Budget roughly 1.5–4% of the purchase price on top of your down payment — here's exactly what that covers and how to estimate your number.
Ask for an itemized estimate early
A real estate lawyer can give you a close estimate once you know the purchase price and whether you're a first-time buyer — ask before you're deep into an offer.
Calculate Ontario Land Transfer Tax
Ontario's LTT is tiered and applies on every purchase in Ottawa — it's usually the single biggest line item after legal fees.
Check first-time buyer rebate eligibility
Eligible first-time buyers can get up to $4,000 back on the Ontario Land Transfer Tax, applied directly at closing.
Set aside the full range, not just the average
Costs vary with purchase price, property type, and whether extra title work is needed — budget the full 1.5–4% range, not the low end.
A tiered provincial tax on the purchase price, payable at closing — typically the largest single closing cost.
How it's calculated (Ontario.ca) →
Your lawyer's fee for the title search, mortgage registration, and closing, plus disbursements like registration fees — budget $1,000–$2,000.
A one-time policy protecting against title defects, fraud, and survey issues — usually a few hundred dollars.
Your lender requires proof of insurance in place before closing — arrange this ahead of time, not the week of.
You reimburse the seller for any prepaid property tax or utilities covering your ownership period after closing.
Movers, address changes, and the small setup costs of a new home — easy to underbudget if you only plan for the big-ticket items.
Book a free consultation with Narges, or ask HAI to run the numbers for a specific purchase price.
