What Closing Costs Actually Cost in Ottawa

Ontario's Land Transfer Tax (a tax charged on the transfer of the property, paid by the buyer) is tiered: 0.5% on the first $55,000, 1.0% from $55,000–$250,000, 1.5% from $250,000–$400,000, 2.0% from $400,000–$2M, and 2.5% above $2M.

On a $600,000 Ottawa home, that works out to $8,475. Ottawa doesn't add a municipal land transfer tax on top — that's a Toronto-only rule.

First-time buyers get a refund of up to $4,000, which fully covers the tax on purchases up to roughly $368,000 and reduces it above that.

Your lawyer's flat fee plus disbursements (title search, registration, courier) usually lands between $1,800 and $2,500 for a standard resale purchase. New construction and more complex titles can add another $500–$1,500.

A one-time payment of roughly $400–$600 that protects you against title defects, fraud, and certain survey problems. Most Ontario lenders require it.

Not required, but worth doing. Budget $500–$700 for a residential inspection in Ottawa. Specialty inspections — septic, well, WETT for wood stoves — cost extra and are common in rural areas like Russell, Greely, or Manotick.

On closing day, you reimburse the seller for any property tax or utility costs they've already paid past your closing date. Usually a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on timing.

CMHC insurance premiums get added to your mortgage, but the 8% Ontario PST on that premium has to be paid in cash at closing. On a high-ratio mortgage of $570,000, that's roughly $1,300 in cash.

Mortgage broker fees (if any), appraisal ($350–$500), moving costs, a locksmith, immediate repairs, the condo status certificate fee ($100 if the seller doesn't cover it), and a Tarion fee if you're buying new construction.

Appraisal: $350–$500, often covered by the lender on insured mortgages. Mortgage broker fees: usually $0 for prime mortgages, since the broker is paid by the lender. Property surveys are typically skipped in favour of title insurance.

Status certificate fee ($100) if the seller doesn't cover it, plus your lawyer's time reviewing the reserve fund and estoppel certificate. There's also a first-month common-element fee adjustment at closing.

There's a Tarion enrolment fee (sometimes pre-paid by the builder, sometimes passed through), plus HST adjustments on the rebate. Development charges, education levies, and lot levies get passed through at closing too, and can total $10,000–$25,000 on a single-family home unless the agreement caps them.

1. Ask your lawyer or realtor for a closing-cost worksheet about 30 days out. 2. Wire your down payment plus closing cash to your lawyer 3 business days before closing. 3. If you're a first-time buyer, confirm the Land Transfer Tax refund is being applied. 4. Confirm utilities transfer for the day after closing. 5. Pick up your keys.