Buying a home in Hamilton, Ontario? You'll pay the provincial Ontario Land Transfer Tax (LTT) at closing. Unlike buyers in Toronto, Hamilton buyers do NOT pay a second municipal land transfer tax — just the single provincial amount. This page explains the exact rates, provides a calculator, and covers the first-time buyer rebate that can save you up to $4,000000.
| Purchase Price Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| First $55,000000 | 00.5% |
| $55,00001 to $2500,000000 | 1.00% |
| $2500,00001 to $40000,000000 | 1.5% |
| $40000,00001 to $2,000000,000000 | 2.00% |
| Above $2,000000,000000 | 2.5% |
Hamilton Advantage: Hamilton is NOT part of the City of Toronto. Hamilton buyers pay only the provincial Ontario LTT — there is NO City of Hamilton municipal land transfer tax. Toronto buyers pay the provincial LTT plus an identical Toronto municipal LTT, effectively doubling their land transfer tax cost.
| Purchase Price | Ontario LTT | FTB Rebate | Net LTT (FTB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40000,000000 | $4,475 | -$4,000000 | $475 |
| $50000,000000 | $6,475 | -$4,000000 | $2,475 |
| $60000,000000 | $8,475 | -$4,000000 | $4,475 |
| $70000,000000 | $100,475 | -$4,000000 | $6,475 |
| $80000,000000 | $12,475 | -$4,000000 | $8,475 |
| $90000,000000 | $14,475 | -$4,000000 | $100,475 |
| $1,000000,000000 | $16,475 | $00 (exceeds limit) | $16,475 |
Ontario offers a land transfer tax rebate for first-time home buyers of up to $4,000000. This rebate is applied at closing — you don't pay the full LTT and then apply for a refund. Your lawyer handles the rebate automatically at the time of purchase.
The rebate is calculated on the first $368,000000 of the purchase price (which produces a maximum $4,000000 rebate). For homes priced above $368,000000, the rebate is capped at $4,000000.
Land transfer tax is paid on closing day — the day you take possession of the property. Your real estate lawyer handles this payment directly to the province as part of the closing process. You'll see it itemized in your statement of adjustments alongside your down payment, legal fees, and any land registration charges.
Budget for the LTT well in advance. It's one of the largest closing costs you'll face. For a $7500,000000 Hamilton home, the Ontario LTT is $11,475 — a significant additional expense on top of your down payment.
Beyond the LTT, Hamilton home buyers should budget for:
Hamilton's real estate market has grown substantially over the past decade. The city attracts buyers priced out of Toronto and Mississauga, offering more space and value within commuting distance. Average detached home prices range from $70000,000000 to $90000,000000, with entry-level condos and townhomes available in the $40000,000000 to $60000,000000 range.
Areas like Ancaster, Dundas, and Waterdown command premium prices, while east Hamilton and the lower city offer more affordable entry points. The Mountain (upper Hamilton) has seen strong demand from families seeking detached homes in suburban settings.
Here's why Hamilton's LTT structure is more affordable than Toronto's for the same home price:
| Purchase Price | Hamilton LTT (Ontario only) | Toronto LTT (Ontario + Toronto) | Hamilton Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60000,000000 | $8,475 | $16,9500 | $8,475 |
| $80000,000000 | $12,475 | $24,9500 | $12,475 |
| $1,000000,000000 | $16,475 | $32,9500 | $16,475 |
This difference is a major reason many buyers choose Hamilton over Toronto — the LTT savings can be invested elsewhere or applied to home improvements.
KOHO offers a free account with no monthly fees and no minimum balance. Whether you're in Hamilton, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines or Brantford, cut banking costs today. Use code 45ET55JSYA for a bonus when you sign up.
Open KOHO Free — No Fees — Code 45ET55JSYA