Land transfer tax, closing costs, and everything you need to buy in Oshawa
Oshawa is Durham Region's largest city and one of the most affordable housing markets in the Greater Toronto Area. With significant investment in downtown revitalization, UOIT campus growth, and new transit connections, Oshawa is increasingly attractive to first-time buyers and investors. Buyers pay only Ontario LTT — Durham Region has no municipal LTT — making Oshawa closing costs among the lowest in the GTA.
Average home prices in Oshawa sit around $700,000 in 2025, depending on property type and neighbourhood. Buyers in Oshawa benefit from paying only Ontario's provincial land transfer tax — there is no municipal LTT in Oshawa, making closing costs noticeably lower than in Toronto. First-time buyers can also claim the Ontario FTB LTT rebate of up to $4,000.
| Purchase Price | Rate |
|---|---|
| First $55,000 | 0.5% |
| $55,001 – $250,000 | 1.0% |
| $250,001 – $400,000 | 1.5% |
| $400,001 – $2,000,000 | 2.0% |
| Over $2,000,000 | 2.5% |
| Cost Item | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario LTT | Calculated above | No municipal LTT in Oshawa |
| Legal fees | $1,500–$2,500 | Includes disbursements |
| Title insurance | $300–$500 | One-time |
| Home inspection | $500–$700 | Strongly recommended |
| CMHC premium | 2.8%–4% of mortgage | If under 20% down |
| Moving costs | $1,000–$3,000 | Local or long-distance |
Get pre-approved: Know your purchase power before viewing homes. Your lender will consider income, credit, and debt-to-income ratios. A mortgage broker can compare rates from multiple lenders.
Work with a local realtor: A buyer's agent familiar with Oshawa's neighbourhoods and market conditions can help you identify value, navigate offers, and negotiate effectively. Their commission is typically paid by the seller.
Budget for all closing costs: Beyond LTT, budget for legal fees, title insurance, home inspection, and adjustments (property taxes, utilities). Use the calculator above to estimate your total.
Home inspection: Always include a home inspection condition for freehold properties. In Oshawa's market, some buyers waive this in competitive situations — understand the significant financial risk involved.
Close with your lawyer: Your real estate lawyer will handle title registration, LTT payment, and key transfer. Bring certified funds for the balance of down payment and closing costs on closing day.
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