Does Alberta have a land transfer tax?
Alberta does not have the same type of provincial land transfer tax charged in provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia. However, buyers do pay Land Titles registration fees and levies when transferring ownership, and there are additional charges for registering a mortgage. These costs depend partly on the property's value and the mortgage amount. Your real estate lawyer will provide a breakdown of the applicable charges before closing.

Alberta Land Titles Fees in Brief


  • Alberta has no provincial land transfer tax.
  • Buyers pay Land Titles registration fees on the property transfer and the mortgage.
  • Fees are $50 plus $5 for every $5,000 of value.
  • These costs are much lower than land transfer taxes in Ontario and B.C.

How Alberta's Fees Are Calculated


Since October 20, 2024, the Land Titles registration fee is calculated as a $50 base fee plus $5 for every $5,000 of value or part thereof. Two registrations are common in a purchase:


  • Transfer of land: based on the property value
  • Mortgage registration: based on the mortgage amount

An Example


For a $500,000 home with a $400,000 mortgage:


  • Transfer fee: $50 + (100 × $5) = $550
  • Mortgage fee: $50 + (80 × $5) = $450
  • Total: about $1,000

Comparing Provinces


In Ontario, a buyer of a similar home would pay a provincial land transfer tax of several thousand dollars, plus a municipal tax in Toronto. British Columbia charges a property transfer tax on a sliding scale. These taxes can add up to tens of thousands of dollars on higher-priced homes, which is one reason Alberta's closing costs are among the lowest in Canada.


Is There a First-Time Buyer Rebate?


Because the fees are already modest, Alberta does not offer a first-time buyer rebate on Land Titles fees.


Confirming Your Costs


Fees can change, so your real estate lawyer will provide an exact breakdown on your statement of adjustments before closing.