Mortgages: How much does taking out a mortgage in Canada cost?

Updated May 31, 2024
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Vincent Morin
Vincent Morin

Vincent Morin

Vincent Morin
Vincent achieved financial independence and retired early (FIRE) at the age of 35. After a career in financial technologies for a large American investment bank, he founded Retraite101, a personal finance site that reaches more than 350,000 unique visitors per year and has more than 30,000 subscribers on social media. Passionate about personal finance, cycling, reading and gardening, he continues to write to inspire and motivate Quebecers to take charge of their finances.
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Many people think that once they have saved their down payment, the deal is done when theybuy a property. However, this is far from being the case. Often the additional costs can range from 1.5% to 4% of the total purchase price of your home. You will have to pay administrative and legal fees in the final stages before closing on your home. In addition to these closing costs, there are other expenses that must be considered. It is up to you to determine if they are required for your situation.

Mandatory closing costs for home buyers

Home inspection

It is always strongly recommended that potential buyers, once their offer has been accepted, have the house inspected to assess the condition of the property. This is often a condition that is part of your offer on a property. A home inspector will write a report on the condition of the property you are considering, which should reveal anything you may not have known about it. For example, it may be discovered that you do not actually own the land on which your garage is located, which would be a reason to forego the purchase of a property. A home inspection should cost about $500.

Down payment

A down payment can be a guarantee to the seller that you are committed to buying their property. The deposit you provide will be part of the down payment on the property. If you plan to make a down payment, it must be made as part of your offer to purchase. The down payment is often used to demonstrate to the seller that you have the financial means to purchase the property at your offer price and that you are willing to assume an element of risk during the process of closing the sale of the property. There is no minimum deposit required.

Mortgage costs

The main cost associated with your mortgage is mortgage default insurance (CMHC insurance). It is only mandatory for those who make a down payment of less than 20% of the total purchase value of the property. Your down payment determines the size of this cost, and you will pay a higher percentage if your down payment is lower. The purpose of this cost is to give the lender additional protection when accepting borrowers who do not have the ability to provide larger down payments. This fee will be added to your monthly mortgage payments.

Costs covered by the buyer

Land Transfer Tax

This tax is calculated as a percentage of the total purchase price of the property and is payable at closing. The amount of this tax varies depending on the province of Canada in which you live. Some cities, such as Toronto, also have a municipal land transfer tax to keep in mind.

Title insurance

Most lenders require title insurance. This protects against loss in the event of a dispute over ownership of the property. Generally, you can purchase it through your attorney and it should cost between $100 and $300.

Legal fees can be significant, and you should expect them to be at least $500. Legal fees will be paid for a lawyer or notary to prepare official statements during the home buying process. It is recommended that you have a residential real estate attorney in mind before you even begin making offers on properties.

Water analysis

If the property you are buying has a well, you may want to test the water quality and supply. This may be part of your offer with the landlord and they may cover the cost.

Septic tank

If the property has a septic system, it should be assessed by a professional to confirm that it is in working order and that there are no significant problems. The cost of this operation may be negotiated with the seller as part of your offer.
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Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien, President and Founder of Milesopedia, is a recognized expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel in Canada and France. Approaching forty and a father of two, he has travelled to over 100 countries, half of them with his children and his wife, Audrey. Specializing in top loyalty programs like Aeroplan, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, he guides travellers to maximize their benefits across North America and Europe.
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