Ontario provincial LTT only — Halton Region has no municipal land transfer tax
Burlington consistently ranks among Canada's best cities to live in, and buyers here benefit from paying only Ontario's provincial land transfer tax. Halton Region — including Burlington — has no municipal land transfer tax. On a typical Burlington home priced around $950,000, the Ontario LTT is approximately $13,975. First-time buyers save $4,000, paying $9,975.
Burlington's lakefront location, top-ranked schools, three GO Train stations, and consistently livable character make it one of the GTA West's most sought-after communities. Typical detached home prices range from $850,000 in north Burlington's newer subdivisions to $1.4M in established waterfront-adjacent neighbourhoods like Aldershot and South Burlington. Waterfront properties with lake views command the highest premiums, with some exceeding $3M.
Burlington's housing stock is diverse: Aldershot in the north offers 1950s–1970s bungalows on larger lots; South Burlington near the lake has mature 1960s–1980s homes on established streets; the Burlington downtown core has walkable urban character; and north Burlington's Palmer, Orchard, and Tyandaga areas feature newer construction. Condos downtown range from $550,000 to $1.1M for larger units.
Burlington is one of the few Halton Region communities with three active GO Train stations: Burlington, Appleby, and Aldershot. This extensive coverage means most Burlington residents live within 10 minutes of a GO station. Lakeshore West service to Union Station runs peak trips in 40–50 minutes — among the fastest GO Train times for any community at Burlington's distance from Toronto. Off-peak all-day service makes Burlington viable for workers on varied schedules.
Burlington's waterfront along Lake Ontario is one of the best-developed lakefront promenades in the GTA outside Toronto. Spencer Smith Park, the Burlington waterfront trail, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, and a collection of waterfront restaurants and patios create a genuine lakeside urban experience. The QEW and Lakeshore Road provide access, and the waterfront is walkable from Burlington's downtown BIA. This lakefront quality-of-life asset is a major driver of Burlington's consistently premium positioning within Halton Region pricing.
Burlington's combination of attributes — lakefront access, three GO stations, highly-rated public and Catholic schools, strong healthcare (Joseph Brant Hospital), Royal Botanical Gardens, Niagara Escarpment proximity, and a diverse and engaged community — makes it one of Ontario's most consistently in-demand residential markets. The city's managed growth approach and relatively limited greenfield development have constrained supply, supporting price stability. Burlington's average household income is among the highest in Halton Region, supporting a service economy and retail environment that functions as a standalone city rather than a purely bedroom community.
| Purchase Price Range | Rate | Marginal Tax on Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $55,000 | 0.5% | Up to $275 |
| $55,001 – $250,000 | 1.0% | Up to $1,950 |
| $250,001 – $400,000 | 1.5% | Up to $2,250 |
| $400,001 – $2,000,000 | 2.0% | Up to $32,000 |
| Over $2,000,000 | 2.5% | — |
| Price | Ontario LTT (Gross) | FTB Rebate | Net LTT |
|---|---|---|---|
| $570,000 | $7,875 | $4,000 | $3,875 |
| $950,000 | $15,475 | $4,000 | $11,475 |
| $1,140,000 | $19,275 | $4,000 | $15,275 |
| $1,330,000 | $23,075 | $4,000 | $19,075 |
Ontario's First-Time Home Buyers' Rebate provides up to $4,000 off your land transfer tax — applied automatically at closing by your lawyer through the provincial Teraview system. To qualify, you must never have owned residential property anywhere in the world. This rebate fully offsets LTT on homes priced up to approximately $368,000 and provides a $4,000 reduction on all higher-priced properties. Most Burlington buyers who qualify will reduce their net LTT from $15,475 to $11,475 on a typical home.
Land transfer tax is paid on your closing date. Your real estate lawyer remits it directly to the Ontario government through the land registry system. The funds must be available in the trust account before keys are transferred — LTT cannot be added to your mortgage or HELOC. Budget for it alongside your down payment balance, legal fees, and other closing costs when planning your purchase timeline.
Beyond land transfer tax, typical closing costs include: legal fees ($1,500–$2,500), title insurance ($300–$600), home inspection ($450–$700), and property tax/utility adjustments. If your down payment is under 20%, CMHC mortgage default insurance adds 2.8%–4% of your mortgage amount — this is rolled into your mortgage, not paid in cash at closing. A rough rule: budget 1.5%–3% of the purchase price for all closing costs combined.
Ontario LTT is unavoidable — but banking fees aren't. Switch to KOHO's free account and stop paying $15-20/month in bank fees. Every dollar helps in today's market.
Get KOHO Free — Code 45ET55JSYA