What first-time buyer programs are available by province?

Every province has different first-time buyer incentives on top of the federal programs (FHSA, HBP, tax credit). Ontario offers a land transfer tax rebate (up to $4,000), BC offers a property transfer tax exemption (up to $500,000), and most other provinces have various rebates, grants, or tax exemptions. See the provincial guide for your specific province.

How does land transfer tax differ by province?

Land transfer tax varies significantly by province. Alberta and Saskatchewan have no land transfer tax (just small title registration fees). Ontario charges 0.5%–2.5% (plus Toronto municipal tax). BC charges 1%–3%. Quebec charges the welcome tax at 0.5%–2.5%. Nova Scotia charges 1.5% deed transfer tax. The tax can range from $0 (Alberta) to $30,000+ (Toronto) on the same purchase price.

Which province is cheapest to buy a home in?

As of 2026, the most affordable provinces for home buying are Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and PEI. Average home prices in these provinces range from $250,000 to $400,000. Alberta (particularly Edmonton) is also very affordable among provinces with major cities.

Do closing costs differ by province?

Yes. Closing costs vary significantly by province, primarily due to differences in land transfer tax (the largest variable). Legal fees also differ (Quebec uses notaries instead of lawyers). Total closing costs range from roughly 1% of purchase price in Alberta (no LTT) to 4%+ in Toronto (double LTT). Use our closing costs calculator for province-specific estimates.

Which provinces have rent control?

Ontario has rent control for units built before November 2018. Quebec has strong tenant protections with guideline increases through the TAL. BC caps annual increases at inflation. Manitoba has rent guidelines. PEI has a rent cap. Nova Scotia has temporary rent control. Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland have no rent control.

Buying a Home by Province: Provincial Mortgage & Home Buying Guides for Canada

Buying a home in Canada is a provincial experience. Each province has its own land transfer taxes, first-time buyer incentives, closing costs, legal processes, and market conditions. This hub connects you to provincial guides covering everything you need to know about buying in your province.

Provincial first-time buyer guides

🏛️ Ontario

First-Time Home Buyer Ontario

LTT rebate up to $4,000
Toronto MLTT rebate up to $4,475
Average home: $850,000+

🏔️ British Columbia

First-Time Home Buyer BC

PTT exemption up to $500,000
BC Home Owner Grant ($570/yr)
Average home: $950,000+

⚜️ Quebec

First-Time Home Buyer Quebec

No first-time welcome tax exemption
Home Buyers' Tax Credit
Average home: $500,000+

🛢️ Alberta

First-Time Home Buyer Alberta

No land transfer tax
No provincial sales tax
Average home: $450,000+

🌾 Manitoba

First-Time Home Buyer Manitoba

LTT rebate on first $500,000
Average home: $350,000+

🌻 Saskatchewan

First-Time Home Buyer Saskatchewan

No land transfer tax
Average home: $300,000+

🦞 Nova Scotia

First-Time Home Buyer Nova Scotia

1.5% deed transfer tax (no FTB exemption)
Average home: $450,000+

🌊 New Brunswick

First-Time Home Buyer New Brunswick

1% real property transfer tax
Average home: $300,000+

🏝️ Prince Edward Island

First-Time Home Buyer PEI

Transfer tax rebate for FTB
Average home: $350,000+

🐳 Newfoundland & Labrador

First-Time Home Buyer Newfoundland

No registration tax for FTB (under $300K)
Average home: $290,000+

Provincial comparison: key costs

Province	Land Transfer Tax	FTB Exemption	Average Home Price	Rent Control
Ontario	0.5%–2.5% (+Toronto MLTT)	Up to $4,000 (+$4,475 Toronto)	$850,000+	Pre-Nov 2018 units
British Columbia	1%–3%	Up to $500K exempt	$950,000+	Yes (CPI-linked)
Quebec	0.5%–2.5% (welcome tax)	None	$500,000+	Yes (TAL guidelines)
Alberta	None (small title fee)	N/A	$450,000+	No
Manitoba	0%–2% (tiered)	Up to $500K rebate	$350,000+	Guideline increases
Saskatchewan	None (small fee)	N/A	$300,000+	No
Nova Scotia	1.5%	None	$450,000+	Temporary cap
New Brunswick	1%	None	$300,000+	No
PEI	1%	Rebate available	$350,000+	Temporary cap
Newfoundland	Registration fee	Under $300K exempt	$290,000+	No

→ Land Transfer Tax Calculator — Calculate your exact tax by province → Closing Costs by Province — Detailed closing cost breakdown for each province

Housing market by province and city

Track current prices, trends, and forecasts:

Provincial reports: Ontario · British Columbia · Alberta · Quebec

City reports: Toronto · Vancouver · Calgary · Ottawa · Montreal · Edmonton · Winnipeg · Halifax · Hamilton · Victoria · London · Waterloo Region

→ Housing Market Overview — National overview with all city data

Mortgage rates by province

Mortgage rates can vary slightly by province due to differences in lender competition and property values:

Provincial rates: Ontario · BC · Alberta · Quebec · Manitoba · Saskatchewan · Nova Scotia · New Brunswick · Newfoundland · PEI

→ All Mortgage Rates

Income needed to buy by province

How much do you need to earn to buy a home in each province?

→ Income to Afford Home Calculator — Calculate the salary you need for any home price

Buying across provincial borders

Relocating between provinces? Key considerations:

Land transfer tax differences — You pay the destination province’s tax rate
Mortgage portability — Some mortgages can be ported to a new property in a different province
Tax residency — You become a tax resident of your new province on the date you move
Health care transfer — Register with the new provincial health plan within 3 months

→ Mortgage When Relocating Provinces

Rent vs buy by city

Not sure whether to buy in your city? Our city-specific guides compare the true cost:

→ Rent vs Buy Calculator — Run your own comparison with custom inputs

First-Time Home Buyer Guide — Federal programs and the buying process
How Much House Can I Afford? — Affordability guidelines
Mortgage Affordability Calculator — Calculate your maximum purchase price
Closing Costs Calculator — Province-specific closing cost estimates
Ultimate Mortgage Guide — Comprehensive mortgage overview