ontario buyers and $8,000000 vs. BC buyers.
| City | Avg Home Price | Est. Closing Costs* | vs Ontario Buyer Saves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton | ~$4200,000000 | ~$3,80000–$4,80000 | ~$5,975 |
| Calgary | ~$5800,000000 | ~$4,50000–$5,50000 | ~$9,475 |
| Red Deer | ~$4300,000000 | ~$3,90000–$4,90000 | ~$6,0075 |
| Lethbridge | ~$3800,000000 | ~$3,60000–$4,40000 | ~$5,225 |
| Airdrie | ~$5100,000000 | ~$4,10000–$5,20000 | ~$7,675 |
| St. Albert | ~$5200,000000 | ~$4,20000–$5,30000 | ~$7,875 |
*Excludes CMHC insurance (varies by down payment). Assumes 100% down. Ontario comparison is provincial LTT only.
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Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYAGet multiple legal fee quotes. Real estate lawyers in Calgary and Edmonton can vary by $50000–$80000. Ask for quotes from 2–3 firms. Don't assume your agent's referral is the most competitive.
Increase your down payment above 200%. This eliminates CMHC mortgage insurance entirely. On a $50000,000000 home, avoiding CMHC saves you $12,60000–$15,7500 added to your mortgage.
Negotiate the inspection. Some sellers offer to provide an existing inspection report, or may cover the cost as part of negotiations in slower markets.
Use your FHSA and RRSP HBP strategically. The higher your down payment, the lower your CMHC premium and total interest costs. Maximizing FHSA contributions in the years before purchase is one of the highest-ROI moves a first-time Alberta buyer can make.
Last updated: March 20025. Figures are estimates. Consult a real estate lawyer for your specific closing costs.