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Ontario Home Buyers Guide

Interactive calculators for closing costs, HST rebates, land transfer tax, warranties, and moving

2025-2026 Rates Ontario Official Brackets Pre-Construction Ready

Statement of Adjustments Calculator

Is Pre-Construction?
First-Time Home Buyer?
Don't guess this number. It's set by the municipality and passed through by your builder. Toronto condos: $50K–$100K+. Mississauga/Brampton: $30K–$65K. Smaller cities: $10K–$30K. Find the exact amount on your Agreement of Purchase & Sale.
RRSP Home Buyers' Plan: Withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP tax-free for your first home. Must repay over 15 years.
TFSA: Your TFSA savings can be used for a down payment with no tax consequences.
FTHB Tax Credit: $750 non-refundable federal tax credit (15% of $5,000).
Closing Cost Budget: Set aside 1.5%–4% of purchase price for closing costs that can't be rolled into your mortgage.
Estimated Closing Breakdown
Builder Price (HST-Inclusive) $800,000

Credits
  Deposit -$100,000

Adjustments
  Property Tax (prorated) +$2,450
  Utility Connections +$350

Taxes
  Land Transfer Tax (see LTT tab) +$12,475

BALANCE DUE ON CLOSING $800,669

HST Rebate Engine

Is Primary Residence?
First-Time Home Buyer?
Is Assignment Sale?
Warning: FTHB GST/HST Rebate is NOT applicable to assignment sales. Assignment purchasers are generally not eligible for the new housing rebate unless they are the first occupant of the home as a primary residence.
2026 Expanded Rebate: For agreements signed between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027, the federal government has proposed an expanded 13% HST rebate (up to $130,000) on qualifying new homes. Check with your accountant for the latest rules.
Rebate Comparison

Current Law

$24,000
Federal (5% FTB) + Ontario PST — stacked

Federal (GST 5%) $0
Ontario (PST 8%) $24,000

2026 Expanded

$104,000
Enhanced Federal Rebate

HST Rebate (13%) $104,000
Max Cap $130,000
Your HST Math, Step by Step
1 Builder Price (HST-Inclusive)
$800,000
2 HST Embedded in Price price ÷ 1.13 × 0.13 — informational only, already in your price
$92,035
3 Rebates Applied
Total Rebates Applied Current Law
-$64,000
4 Effective Property Cost After Rebate
$736,000
Not legal or tax advice. Final HST rebate depends on builder's net/gross pricing structure and CRA adjudication. Consult your lawyer and accountant.

Land Transfer Tax Calculator

First-Time Home Buyer?

Ontario LTT Brackets

0–$55K: 0.5% $55K–$250K: 1.0% $250K–$400K: 1.5% $400K–$2M: 2.0% $2M+: 2.5%
Toronto Municipal LTT: Properties in the City of Toronto (postal codes starting with M) are subject to an additional Municipal Land Transfer Tax with identical bracket rates.
Land Transfer Tax Breakdown
Ontario Land Transfer Tax $12,475

Gross Total $12,475

FTHB Refunds
  (enable First-Time Buyer toggle) $0

NET PAYABLE $12,475

Bracket Breakdown

$0 – $55,000 @ 0.5% $275
$55,000 – $250,000 @ 1.0% $1,950
$250,000 – $400,000 @ 1.5% $2,250
$400,000 – $800,000 @ 2.0% $8,000

Tarion Warranty Coverage & Legal

Warranty Timeline

Year 1 — Materials & Workmanship

Coverage Details
  • Unauthorized substitution of materials specified in the purchase agreement
  • Defects in materials, including windows, doors, and hardware
  • Defects in workmanship (drywall cracks, paint, trim, caulking)
  • Doors and windows that do not operate properly
  • Defective flooring, countertops, and cabinet installation

Year 2 — Plumbing, Electrical & Building Envelope

Coverage Details
  • Water penetration through basement, walls, windows, and roof
  • Defects in plumbing, heating, and electrical distribution systems
  • HVAC deficiencies (heating and cooling not performing to specs)
  • Exterior cladding defects (brick, siding, stucco issues)
  • Building code violations present at time of possession

Year 7 — Structural Defects

Coverage Details
  • Foundation cracks or settlement affecting structural integrity
  • Load-bearing wall defects or failures
  • Roof structure defects (trusses, rafters, decking)
  • Floor and ceiling structure defects
  • Any defect that materially affects the use of the building as a residence
Builder Agreement Warning: Builder agreements often allow unilateral modifications to plans, specifications, and materials without purchaser approval. Always review the permitted changes clause carefully.
Legal Advice: Always have a real estate lawyer review the Agreement of Purchase and Sale before signing. Pre-construction agreements contain complex provisions regarding deposits, occupancy, and closing that differ significantly from resale transactions.

Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Checklist

0 of 30 checked (0%)

Kitchen

Bathrooms

Living Areas

Exterior

Systems

Find Your Professional

Real Estate Lawyer

Essential for reviewing your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, handling title searches, registering the mortgage, and managing the closing process. Budget $1,500–$2,500 for legal fees.

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Home Inspector

For resale properties, a home inspection identifies potential issues before you commit. Costs $400–$600 for a standard inspection. Not typically needed for pre-construction PDI.

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Mortgage Broker

A broker shops multiple lenders to find the best rate and terms for your situation. Their fee is typically paid by the lender. Get pre-approved before you start searching.

Moving Countdown & Checklist

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days until closing

30 Days Before 30 days

21 Days Before 21 days

14 Days Before 14 days

7 Days Before 7 days

3 Days Before 3 days

Closing Day Day 0

⚠ What Not to Pack — Safety Guide

  • Propane tanks, gasoline, lighter fluid
  • Paint, stain, solvents
  • Cleaning chemicals, bleach, ammonia
  • Fireworks, ammunition
  • Perishable food (if long distance)
  • Important documents (carry personally)
Moving Day Tips: Label every box with room name and contents. Keep a box of essentials (toiletries, chargers, snacks, medications, change of clothes) with you. Take photos of electronics wiring before disconnecting.
Utility Contacts (Ontario): Most utilities require 2–3 weeks notice. Contact your local hydro provider, Enbridge Gas, and your chosen internet provider to set up accounts. Water is typically transferred through the municipality.
Insurance Reminder: Your mortgage lender will require proof of home insurance before funding your mortgage. Contact your insurance broker at least 30 days before closing to ensure your policy is in place.
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