Complete breakdown of every closing cost — and how much you save with Alberta's no land transfer tax
Buying a home in Calgary in 2025 comes with several closing costs beyond the purchase price. The good news: Alberta has no provincial land transfer tax — one of the biggest financial advantages for Alberta home buyers compared to Ontario or BC.
This guide breaks down every cost you'll pay when buying a home in Calgary, with a calculator to estimate your specific closing costs.
On a $580,000 Calgary home, you save approximately:
vs. buying the same home in Ontario (where land transfer tax would apply)
| Calgary Home Price | Alberta Closing Costs* | Same Home in Ontario** | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $400,000 | ~$3,500 | ~$7,725 | ~$4,225 |
| $500,000 | ~$4,000 | ~$9,975 | ~$5,975 |
| $580,000 | ~$4,400 | ~$13,875 | ~$9,475 |
| $700,000 | ~$5,200 | ~$16,475 | ~$11,275 |
| $900,000 | ~$6,500 | ~$20,475 | ~$13,975 |
*Alberta costs exclude CMHC (varies by down payment). **Ontario figures include provincial + Toronto land transfer tax (Toronto residents pay double). Estimates only.
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Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYAFor homes under $500,000, the minimum down payment is 5%. For homes between $500,000 and $999,999, you need 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the remainder. For homes $1 million and over, a 20% down payment is required. With Calgary's average home price around $575,000, many buyers need 7–10% ready.
Calgary first-time buyers can access the federal First Home Savings Account (FHSA) — a registered account that gives you a $8,000/year tax deduction on contributions (up to $40,000 lifetime). Withdrawals for a qualifying home purchase are tax-free. Combining an FHSA with the Home Buyers' Plan (withdraw up to $35,000 RRSP) can significantly boost your down payment fund.
Does Alberta have a land transfer tax? No. Alberta has no provincial land transfer tax. You pay only the Land Title Transfer Fee, which is a modest administrative fee based on the property value — typically $150–$350 on a $500,000 home.
What are the total closing costs in Calgary? Budget approximately 1.5%–2% of the purchase price for closing costs (excluding any CMHC insurance). On a $580,000 home, that's roughly $8,700–$11,600.
Do I need a home inspection in Calgary? It's not legally required, but strongly recommended. Calgary's older housing stock (many 1970s–1990s homes) can have issues with electrical panels, roofing, and insulation that a good inspector will catch.
Last updated: March 2025. This calculator provides estimates only. Consult a real estate lawyer for your specific closing costs.