Home Appraisal Cost Canada 2025 | Who Pays & What to Expect

Q: How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost in Canada?

A residential property appraisal in Canada typically costs $300 to $600 , with urban markets (Toronto, Vancouver) trending toward the high end. Rural properties, large homes, and unusual property types can cost $600–$1,000+ due to the complexity and travel time involved.

How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost in Canada?

A residential property appraisal in Canada typically costs $300 to $600, with urban markets (Toronto, Vancouver) trending toward the high end. Rural properties, large homes, and unusual property types can cost $600–$1,000+ due to the complexity and travel time involved.

In most cases, the buyer pays for the appraisal. However, many lenders cover the cost as part of their mortgage offering — especially in competitive markets where banks are competing aggressively for business. Always ask your mortgage broker or bank if the appraisal fee is waived.

    Key Insight: Many buyers don't realize that the lender orders and controls the appraisal — you don't get to choose the appraiser. This protects the lender's interest but means you're paying for something you didn't select.
  

When Does Your Lender Require an Appraisal?

Not every purchase triggers a full appraisal. Lenders use several methods to assess property value:

Automated Valuation Model (AVM): A computer model using comparable sales. Fast and free — no appraiser needed. Sufficient for low-risk loans.
Drive-by appraisal: An appraiser views the exterior but doesn't enter. Used for moderate-risk situations.
Full appraisal: Appraiser enters and inspects the entire property, reviews comparables, writes a formal report. Required when the purchase price seems high relative to comparables, the property type is unusual, or the buyer is putting less than 200% down in some cases.

For CMHC-insured purchases (under 200% down), CMHC typically does its own assessment and may or may not require a full appraisal depending on the lender's process.

Appraisal Cost by Province

Province	Standard Home	Rural/Complex
Ontario (GTA)	$450–$600	$600–$1,000
Ontario (other)	$350–$500	$500–$800
BC (Metro Vancouver)	$450–$650	$650–$1,000
Alberta	$350–$500	$500–$750
Quebec	$350–$500	$500–$750
Atlantic provinces	$300–$450	$450–$700

What the Appraisal Covers

Physical inspection of the property (interior and exterior)
Comparison to recent sales of similar properties (comparables)
Assessment of the property's condition, location, and features
Final opinion of market value
Formal written report delivered to the lender

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What Happens If the Appraisal Comes In Low?

A low appraisal — where the appraised value is less than your purchase price — is one of the most stressful scenarios in a real estate transaction. Here's what can happen:

Lender reduces the mortgage: The lender will lend based on the lower of purchase price or appraised value. If you offered $850,000 on a home that appraises at $800,000, the bank will only lend based on $800,000.
You must make up the difference: The $50,000 gap must come from additional cash. This can be difficult for buyers who are already stretched.
Renegotiate the price: Some buyers use a low appraisal as leverage to renegotiate with the seller. This works best when the seller is motivated.
Walk away: If your offer included an appraisal condition or financing condition, a low appraisal may allow you to exit the deal without penalty.