Newfoundland Land Transfer Tax (Deed Transfer Tax) — 2025 Guide

NL charges just 0.4% deed transfer tax — one of the lowest in Canada. Here's how it works, what you pay, and how it compares.

What Is Newfoundland's Land Transfer Tax?

Newfoundland and Labrador calls its property transfer charge the "deed transfer tax" (or "registration of deeds tax"). It is charged on the purchase price of real property and is paid by the buyer at closing. The rate in NL is a flat 0.4% of the purchase price — one of the simplest and lowest land transfer taxes in Canada. Unlike Ontario or BC, there are no tiered brackets that apply higher rates to higher-value properties.

How to Calculate Your NL Deed Transfer Tax

The formula is straightforward: multiply your purchase price by 0.004 (0.4%).

Purchase Price	NL Deed Transfer Tax (0.4%)
$150,000	$600
$200,000	$800
$250,000	$1,000
$300,000	$1,200
$340,000 (St. John's avg.)	$1,360
$400,000	$1,600
$500,000	$2,000

Comparing NL to Other Provincial Land Transfer Taxes

Province	Tax on $340,000 Purchase
Newfoundland (0.4% flat)	$1,360
Prince Edward Island (~1%)	~$3,400
Nova Scotia (1.5%)	~$5,100
Ontario (tiered)	~$4,475
British Columbia (tiered)	~$5,100
Alberta	$0 (no land transfer tax)

NL's deed transfer tax is dramatically lower than most provinces. Only Alberta and Saskatchewan have no transfer tax. This is a meaningful financial advantage for NL homebuyers.

Are There Exemptions to NL's Deed Transfer Tax?

Certain transactions may be exempt or reduced under NL's Registrations of Deeds Act. Transfers between spouses, transfers to directly-held corporations, and certain charitable or government transfers may qualify for exemptions. Your real estate lawyer will confirm whether any exemptions apply to your specific transaction. There is no blanket first-time buyer exemption from the deed transfer tax in NL (unlike some other provinces), though NL offers tax credits separately.

Other Closing Costs in Newfoundland

Beyond the deed transfer tax, budget for these closing costs on a typical NL home purchase:

• Legal fees and disbursements: $1,200-$2,000
• Title insurance: $200-$400 (recommended)
• Home inspection: $400-$600
• CMHC mortgage insurance premium (if less than 20% down): 0.6%-4.0% of mortgage, added to loan
• Property tax adjustment: pro-rated portion of the year's taxes
• Moving costs

Who Pays the Deed Transfer Tax?

The buyer pays the deed transfer tax in Newfoundland. It is collected through your real estate lawyer at closing and remitted to the provincial government. You cannot negotiate for the seller to pay it — it is a buyer's obligation by statute. Your lawyer will include it in the closing statement and ensure it is paid correctly before the deed is registered.