Land transfer tax, closing costs, and everything you need to buy in Burlington
Burlington sits at the western end of Lake Ontario and offers a mix of urban and suburban living. With a thriving downtown, scenic waterfront, and access to the Niagara Escarpment, Burlington attracts both families and downsizers. The city is part of Halton Region and buyers pay only Ontario provincial LTT — no municipal land transfer tax, making closing costs substantially lower than in Toronto.
Average home prices in Burlington sit around $1,000,000 in 2025, depending on property type and neighbourhood. Buyers in Burlington benefit from paying only Ontario's provincial land transfer tax — there is no municipal LTT in Burlington, making closing costs noticeably lower than in Toronto. First-time buyers can also claim the Ontario FTB LTT rebate of up to $4,000.
| Purchase Price | Rate |
|---|---|
| First $55,000 | 0.5% |
| $55,001 – $250,000 | 1.0% |
| $250,001 – $400,000 | 1.5% |
| $400,001 – $2,000,000 | 2.0% |
| Over $2,000,000 | 2.5% |
| Cost Item | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario LTT | Calculated above | No municipal LTT in Burlington |
| Legal fees | $1,500–$2,500 | Includes disbursements |
| Title insurance | $300–$500 | One-time |
| Home inspection | $500–$700 | Strongly recommended |
| CMHC premium | 2.8%–4% of mortgage | If under 20% down |
| Moving costs | $1,000–$3,000 | Local or long-distance |
Get pre-approved: Know your purchase power before viewing homes. Your lender will consider income, credit, and debt-to-income ratios. A mortgage broker can compare rates from multiple lenders.
Work with a local realtor: A buyer's agent familiar with Burlington's neighbourhoods and market conditions can help you identify value, navigate offers, and negotiate effectively. Their commission is typically paid by the seller.
Budget for all closing costs: Beyond LTT, budget for legal fees, title insurance, home inspection, and adjustments (property taxes, utilities). Use the calculator above to estimate your total.
Home inspection: Always include a home inspection condition for freehold properties. In Burlington's market, some buyers waive this in competitive situations — understand the significant financial risk involved.
Close with your lawyer: Your real estate lawyer will handle title registration, LTT payment, and key transfer. Bring certified funds for the balance of down payment and closing costs on closing day.
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