What it costs to pay off your mortgage — and all the related fees when you sell or refinance
When you pay off your mortgage in full — whether by selling your property, refinancing with a different lender, or making a final payment — your lender must remove their legal charge (lien) from your property title. This process is called a "discharge" and involves registering the removal at the provincial land registry. Lenders charge an administrative fee for this work, typically ranging from $200 to $500 depending on the province and lender.
The discharge fee covers the lender's administrative cost of preparing the mortgage discharge documentation and, in some cases, registering the discharge at the land registry. A real estate lawyer or notary typically handles the registration as part of the sale closing. Even if the lender handles everything electronically, they still charge the fee.
| Lender | Discharge Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TD Bank | $300 | Standard discharge |
| RBC | $350 | May vary by province |
| BMO | $300 | Standard discharge |
| Scotiabank | $350 | Standard discharge |
| CIBC | $300–$400 | Varies by product |
| First National | $200–$300 | Monoline — typically lower |
| MCAP | $200–$350 | Depends on province |
| Merix Financial | $200–$300 | Standard |
Fees are approximate and change periodically. Always verify current fees with your lender before finalizing a sale.
Paid to your lender, covers their administrative costs. This is non-negotiable in most cases. Budget $200–$500.
Your real estate lawyer or notary (in Quebec/BC) handles the actual registration of the discharge at the provincial registry. This is typically included in their overall conveyancing fee for the sale, but may be a separate charge for a standalone refinance. Expect $500–$1,500 for a standard real estate transaction legal fee.
This is separate from and typically much larger than the discharge fee. If you're breaking a fixed-rate mortgage before the term ends, you'll pay a prepayment penalty — either 3 months' interest (monolines) or IRD (big banks). Use the calculator above to estimate this cost. Always get an exact penalty figure from your lender in writing before committing to a sale or refinance.
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Get KOHO Free — Code 45ET55JSYALast updated: March 2026. Fees approximate — verify with your lender. Not financial advice.