Closing Costs in Halifax (HRM)

When buying a home in Halifax, you’ll need to budget for some standard closing costs. These vary by property and service provider, but here are the main ones to expect:

• Deed Transfer Tax – 1.5% of the purchase price (extra 5% for non-residents not moving within 6 months).

• Property Tax Adjustment – Buyer reimburses seller for prepaid taxes; arrears are deducted at closing.

• Fuel Adjustment – For oil-heated homes, usually the cost of a full tank ($1,300–$1,500). Propane systems also require reimbursement for fuel and tank lease.

• Title Insurance or Location Certificate – Required by lenders; protects both buyer and lender. Usually under $300 for homes under $500K.

• Tax Certificate – Confirms tax account is up to date (about $100 in HRM).

• Recording Fees – Service Nova Scotia charges $100 per document (typically $200 total for mortgage + deed).

• Legal Fees – Lawyer’s services to complete the transaction, usually $850–$1,000.

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👉 Tip: Plan for 2–4% of the purchase price to cover all closing costs.

You do not pay commission to your Realtor as a buyer.  The buyer's agent gets paid through the seller's agent.  However, there are other costs that you will have to pay for that are not related to Realtor services.  Please see #1 FAQ, cost of closing, for details.

No, you don't always need an agent. 

For Buyers, I'm not honestly sure why you wouldn't use an agent.  You don't pay for the agent, but you'll have to pay for home inspections and other closing costs anyway.  It is good to have your own representative through the process especially if there are competing offers involved. Your agent will send you new listings often before they go public. Your agent will also arrange for showings and alert you to properties that might be "coming up" in the future.  Sometimes the agent will have information about neighbourhoods, school districts, and future development plans that you may not think to ask on your own.

For Sellers

You can try a For Sale By Owner approach. Some home owners do not want to pay a commission, and therefore want to save that fee.  However, there are a few things to think about before doing it on your own.

1. How quickly do you want your house to sell?  If you want/need to sell your home quickly, a Realtor might be a better option.  If you are willing to "wait and see" what happens, then FSBO might be a good fit. Lots of people sell their own home successfully. It's just a matter of how much time and energy you want to dedicate to it.

2.  Do you have the time to respond to requests for showing your home? Without an agent you are responsible for making appointments yourself and opening your doors for folks.

3.  Are you willing to spend money and time on your own advertising?  You may need to list your home on various websites and do your own promotions.  Advertising costs such as photos, virtual tours, listing on MLS, and other promotional materials (signs, brochures, floor plans, feature sheets) are usually covered in the real estate agent's commission fee.

4. Are you confident in your own negotiation skills?  If so, then this may be a good route for you.  One of the agent's jobs is to provide you with advice on pricing and terms of agreement.

5. Are you comfortable writing up your own contracts?  If so, then you may not need the help of an agent.

There is always more than one way to sell a house.  Consider your needs, wants, and options and try the method that you feel is most comfortable for you.