Complete guide to land transfer tax across all Canadian provinces. Ontario, BC, Quebec, Manitoba rates, exemptions, and first-time buyer rebates.
Land transfer tax (LTT) — also called property transfer tax or welcome tax depending on the province — is paid when you purchase a property. It's one of the largest closing costs for Canadian home buyers.
| Province | LTT on $500K Home | First-Time Buyer Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $0 | N/A — no LTT |
| Saskatchewan | $1,500 (0.3%) | None needed |
| Manitoba | $6,650 | Up to $4,500 |
| Ontario | $6,475 | Up to $4,000 |
| Toronto (+ ON) | $12,950 | Up to $8,475 |
| British Columbia | $8,000 | Full exemption under $500K |
| Quebec | ~$6,400 | None provincial |
| Nova Scotia | $7,500 (1.5%) | None |
| New Brunswick | $7,500 (1.5%) | Varies |
Ontario uses tiered rates: 0.5% on first $55K, 1.0% on $55K–$250K, 1.5% on $250K–$400K, 2.0% on $400K–$2M. Toronto adds identical municipal rates on top.
BC's PTT: 1% on first $200K, 2% on $200K–$2M, 3% on $2M+. First-time buyers get a FULL exemption on homes under $500K and partial exemption up to $525K.
Alberta and Saskatchewan are the only provinces without meaningful land transfer taxes. On a $620K Calgary home, an Ontario buyer would save $9,475 vs buying the equivalent in Toronto. This is a genuine financial advantage for Alberta buyers.