Is there land transfer tax in Alberta?

No. Alberta does not charge a land transfer tax. Instead, you pay a small land title transfer fee ($50 plus $2 for every $5,000 of property value) and a mortgage registration fee ($50 plus $1.50 for every $5,000 of the mortgage amount). On a $500,000 home, the total land title fees are approximately $350 — compared to $6,475 in Ontario or $8,000 in BC.

How much are closing costs in Calgary or Edmonton?

Closing costs in Calgary or Edmonton typically range from $5,500 to $8,000 on a $500,000 home — the lowest in Canada. The main costs are legal fees ($1,500–$2,000), title insurance ($300–$400), home inspection ($400–$600), land title fees (~$350), and property tax adjustments. There is no PST on CMHC insurance premiums in Alberta either.

Do I need title insurance in Alberta?

Title insurance is not legally required in Alberta, but it is strongly recommended and most lenders require it. Title insurance protects you against title fraud, survey errors, property tax arrears, and other title defects. It costs $300–$500 as a one-time premium and lasts as long as you own the property.

What is the average legal fee for buying a house in Alberta?

Legal fees for a typical residential purchase in Alberta range from $1,200 to $2,200 depending on complexity, whether you are buying a condo, and whether the transaction is straightforward. Most lawyers charge a flat fee. Compare at least 3 quotes before choosing. Ask if the quote includes disbursements (title searches, registrations, etc.) or if those are extra.

Do first-time buyers get any closing cost rebates in Alberta?

Alberta does not have a first-time home buyer closing cost rebate like Ontario. However, first-time buyers can still benefit from the federal First-Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit ($10,000 non-refundable credit = $1,500 tax savings) and the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) for down payment savings. There is also no PST on CMHC insurance in Alberta, which saves approximately $1,500 on a typical insured mortgage.

What is a Real Property Report (RPR) in Alberta?

A Real Property Report (RPR) is a legal document prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor showing property boundaries, structures, and encroachments. Municipal compliance must be obtained confirming the structures comply with bylaws. In Alberta, the seller is typically responsible for providing the RPR. If one does not exist or is outdated, ordering a new one costs $500–$700.

Closing Costs in Alberta — Calculator & Complete Guide (2026)

Key takeaways:

Alberta has no land transfer tax. On a $500,000 home, you save over $6,000 compared to Ontario and $8,000 compared to BC.
Total closing costs in Alberta typically range from $5,500 to $10,000 depending on purchase price.
Main costs: legal fees ($1,500-$2,200), title insurance (~$350), home inspection (~$500), and property tax adjustments.
No PST in Alberta = no extra tax on CMHC insurance premiums (saves ~$1,500 vs Ontario on a typical insured mortgage).

Alberta has the lowest closing costs in Canada because it has no land transfer tax. Instead, the province charges minimal land title registration fees. This makes Alberta one of the most affordable provinces for home purchases from a transaction cost perspective.

Whether you are buying in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, or anywhere else in Alberta, use the estimates below to budget for your closing costs.

Alberta land title fees

Transfer of land fee

Component	Amount
Base fee	$50
Per $5,000 of property value	$2

Purchase Price	Transfer Fee Calculation	Total Transfer Fee
$300,000	$50 + (60 × $2)	$170
$400,000	$50 + (80 × $2)	$210
$500,000	$50 + (100 × $2)	$250
$600,000	$50 + (120 × $2)	$290
$700,000	$50 + (140 × $2)	$330
$1,000,000	$50 + (200 × $2)	$450

Mortgage registration fee

Component	Amount
Base fee	$50
Per $5,000 of mortgage amount	$1.50

Mortgage Amount	Registration Fee
$300,000	$140
$400,000	$170
$475,000 (5% down on $500K)	$193
$560,000 (20% down on $700K)	$218

Alberta vs Ontario land transfer costs

Purchase Price	Alberta (transfer + registration)	Ontario (LTT only)	You Save in Alberta
$400,000	$380	$4,475	$4,095
$500,000	$443	$6,475	$6,032
$700,000	$548	$10,475	$9,927
$1,000,000	$695	$16,475	$15,780

Complete Alberta closing cost estimate

Scenario 1: $500,000 home in Calgary (first-time buyer, 5% down)

Cost	Amount
Land title transfer fee	$250
Mortgage registration fee	$193
Legal fees	$1,800
Title insurance	$350
Home inspection	$500
Property tax adjustment	$1,200
PST on CMHC premium	$0 (no PST in Alberta)
Home insurance	$1,800
Moving costs	$2,000
Total closing costs	$8,093

Scenario 2: $450,000 home in Edmonton (first-time buyer, 10% down)

Cost	Amount
Land title transfer fee	$230
Mortgage registration fee	$172
Legal fees	$1,600
Title insurance	$350
Home inspection	$500
Property tax adjustment	$1,100
Home insurance	$1,600
Moving costs	$1,800
Total closing costs	$7,352

Scenario 3: $700,000 home in Calgary (repeat buyer, 20% down)

Cost	Amount
Land title transfer fee	$330
Mortgage registration fee	$218
Legal fees	$2,000
Title insurance	$400
Home inspection	$550
Property tax adjustment	$1,800
Home insurance	$2,400
Moving costs	$3,000
Total closing costs	$10,698

Alberta-specific considerations

No PST on CMHC insurance

Alberta has no provincial sales tax, so there is no additional tax on your CMHC mortgage insurance premium. In Ontario, you would pay 8% PST on the premium ($1,520 on a $19,000 premium). In Alberta, that cost is $0.

Property tax rates

Alberta property taxes vary by municipality:

City	Approximate Residential Mill Rate	Annual Tax on $500K Assessed Value
Calgary	~6.6 per $1,000	~$3,300
Edmonton	~7.8 per $1,000	~$3,900
Red Deer	~8.5 per $1,000	~$4,250
Lethbridge	~9.0 per $1,000	~$4,500

New build GST

New construction in Alberta is subject to 5% GST. A partial GST rebate (New Housing Rebate) may be available on homes under $450,000 — up to $6,300 back. The builder may include GST in the listed price or add it separately — confirm before signing.

RPR (Real Property Report)

In Alberta, sellers typically provide a Real Property Report (RPR) with compliance from the municipality. This shows property boundaries, structures, and compliance with municipal bylaws. If the RPR is outdated or does not exist, the seller may need to order a new one ($500–$700) — or negotiate who pays.

Condo-specific costs

Condo document review fee: $250–$500 for a lawyer review of the condominium documents
Reserve fund study review: Your lawyer should review the reserve fund to ensure the building is financially healthy
Estoppel certificate: Confirms current condo fees, arrears, and special assessments