Quick answer: Alberta has no land transfer tax. Your main closing costs are Land Titles fees ($50 plus $5 for every $5,000, on both the transfer and the mortgage), your lawyer, title insurance if your lender asks for it, property tax and other adjustments, a home inspection, home insurance, and GST if you buy a brand-new home. On a $600,000 home with a $480,000 mortgage, the Land Titles fees come to $1,180.
By Taran Bains, REALTOR® with Real Broker · Updated November 4, 2026
Most of my buyers focus on the down payment, and that makes sense. But closing day has its own bill, and I never want a client to be surprised by it a week before possession. Here is what you will pay when you buy in Calgary or anywhere in Alberta, based on the Alberta government, City of Calgary and CMHC rules as of November 2026. Your lawyer will give you the exact numbers for your purchase.
Is there a land transfer tax in Alberta?
No. Instead, Alberta Land Titles charges registration fees. Since October 20, 2024, both fees use the same formula:
- Transfer of land: $50 plus $5 for every $5,000 of the home’s value.
- Mortgage: $50 plus $5 for every $5,000 (or part of $5,000) of the mortgage amount. Since January 31, 2025, this is based on the full mortgage amount.
| Home price / mortgage | Transfer fee | Mortgage fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $450,000 / $360,000 | $500 | $410 | $910 |
| $600,000 / $480,000 | $650 | $530 | $1,180 |
| $800,000 / $640,000 | $850 | $690 | $1,540 |
Coming from Ontario or BC? My moving guide compares these fees with land transfer tax there.
What other closing costs should I budget for?
- Real estate lawyer: your lawyer moves the money between you, your lender and the seller, registers you and your mortgage on title, discharges the seller’s mortgage and reviews the Real Property Report. Get a written quote that shows fees and disbursements.
- Title insurance: many lenders require it. You pay for it, even though the lender’s policy protects the lender.
- Property tax adjustment: Calgary property taxes are due on the last business day of June (June 30 in 2026). If you take possession after the seller has paid the year’s taxes, you pay them back for the months you own the home. Your lawyer handles this on the statement of adjustments.
- Home inspection and insurance: book the inspection during your conditions, and have home insurance in place for possession day.
- Moving and setup: movers, utility hook-ups and a few first-week purchases.
What about CMHC insurance and GST?
- Mortgage insurance: with less than 20% down, you pay a CMHC (or other insurer) premium, for example 4.00% of the loan with 5% to 9.99% down and 3.10% with 10% to 14.99% down. It is usually added to your mortgage. In Alberta there is no provincial sales tax on the premium; CMHC says that PST applies only in Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan, and it cannot be added to the loan there.
- GST on new homes: a brand-new home from a builder comes with 5% GST, often built into the price. Check whether you qualify for the first-time buyer GST rebate.
How do I avoid surprises on closing day?
- Pick your lawyer when you write the offer, not after it goes firm.
- Read your statement of adjustments and ask your lawyer about anything that does not add up.
- Re-enrol in monthly tax payments. The City’s TIPP plan does not transfer to a new property, so sign up again for your new home. If your lender collects taxes with your mortgage, confirm that instead.
- Buying a new build? When a new home is finished, the City issues a supplementary assessment and a separate tax bill for the new building. Plan for it in your first year. My pre-construction guide has more.
- Keep your finances steady until closing, and keep your closing-cost money in a Canadian account so it is easy to send to your lawyer.
Not sure how much you can borrow? Start with my mortgage basics guide and mortgage calculator.
Buying in Calgary? Let’s talk.
I help buyers across NE, SE, NW and SW Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, Balzac, Langdon, Cochrane and Okotoks, in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. Call or text me and I will help you build a full budget, down payment and closing costs included, before you start looking.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a land transfer tax in Alberta?
No. Alberta has no land transfer tax. Buyers pay Land Titles registration fees instead: $50 plus $5 for every $5,000 of value on the transfer, and $50 plus $5 for every $5,000 of the mortgage amount.
How much are Land Titles fees on a $600,000 home in Alberta?
The transfer fee is $650. With a $480,000 mortgage, the mortgage registration fee is $530, for a total of $1,180 in Land Titles fees.
Is there PST on CMHC mortgage insurance in Alberta?
No. CMHC says provincial sales tax on mortgage insurance premiums applies in Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan, not Alberta. The premium itself is usually added to your mortgage.
When are property taxes due in Calgary?
Calgary property taxes are due on the last business day of June; in 2026 that was June 30. Your lawyer adjusts the taxes between you and the seller on closing.
Taran Bains, REALTOR® | Real Broker. Information is believed accurate as of November 2026 but should be independently verified. This is general information, not legal, tax or mortgage advice; confirm details with your lawyer, accountant and lender.