Alberta does not have a land transfer tax. This is one of the major components of the “Alberta Advantage” and can save home buyers $10,000-$40,000 compared to Ontario or BC.
Alberta Land Transfer Tax: None
| Factor | Alberta |
|---|---|
| Land transfer tax | $0 |
| Title registration fee | ~$50-$300 |
| Mortgage registration | ~$50-$200 |
Savings vs Other Provinces
| Home Price | Ontario LTT | BC PTT | Alberta | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $400,000 | $7,475 | $6,000 | $0 | $6,000-$7,475 |
| $500,000 | $11,475 | $8,000 | $0 | $8,000-$11,475 |
| $600,000 | $15,475 | $10,000 | $0 | $10,000-$15,475 |
| $700,000 | $19,475 | $12,000 | $0 | $12,000-$19,475 |
| $800,000 | $23,475 | $14,000 | $0 | $14,000-$23,475 |
| $1,000,000 | $31,475 | $19,000 | $0 | $19,000-$31,475 |
On a $600,000 home, you save $10,000-$15,000 by buying in Alberta instead of Ontario or BC.
Toronto vs Calgary Example
Buying a $700,000 home:
| Cost | Toronto | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial LTT | $19,475 | $0 |
| Municipal LTT | $19,475 | $0 |
| Legal fees | $2,000 | $1,500 |
| Title insurance | $400 | $400 |
| Total closing costs | $41,350 | $1,900 |
Savings: $39,450 on a similar-priced home.
Alberta Closing Costs
While there’s no LTT, you still pay:
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Legal fees | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Title insurance | $300-$500 |
| Title registration | $50-$300 |
| Mortgage registration | $50-$200 |
| Home inspection | $400-$600 |
| Property insurance (prepaid) | $500-$1,500 |
| Total | $2,300-$5,100 |
This is a fraction of Ontario/BC/Quebec costs.
The Alberta Advantage
| Tax/Cost | Alberta | Ontario | BC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land transfer tax | None | Up to 2.5% | Up to 3% |
| Provincial sales tax | None | 8% (HST portion) | 7% |
| Top provincial income tax | 10% | 13.16% | 20.5% |
Why No Land Transfer Tax?
Alberta has historically relied on:
- Oil and gas royalties
- Corporate taxes
- Federal transfers
This allows the province to avoid many taxes that other provinces levy.
Impact on Affordability
| Metric | Buying in Alberta |
|---|---|
| More down payment available | LTT savings go to equity |
| Lower total closing costs | Easier to save up |
| More home for the money | Same price, less fees |
| Move-up easier | No LTT on future purchases |
Practical Example: First-Time Buyer
$500,000 home with 10% down:
| Cost | Ontario | Alberta |
|---|---|---|
| Down payment | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Land transfer tax | $11,475 | $0 |
| Legal/other closing | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| Total cash needed | $64,475 | $52,000 |
$12,475 more in your pocket buying in Alberta.
Should You Move for Tax Savings?
| Consider Moving If | Stay Where You Are If |
|---|---|
| Remote work possible | Job tied to location |
| No family roots | Strong social network |
| Open to lifestyle change | Love your current city |
| Buying expensive home ($800K+) | Tax savings modest |
Moving for tax savings alone usually doesn’t make sense, but it’s a nice bonus if you’re already considering Alberta.
Other No-LTT Provinces
| Province | Land Transfer Tax |
|---|---|
| Alberta | None |
| Saskatchewan | None |
| Rural areas (varies) | May have lower/no tax |
Saskatchewan also has no land transfer tax.
