Ontario Real Estate Costs

Closing Costs in Ontario — Purchase, Sale, Refinance & Title Transfer

Securing a competitive mortgage rate is only part of the picture. Knowing your real estate lawyer’s fees, disbursements and government charges in advance is what keeps closing day predictable.

At Shaikh Law Firm, we publish transparent, flat real estate legal fees so you can budget with confidence. Use our online calculators to estimate the cost of a purchase, sale or refinance in seconds.

PurchaseSaleRefinanceTitle InsuranceLand Transfer Tax

Closing Costs Calculator

Interactive calculator placeholder for purchase, sale, refinance, title insurance and land transfer tax estimates.

PurchaseSaleRefinanceTitle Transfer

Property price$500,000

LocationOutside Toronto

Buyer typeNot first-time buyer

Estimated total closing costs from$8,700

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the legal fees, disbursements, taxes and registration charges payable at the completion of a real estate transaction — separate from, and in addition to, your down payment and moving expenses.

Because these amounts are payable in cash on closing — not financed through your mortgage — early budgeting is essential.

1.5%–4%

In Ontario, closing costs typically range from 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price. On a $500,000 property, that is roughly $7,500 to $20,000, with land transfer tax representing the largest single component for most buyers.

Closing Costs When Buying a Home in Ontario

A buyer’s minimum closing costs generally include:

Ontario Land Transfer TaxApplies to all Ontario purchases.
Municipal Land Transfer TaxToronto properties only, plus the City’s administration fee.
Real estate lawyer fees and disbursementsLegal fees, office disbursements, registration software charges and related closing costs.
Title insuranceUsually arranged as part of the real estate closing.
Registration of Transfer and MortgageGovernment registration charges for title and mortgage documents.
Fire/home insuranceTypically required by the lender on closing.
Non-Resident Speculation TaxA 25% tax applying province-wide to foreign nationals and foreign entities purchasing residential property anywhere in Ontario. Foreign buyers in Toronto pay an additional 10% Municipal NRST, for 35% combined.

Sample Purchase

$500,000

Outside Toronto, not a first-time buyer.

Ontario Land Transfer Tax$6,475

Legal feesfrom $999 + HST

Title insurance estimateapprox. $500

Registration/disbursementsconfirmed at closing

Estimated totalfrom approx. $8,700

Toronto buyers should budget for a Municipal Land Transfer Tax roughly equal to the provincial amount, plus the City’s MLTT administration fee of $102.56 + HST, effective January 2026.

Ontario Land Transfer Tax — How It Is Calculated

Land transfer tax is applied on a marginal bracket basis to the purchase price.

First $55,0000.5%

$55,001 to $250,0001.0%

$250,001 to $400,0001.5%

$400,001 to $2,000,0002.0%

Amount over $2,000,000 where the land contains one or two single-family residences2.5%

First-time home buyers may qualify for a provincial refund of up to $4,000, and Toronto first-time buyers may qualify for an additional municipal rebate of up to $4,475.

Minimum Down Payment in Ontario

Your down payment is your contribution toward the purchase price; the mortgage covers the balance.

$500,000 or less

5%

Minimum down payment is 5% of the purchase price.

$500,000 to $1,499,999

5% + 10%

5% on the first $500,000, plus 10% on the portion above $500,000.

$1,500,000 or more

20%

Minimum down payment is 20% of the purchase price.

Insured high-ratio mortgages are now available on homes priced up to $1.5 million. Credit history and self-employment may affect qualification.

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Optional Buyer Costs

Home inspection: $500–$800. Appraisal: $300–$500. Condo status certificate: $100 inclusive of HST and capped under the Condominium Act, plus possible third-party online processing fees. Mortgage default insurance applies where the down payment is under 20%.

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Closing Costs When Selling

A seller’s costs are generally limited to real estate commission, real estate lawyer fees from $900 + HST at Shaikh Law plus disbursements, and mortgage discharge or prepayment charges if breaking the term early.

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Closing Costs to Refinance

Refinancing costs typically include lawyer’s fees, title insurance, the Law Society levy, registration of the new charge, payout of the existing mortgage or other debts, and any B-lender or broker fees.

Hire a Real Estate Lawyer Online

Shaikh Law Firm acts for clients across Ontario. Start your purchase, sale or refinance file online and receive a clear fee quote up front.

Head Office

218 Export Blvd, Unit 105
Mississauga, ON L5S 0A7

Tel: (905) 795-7757 / (647) 812-6938
Fax: (905) 795-1271
info@slclawyer.ca

TorontoEtobicokeMississaugaStreetsvilleBramptonOakvilleHamiltonGuelphKitchenerCambridgeScarboroughNorth YorkMarkhamVaughanRichmond HillBarrieOttawaLondonOshawa

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ontario closing costs, land transfer tax, cash on closing, foreign buyer taxes and real estate lawyer fees.

How much are closing costs in Ontario?

Typically 1.5%–4% of the purchase price.

Who pays land transfer tax?

The buyer, on closing.

Are closing costs included in my mortgage?

No — they are payable in cash on closing.

Do foreign buyers pay extra?

Yes — a 25% Non-Resident Speculation Tax applies province-wide, plus an additional 10% in Toronto.

What does a real estate lawyer charge?

Shaikh Law offers flat fees from $999 + HST for a purchase and $900 + HST for a sale, plus disbursements.

Get a Clear Quote Before Closing Day

Estimate your closing costs, confirm your legal fee, and start your Ontario purchase, sale or refinance file online.