2026 Home Buying Costs · Ontario LTT · CMHC Insurance · Closing Costs
Kingston is one of Ontario's most livable cities, offering a rare combination of historic charm, strong employment, and relatively affordable housing. Situated at the junction of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and the Rideau Canal, Kingston is home to Queen's University, the Royal Military College, and Kingston General Hospital — three of the largest employers in the region.
Kingston's housing market has seen sustained demand from Toronto buyers, remote workers, and military families. The median price across all property types sits around $590,000, with detached homes in established areas like Williamsville and Portsmouth ranging from $550,000 to $850,000. The downtown and university areas offer condos and town homes starting around $380,000.
At Kingston's median of $590,000, expect closing costs of $14,000–$19,000, including Ontario LTT of $8,475, legal fees (~$2,000–$2,500), title insurance (~$500), home inspection (~$600), and land registration fees. A 5% down payment is $29,500 plus CMHC insurance premium.
| Cost Item | Estimated Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario Land Transfer Tax | $8,275 | At median price; FTB rebate up to $4,000 |
| Legal Fees | $1,800 – $2,500 | Includes title search and registration |
| Title Insurance | $300 – $600 | One-time premium |
| Home Inspection | $500 – $700 | Recommended on all resale purchases |
| Moving Costs | $1,500 – $4,000 | Local moves lower; inter-city higher |
| CMHC Insurance (5% down) | ~$23,110 | Added to mortgage; paid over amortization |
| Property Tax Adjustment | Varies | Prepaid portion reimbursed to seller at closing |
| HST on New Builds | May apply | Not applicable on resale homes |
For a full breakdown of Ontario LTT brackets, visit our Ontario Land Transfer Tax guide.
Popular Kingston neighbourhoods include Williamsville (urban walkable), Portsmouth (waterfront, Olympic Harbour), Cataraqui (suburban, newer builds), Reddendale (families, good schools), and Sydenham (heritage homes, walkable to downtown). The University District is popular for investors.
Use the LTT calculator above to estimate your exact Ontario land transfer tax for any purchase price in Kingston.
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No. Only the City of Toronto charges a Municipal Land Transfer Tax on top of the provincial Ontario LTT. Kingston is in Frontenac County — buyers pay only the Ontario provincial LTT.
Ontario LTT is paid on closing day through your real estate lawyer. It is based on the purchase price registered with the province.
The minimum down payment in Canada is 5% for homes priced up to $500,000, and 5% on the first $500,000 plus 10% on the remainder for homes between $500,000 and $999,999. At Kingston's median of $590,000, this works out to approximately $29,500.
While not legally required, a home inspection is strongly recommended for resale properties in Kingston, particularly older homes. Inspections typically cost $500–$700 and can reveal costly issues before you close.
For more details on Ontario LTT, see our Ontario Land Transfer Tax guide.