11 Costs to Consider When Purchasing Your Home

Appraisal fee

$150-$200. Fee for determining the property lending value for mortgage purposes (this is not necessarily the same as the property's selling price).

Building inspection fee

$550-$700. Your home structures and systems are examined by an inspector who then provides you with a written report. Although not obligatory, building inspections are often one of the conditions on the Offer to Purchase.

Property survey

$650-$2000. The survey indicates boundaries and measurements of the land and positions of major structures and any visible or registered easements (i.e. driveways) or encroachments (i.e. neighbour's fence) on the property. The survey is usually non-necessary.

Legal fees and related expenses

$1400-$3000.  Ensure your notary's quote includes all related expenses, not just legal fees.

Mortgage Loan Insurance

If your downpayment is less than 20% of the property's purchase price, you will need to pay between 1,25% and 3,60% of the capital, plus applicable taxes, too. The mortgage loan insurance helps protect lenders against mortgage default. (SCHL)

Title insurance

$350. This is optional and covers problems that may arise due to survey irregularities, power of sale issues, undischarged mortgages and other issues relating to the property's previous owners.

Prepaid property tax and utility adjustments

You must reimburse the vendor for any prepaid property taxes or utility bills.

Home insurance

$750-$4000/year. Home insurance protects your home and its contents.

Mortgage life insurance

Cost may vary. This is an optional insurance product. It protects your family's financial security by paying off all or a portion of your mortgage in the event of premature death of you or your spouse.

Sales tax

GST/PST. Generally, GST is charged on new homes, but not on resale properties. Always ask before signing an Offer to Purchase.

Land transfer tax

Based upon the price of purchase of the property. Every Quebec municipality must collect duties on the transfer of any immovable situated within its territory. This tax is payable by the buyer and is calculated as follows:

In Montreal :

• 0.5% of the first $50,000;
• 1% of the next $50,900 to $254,400;
• 1.5% of the next $254,400 to $508,700;
• 2% of the next $508,700 to $1 017,400;
• 2,5% of any portion exceeding $1 017,400.

Province of Québec, outside of Montreal :

• 0,5% of the first $50 900;
• 1,0% of the next $50 900,01 to $254 400; 
• 1.5% on the amount that exceeds $254 400.

Don't forget to consider general expenses such as moving and home decorating costs!!