Quick answer: Alberta has no land transfer tax and no provincial sales tax. Instead of Ontario’s land transfer tax or BC’s property transfer tax, you pay Land Titles registration fees of $50 plus $5 for every $5,000 of value, which is $800 on a $750,000 home. After you move, apply for Alberta health coverage within 3 months and exchange your driver’s licence within 90 days.
By Taran Bains, REALTOR® with Real Broker · Updated November 3, 2026
I meet a lot of families who are moving to Calgary from the Greater Toronto Area, the Lower Mainland and other parts of Ontario and BC. The first surprise is usually the closing costs. Here is what changes when you buy a home in Alberta, with the numbers from the Alberta, Ontario, BC and federal governments as of November 2026. Always confirm your own situation with your lawyer and lender.
How much do I save on land transfer tax?
Alberta does not have a land transfer tax. You pay a Land Titles registration fee on the transfer, and another on your mortgage. Here is how a $750,000 home compares, before any first-time buyer refunds or exemptions:
- Ontario: provincial land transfer tax of $11,475 on a single-family home. In Toronto, a municipal land transfer tax is charged on top of that.
- British Columbia: property transfer tax of 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the rest up to $2 million, so $13,000.
- Alberta: $50 plus $5 for every $5,000 of the price, so $800 for the transfer. Your mortgage registration uses the same formula on the loan amount: $650 on a $600,000 mortgage.
You will still have lawyer’s fees, a home inspection, insurance and tax adjustments, but the gap on transfer tax alone can cover a good part of your moving costs.
What about sales tax?
Alberta charges only the 5% federal GST and has no provincial sales tax. Ontario charges 13% HST, and BC charges 5% GST plus 7% PST. On a resale home there is no GST, but on a brand-new home from a builder GST applies, so ask about the first-time buyer GST rebate if you qualify. Day to day, no PST makes furniture, appliances and other move-in purchases a little cheaper.
What paperwork changes when I move?
- Health care: if you plan to live in Alberta for 12 months or more, apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan within 3 months of establishing residency. Coverage starts on the first day of the third month after you arrive; for example, arrive July 12 and coverage starts October 1. Ask your current province how long its coverage continues after you leave.
- Driver’s licence: exchange your Ontario or BC licence at an Alberta registry agent within 90 days of becoming a resident. You surrender your old licence and bring proof of Alberta residence and legal status in Canada. A full Class 5 licence is exchanged without a road test; if you have held it for less than 2 years, you may be placed in Alberta’s graduated licensing program.
- Mortgage: the stress test and down payment rules are federal, so they are the same here. My mortgage basics guide explains them.
How is buying a home different in Alberta?
- Real Property Report (RPR): in Calgary, the standard contract usually requires the seller to provide a current RPR with a City Certificate of Compliance, showing the house, garage, deck and fences are where they should be.
- Basement suites: many Calgary homes have basement suites, but not all are legal. Check the City’s suite registry before you count on rental income; my basement suite guide explains how.
- Property assessment: the City of Calgary assesses homes at market value as of July 1 of the previous year and mails notices every January.
- New construction: Calgary and the towns around it have lots of new communities. See my pre-construction guide before you sign with a builder.
Which areas should I look at?
It depends on your commute, schools, budget and how new you want the home to be. For newer homes in the northeast, start with Saddle Ridge and Cornerstone. In the southeast, look at Seton and Mahogany; in the northwest, Sage Hill and Evanston. If you want a smaller city nearby, compare Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane and Okotoks.
Tips before you buy from out of province
- Get pre-approved first, and tell your lender you are moving provinces and whether your job is changing.
- Plan your trip around showings. Send me your must-haves early and we can narrow down communities on a video call before you fly in.
- Think about winter. A heated or attached garage and a good furnace matter more here than you might expect.
- Line up your lawyer early, especially if you are selling in Ontario or BC at the same time.
Moving to 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, tell me what you are leaving behind and what you want next, and I will help you find the right community and the right home.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a land transfer tax in Alberta?
No. Alberta has no land transfer tax. Buyers pay Land Titles registration fees of $50 plus $5 for every $5,000 of value on the transfer, and the same formula on the mortgage amount. On a $750,000 home the transfer fee is $800.
How long do I have to change my driver's licence when I move to Alberta?
You must exchange your out-of-province licence within 90 days of becoming an Alberta resident, at an Alberta registry agent.
When does Alberta health coverage start if I move from another province?
Apply within 3 months of establishing residency. Coverage begins on the first day of the third month after you establish residency in Alberta.
Does Alberta have a provincial sales tax?
No. Alberta charges only the 5% federal GST. Ontario charges 13% HST and British Columbia charges 5% GST plus 7% PST.
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.