Selling in Edmonton
How much does it cost to sell a house in Edmonton?
Every cost of selling in Alberta, what’s typical, who sets it and how to keep more of your sale.
The short answer
Most of it comes off the sale price
The biggest costs of selling are the real estate commission, with GST, and paying out your mortgage. Legal fees, a Real Property Report and moving are smaller, and some sellers add repairs, cleaning or staging.
You rarely pay the big items out of pocket. Your lawyer takes them from the sale proceeds on closing and sends you the rest, so the number to watch is what you’ll walk away with.
Not a cost in Alberta
Alberta has no land transfer tax and no provincial sales tax. The Land Titles fee to register the transfer is based on the property’s value and is usually paid by the buyer.
Every cost, line by line
What sellers pay in Edmonton
Ranges are typical figures from the sources below. Your own numbers depend on your home, your mortgage and the people you hire, so get quotes.
| Cost | What it is | Typical amount | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real estate commission | Paid to the brokerages for marketing your home, bringing buyers and negotiating the sale. | Agreed in your listing contract | You and your brokerage. Commission in Alberta is negotiable, and I’ll walk you through mine in writing before you sign anything. |
| GST on the commission | Alberta has no provincial sales tax, but 5% GST applies to the commission. | 5% of the commission | Federal tax |
| Legal fees | Your lawyer reviews the contract, transfers the title, pays out your mortgage and sends you what’s left. | Often about $800 to $1,500, plus GST and disbursements | Your lawyer. Ask for a quote up front. |
| Real Property Report (RPR) with compliance | A survey of your lot showing the buildings and improvements, stamped by the City to show they comply with zoning. The standard Alberta purchase contract asks the seller for one on most houses. Most condos don’t need one. | Around $1,000 to $1,500 for a new RPR, plus the City’s compliance fee. Less if your current RPR still shows everything on the property. | An Alberta land surveyor and the City of Edmonton |
| Mortgage payout | A discharge fee from your lender, and a prepayment penalty if you break your term early. On a fixed rate it’s often the greater of three months’ interest or the interest rate differential; on a variable rate, usually three months’ interest. | From a small fee to several thousand dollars | Your lender. Ask for a payout statement, and ask whether you can move the mortgage to your next home. |
| Property tax and utility adjustments | The year’s property taxes are split at the possession date. If you’ve prepaid, you get the difference back. | Depends on your taxes and the date | Worked out by the lawyers on closing |
| Condo documents | For a condo, the corporation or manager charges for the estoppel certificate and documents a buyer needs. | Set by the condo corporation | Your condo corporation or manager |
| Getting ready and moving | Small repairs, cleaning, staging, movers, storage and any overlap between homes. | Up to you | You |
Keep more of your sale
Six ways to lower your costs
Price it right on day one
The strongest offers usually come in the first few weeks. An overpriced home sits, and price drops often cost more than any fee.
Check your mortgage early
Ask your lender for a payout statement and whether you can move your mortgage to your next home to avoid a penalty.
Order your RPR now
If your RPR is old or missing, or you’ve added a deck, fence or garage, get it updated before you list so it can’t delay closing.
Do the cheap fixes
Paint, light bulbs, caulking and a deep clean cost little and change how buyers see your home.
Compare legal quotes
Real estate lawyers price sales differently. Ask what’s included, including disbursements and GST.
Line up your dates
Matching your sale and purchase possession dates can save you bridge financing, storage and a second move.
Questions
Selling costs FAQ
When do I pay these costs?
Most come off the sale price at closing. Your lawyer pays out the commission, your mortgage and the adjustments from the sale proceeds, then sends you the rest. You pay for things like an RPR, repairs and movers along the way.
Is real estate commission negotiable in Alberta?
Yes. Commission is set out in your listing agreement, and it’s agreed between you and the brokerage. Ask any agent to explain exactly what you’ll pay and what you get for it.
Is there a land transfer tax in Alberta?
No. Alberta doesn’t have a land transfer tax. There’s a Land Titles fee to register the transfer, based on the property’s value, and it’s usually paid by the buyer.
Do I need an RPR to sell a condo?
Usually not for an apartment style condo, since the corporation owns the land and buildings. Bare land condos and houses usually do. I’ll confirm what your contract calls for.
How long does a City compliance stamp take?
The City says regular applications average about 10 working days, and express service about 3 working days. Order your RPR early so it doesn’t hold up your sale.
Sources
- Edmonton Law Office: real estate legal fees
- City of Edmonton: compliance certificates
- Government of Alberta: Land Titles fee schedule
- Home Analytics: the cost of selling a house in Alberta
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Costs change, so confirm them with your lawyer, lender and surveyor.
Next
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