Your Guide to Closing Costs

Closing costs are the one-time expenses you pay to complete a purchase, on top of your down payment. They are easy to underestimate. Here is what each one is and when it comes up, so you can plan for the full picture, not just the down payment.

What Closing Costs Include

Legal Fees and Disbursements

Your lawyer or notary to close the purchase and register the mortgage.

Title Insurance

A one-time policy many lenders require, covering title problems and survey gaps.

Appraisal and Inspection

Confirming the property's value and, if you choose, its condition.

Deed Transfer Tax

In Nova Scotia a municipal deed transfer tax applies in most areas, and the rate varies by municipality.

Tax and Utility Adjustments

Reimbursing the seller for amounts they prepaid past your closing date.

Default Insurance Premium

On an insured mortgage the one-time premium is added to your mortgage and paid over time, so it is not cash you need on closing day. Nova Scotia does not charge provincial sales tax on the premium. A few provinces do, and it is payable at closing there, so it is worth confirming if you are buying outside the province.

Planning for Them

How Much to Set Aside

Closing costs vary by price, property, and municipality, so there is no single number for everyone. Our land transfer and closing costs calculator works out your figure, including the Nova Scotia deed transfer tax. Budget it alongside the down payment rather than finding it at the end.

When You Pay Them

Most are due on or before closing day, handled through your lawyer or notary. Knowing the list early means no scramble when the date arrives.

Plan for closing costs alongside your down payment. Our Closing Costs Worksheet helps you estimate your own, line by line. Buying commercial? Those closing costs add due diligence like appraisal and legal, and we cover both sides. Any amounts are illustrative only.
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Information here is general and educational. It is not financial, legal, or lending advice, and it is not an offer of financing. Closing costs vary by lender, property, municipality, and province, and the items that apply to you may differ. Mortgage default insurance is subject to eligibility and applies in certain circumstances. Any figures are illustrative only. All financing is subject to lender review, property review, and supporting documentation. Submission of a form does not guarantee approval or financing.