The Alberta Advantage: Understanding Land Titles Registration Costs
When purchasing a home, understanding the associated costs is crucial to avoid unexpected financial burdens. One significant cost comes in the form of land transfer and mortgage registration fees, which vary dramatically from one province to another.
As of October 20, 2024, Alberta will see a substantial increase in registration fees paid by homebuyers and borrowers. The Land Titles fees to register a $1,000,000 property with a $1,000,000 mortgage in Alberta will increase from $800 to $2,100. Despite this rise in Alberta’s fees feeling like a drastic increase, Alberta remains amongst the most affordable provinces to complete your real estate transaction.
Here’s how Alberta stacks up against the rest of the country on a $500,000 and $1,000,000 transaction:
Registration Cost Comparison by Province for a $500,000 Property:
| Province *fees may vary by municipality | Transfer Fee | Mortgage Fee | Total |
| Alberta (Before Oct 20, 2024) | $250.00 | $200.00 | $450.00 |
| Alberta (Beginning Oct 20, 2024) | $550.00 | $550.00 | $1,100.00 |
| British Columbia | $8,000.00 * | $0.00 | $8,000.00 * |
| Ontario | $6,475.00 * | $77.62 | $6,552.62 * |
| Manitoba | $7,744.00 | $85.00 | $7,829.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $2,000.00 | $160.00 | $2,160.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $7,500.00 * | $150.00 | $7,650.00 * |
| New Brunswick | $5,000.00 | $100.00 | $5,100.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | $5,000.00 | $100.00 | $5,100.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $2,000.00 | $2,000.00 | $4,000.00 |
| Quebec | $5,843.00 * | $0.00 | $5,843.00 * |
Registration Cost Comparison by Province for a $1,000,000 Property:
| Province *fees may vary by municipality | Transfer Fee | Mortgage Fee | Total |
| Alberta (Before Oct 20, 2024) | $450.00 | $350.00 | $800.00 |
| Alberta (Beginning Oct 20, 2024) | $1,050.00 | $1,050.00 | $2,100.00 |
| British Columbia | $18,000.00 * | $0.00 | $18,000.00 * |
| Ontario | $16,475.00 * | $77.62 | $16,552.62 * |
| Manitoba | $17,774.00 | $85.00 | $17,859.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $4,000.00 | $160.00 | $4,160.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $15,000.00 * | $150.00 | $15,150.00 * |
| New Brunswick | $10,000.00 | $100.00 | $10,100.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | $10,000.00 | $100.00 | $10,100.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $2,500.00 | $2,500.00 | $5,000.00 |
| Quebec | $13,343.00 * | $0.00 | $13,343.00 * |
While the upcoming increase in land titles registration fees in Alberta may appear drastic, it’s essential to recognize the broader context. Even with the new fee structure, Alberta continues to offer a competitive advantage for homebuyers and borrowers compared to other provinces across Canada.
If you require assistance purchasing residential real estate as a foreign buyer, contact us online or by phone at 587.800.5895 and we would be happy to help.
At Clear Title Law, we help clients with a wide range of legal matters including real estate law, business and corporate law, estate planning law and estate administration law. If you require assistance with a real estate matter in Alberta, contact us online or by phone at 587.800.5895.
The material provided through the Clear Title Law website is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind.
