Canada Land Transfer Tax 2027: Rates by Province and First-Time Buyer Rebates
Land transfer tax (LTT) is a one-time provincial tax paid by the buyer at closing in most Canadian provinces. In 2027, rates range from 0.5% to 2.5% of the purchase price depending on province and price tier. Ontario and BC buyers may also owe a municipal LTT. First-time buyers can claim partial or full rebates in Ontario, BC, and Prince Edward Island.
Land transfer tax is one of the largest closing costs Canadian buyers face — yet it is often underestimated during the budgeting phase. In Toronto, combined provincial and municipal LTT on a $900,000 home can exceed $30,000. This guide covers every province's current rates, the Toronto double-tax, and all available first-time buyer rebates.
Land transfer tax rates by province (2027)
| Province | Tax name | Rate (simplified) | On $600k purchase (est.) | First-time buyer rebate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Land Transfer Tax | 0.5%–2.0% (slab) | ~$8,475 | Up to $4,000 |
| Toronto (additional) | Municipal LTT | Same as provincial | ~$8,475 | Up to $4,475 |
| British Columbia | Property Transfer Tax | 1%–3%–5% (slab) | ~$10,000 | Full exemption ≤$500k |
| Quebec | Welcome Tax | 0.5%–1.5%–3.0% (slab) | ~$6,700 | None provincially |
| Manitoba | Land Transfer Tax | 0%–0.5%–1.0%–1.5%–2.0% | ~$7,720 | Up to $4,500 credit |
| Nova Scotia | Deed Transfer Tax | ~1.5% (municipal) | ~$9,000 | None |
| PEI | Real Property Transfer Tax | 1.0% | ~$6,000 | Full exemption (conditions) |
| Alberta | Title transfer fee only | ~$400–$800 flat | ~$600 | N/A |
| Saskatchewan | Title transfer fee only | ~$400–$700 flat | ~$550 | N/A |
Toronto double land transfer tax example
Ontario provincial LTT: $275 + $1,950 + $2,250 + $9,000 = $13,475
Toronto Municipal LTT (same slab structure): $13,475
Combined LTT: $26,950 — a significant cash requirement at closing in addition to your down payment.
External references
- Ontario — Land Transfer Tax rates and rebates
- BC — Property Transfer Tax
- CMHC — Understanding the costs of buying a home
Common questions
What is land transfer tax in Canada?
Land transfer tax (LTT) — called property transfer tax in BC and deed transfer tax in Nova Scotia — is a provincial tax levied on the buyer when a property changes hands. It is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, paid at closing (registered through the provincial land registry system), and collected by the provincial government. Alberta and Saskatchewan do not charge a provincial land transfer tax (they charge a small title transfer fee instead). Toronto charges an additional Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT) on top of Ontario's provincial LTT. The tax is due at closing and must be included in your closing cost budget. Full rate tables are maintained by each provincial government — Ontario's are at ontario.ca/land-transfer-tax.
What are the land transfer tax rates in Ontario in 2027?
Ontario provincial LTT rates (marginal, applied to slabs of the purchase price): Up to $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%. For a $750,000 purchase in Ontario (outside Toronto): LTT = $0.005×$55k + $0.01×$195k + $0.015×$150k + $0.02×$350k = $275 + $1,950 + $2,250 + $7,000 = $11,475. In Toronto, the MLTT adds an equivalent amount — same rate structure — so the combined LTT on a $750,000 Toronto home is approximately $22,950. First-time buyers in Ontario receive a rebate of up to $4,000 on the provincial LTT and up to $4,475 on the Toronto MLTT. Details at Ontario Land Transfer Tax page.
What are the property transfer tax rates in British Columbia in 2027?
BC Property Transfer Tax (PTT) rates: First $200,000: 1.0%. $200,001–$2,000,000: 2.0%. $2,000,001–$3,000,000: 3.0%. Over $3,000,000: 5.0% (on the portion above $3M). For a $900,000 purchase: PTT = $0.01×$200k + $0.02×$700k = $2,000 + $14,000 = $16,000. Additional PTT: a 5% additional PTT applies to foreign buyers and corporations purchasing residential property in certain areas (Metro Vancouver, Capital Regional District, etc.). First-time buyers may qualify for the BC First-Time Home Buyers' Program exemption — full exemption on homes up to $500,000, partial exemption between $500,001 and $525,000. New construction receives a separate exemption for homes under $1,100,000 (partial below $1,150,000). Full rates at BC Property Transfer Tax.
Which provinces have no land transfer tax?
Alberta and Saskatchewan do not charge a provincial land transfer tax. Instead, they charge small title transfer fees based on the property value — Alberta's land title transfer fee is approximately $400–$800 on a $500,000 home; Saskatchewan's is similar. This makes Alberta and Saskatchewan the most tax-efficient provinces from a closing cost perspective. Rural Manitoba has lower effective LTT rates than urban centres. Quebec charges a "Welcome Tax" (Taxe de bienvenue) — a municipal transfer duty — calculated at 1.5–3.0% depending on price tier and municipality. Nova Scotia's deed transfer tax varies by municipality (1.5% is common). The CMHC home buying cost guide lists province-by-province closing cost estimates.
Do first-time buyers get a land transfer tax rebate in Canada?
Yes — several provinces offer first-time buyer LTT rebates: Ontario: rebate of up to $4,000 on provincial LTT (fully offsets LTT on homes up to ~$368,000). Toronto MLTT: additional rebate of up to $4,475. BC: first-time buyers can exempt the full PTT on homes up to $500,000 (partial exemption to $525,000). Prince Edward Island: 100% LTT exemption for first-time buyers who are permanent residents on homes under $200,000. Manitoba: tax credit of up to $4,500 on qualifying first purchases. Eligibility generally requires: (1) Canadian citizen or permanent resident; (2) First-time buyer — never previously owned a home anywhere in the world; (3) Must occupy as principal residence within a specified period. Links: Ontario first-time buyer rebate.
Is land transfer tax included in the mortgage or paid separately?
Land transfer tax cannot be added to your CMHC-insured mortgage — it must be paid in cash at closing. For an uninsured mortgage (20%+ down), some lenders may allow it to be rolled into the mortgage, but this is uncommon and increases your loan balance. Budget LTT as a separate cash requirement on top of your down payment and other closing costs. Example: buying a $700,000 home in Toronto as a non-first-time buyer requires approximately $45,900 in combined provincial + municipal LTT alone — in addition to 5–20% down payment and legal fees of $1,500–$2,500. Use the Canadian mortgage calculator to model total upfront cash requirements and plan your purchase budget accordingly.
Budget your full purchase costs with the Canadian mortgage calculator, explore Canada minimum down payment rules, or read about Canada's new mortgage rules in 2027.