Guide · Calgary & Alberta
Is There a Land Transfer Tax in Alberta? Closing Costs to Budget For
Alberta has no land transfer tax. Instead you pay Land Titles registration fees: $50 plus $5 for every $5,000 of value on the transfer, and the same on the mortgage, since October 20, 2024. On a $500,000 home with a $400,000 mortgage, that is about $1,000 in total.
Alberta Land Titles fees
Since October 20, 2024, both the transfer of land and the mortgage registration cost $50 plus $5 per $5,000 of value (the property value for the transfer, the mortgage principal for the mortgage) (Bennett Jones). From January 31, 2025 the mortgage fee is generally based on the full principal (Cassels).
Worked example
| Item | Calculation | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer of land, $500,000 home | $50 + $5 × (500,000 ÷ 5,000) | $550 |
| Mortgage registration, $400,000 mortgage | $50 + $5 × (400,000 ÷ 5,000) | $450 |
| Total Land Titles fees | $1,000 |
Other closing costs to budget for
- Legal fees and disbursements for your real estate lawyer.
- Title insurance, often arranged through your lawyer.
- Home inspection and appraisal, if not covered by the lender.
- Property tax and utility adjustments with the seller on possession day.
- GST on new builds, which matters in Calgary's new communities; ask whether it's included in the price.
- Mortgage default insurance if you put down less than 20%. It is usually added to the mortgage, and Alberta has no provincial sales tax on the premium (CMHC explains insurance).
- Moving costs and any immediate repairs.
Moving from Ontario or B.C.?
Buyers arriving from provinces with a land transfer tax are often surprised by how low Alberta's government fees are. The savings are real, but legal, insurance and adjustment costs still add up, so keep a separate closing-cost fund rather than putting every dollar into the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
Does Alberta have a land transfer tax?
No. Alberta charges Land Titles registration fees instead: $50 plus $5 per $5,000 of value on the transfer, and the same on the mortgage, since October 20, 2024.
How much are Land Titles fees on a $500,000 home in Alberta?
About $550 for the transfer. If you also register a $400,000 mortgage, add about $450, for roughly $1,000 in total.
What closing costs should I budget for in Calgary?
Land Titles fees, legal fees, title insurance, inspection or appraisal, property tax adjustments, GST on new builds, and mortgage default insurance if you put less than 20% down.
Sources
- Bennett Jones — Increases to Alberta land transfer and mortgage registration fees
- Cassels — Alberta mortgage registration costs, Jan 31 2025
- CMHC
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