APPRAISAL FEE
Approximate Cost: $350 - $550
This is the fee for determining the property lending value for mortgage purposes. This value may or may not be the same as the purchase price of the home.
HOME INSPECTION FEES (MAY NOT APPLY IF YOU ARE PURCHASING A NEW HOME)
Approximate Cost: $300 - $600
The home inspector evaluates the structures and systems that make up your home and provides you with a written report. While not mandatory, many people make a professional home inspection a condition of their Offer to Purchase.
PROPERTY SURVEY
Approximate Cost: $750 - $1,200
A survey indicates the boundaries and measurements of the land and positions of major structures, and any registered or visible easements (such as a driveway) or encroachments (such as a neighbour's fence) on the property.
LAND TRANSFER TAX (IF APPLICABLE)
Approximate Cost: $2,000 - $15,000 (Amount varies depending on purchase price)
Levied in certain provinces whenever a property changes hands. In some cases, first time homebuyers may be exempt from a portion of this cost. Land Transfer Calculator
LEGAL FEES AND RELATED EXPENSES
Approximate Cost: $950 - $2,500
These fees vary by province and are subject to GST or HST where applicable. Ensure your lawyer's quote includes all related expenses and disbursements, not just legal fees.
HST/GST WHERE APPLICABLE (SOMETIMES INCLUDED IN SALE PRICE)
Varies based on Province
Some properties are GST and/or PST sales tax exempt and some are not. Generally, GST or HST where applicable is charged on new homes, but not on resale properties. Always ask before signing an Offer.
TITLE INSURANCE
Approximate Cost: $150 - $400
Title insurance is optional and covers problems that may arise due to encroachment issues (for example, a structure on your property is actually part of your neighbour's property and needs to be removed), existing liens against the property's title, title fraud, undischarged mortgages and other issues relating to the property's previous owners.
INSURANCE COSTS FOR HIGH-RATIO MORTGAGES
Variable
Usually, mortgage default insurance premiums range between 0.5% and 2.75% of the principal plus applicable fees (may be subject to provincial sales tax which cannot be added to mortgage amount)
If your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price of your home, you must pay a one-time insurance premium on your mortgage amount. You can make arrangements to pay the premium to your mortgagor before closing, or it can be added to the principal amount of your mortgage. If it is added to the principal amount of your mortgage, you will pay interest on it at the same interest rate you pay on the principal amount of your mortgage.
INTEREST ADJUSTMENTS
Approximate Cost: $100 - $1,000
You will need to pay interest on any gap between the closing date of the purchase and the first payment date of the mortgage. You can avoid an interest adjustment by arranging to make your first mortgage payment exactly one payment period after your closing date.
PREPAID PROPERTY TAX AND UTILITY ADJUSTMENTS
Approximate Cost: Variable
You will be required to reimburse the vendor for any prepaid property taxes or utility bills.
HOME INSURANCE
Variable
Protection for your home and contents.
MORTGAGE LIFE INSURANCE
Variable
Costs vary but can be conveniently included in your regular mortgage payment.
Mortgage life insurance is optional and provides peace of mind. It protects your family’s financial security by paying off all or a portion of your mortgage (up to a maximum of $500,000) in the event of the premature death of you or your spouse.
Don’t forget to consider general expenses such as moving, upgrades, and home decorating costs as well.