Buying property in Nunavut is unique. Here's everything you need to know — including the $0 territorial land transfer tax and Nunavut Housing Corporation programs.
| Closing Cost | Nunavut | Ontario | BC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land Transfer Tax | $0 | $7,475 | $9,000 |
| Land Title Fee | ~$600 | Incl. | Incl. |
| Legal Fees | $2,000 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | ~$2,600 | ~$9,000 | ~$10,500 |
Nunavut's real estate market is unlike any other in Canada. With no road connection to the south and all goods and materials arriving by air or annual sealift, construction costs in Nunavut are extraordinarily high. A home that would cost $350,000 to build in southern Ontario can cost $600,000 or more to construct in Iqaluit, and costs escalate further in more remote communities.
Iqaluit, as the territorial capital and primary urban centre, has the most active real estate market in Nunavut. The city's roughly 8,000 residents include a large proportion of government workers, healthcare professionals, educators, and contractors on short-term postings. This creates a rental and purchase market with relatively high demand relative to the small number of available properties.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC) plays a central role in the territory's housing landscape. The NHC manages public housing for lower-income Nunavummiut, provides homeownership assistance programs, and offers subsidized mortgage and repair grant programs for eligible residents. First-time buyers should always investigate NHC programs before approaching a commercial lender, as the subsidized options can be substantially more favorable.
Despite high property prices, one advantage that Nunavut shares with the Yukon and NWT is the absence of a territorial land transfer tax. An Iqaluit buyer purchasing a $600,000 home pays zero LTT — compared to $8,475 in Ontario LTT and potentially $8,000+ in BC PTT for the same purchase price. The land title registration fee in Nunavut is modest, typically under $700 for most residential purchases.
Living costs in Nunavut are high — every dollar helps. KOHO gives a $100 bonus with code 45ET55JSYA, no monthly fees, and cashback on purchases.
Claim $100 Bonus →Buying a home in Nunavut requires careful preparation beyond what southern Canadian buyers typically consider. Permafrost underlies all of Nunavut, and virtually all residential structures are built on pilings. A pre-purchase inspection must always include a thorough assessment of the piling system — frost heave, piling corrosion, and lateral movement are all real risks in aging Nunavut structures.
Heating in Nunavut is almost exclusively by oil or electric, both of which are expensive. Annual heating costs for a typical Iqaluit home can run $5,000–$100 or more. When evaluating a property's affordability, always factor heating costs into your monthly operating budget alongside mortgage payments.
Legal fees for Nunavut real estate transactions tend to be slightly higher than in southern Canada, reflecting the specialized knowledge required and the limited number of real estate lawyers in the territory. Budget $1,800–$2,500 for legal costs.