Extra Costs

Completion costs in Vancouver - Canada you need to know about

Property Transfer Tax - When you decide to buy your home in Vancouver, a Property Transfer Tax (PTT) is applied. The tax is calculated:

a) 1% of the first $200,000 of the purchase price; (b) 2% the purchase price that exceeds $200,000 but does not exceed $2,000,000; (c) 3% of the purchase price that exceeds $2,000,000; (d) 5% of the Purchase Price that exceeds $3,000,000 plus additional 20% if you are non-resident.. The First-Time Home Buyers' Program offers an exemption to the PTT if the fair market value of the residence is $500,000 or less. In all regions there is also a proportional exemption for first-time buyers of homes with a fair market value up to $25,000 above the thresholds. This means in the Greater Vancouver area, homes valued up to $525,000 ($500,000 threshold + $25,000 proportional exemption) will be charged a pro-rated PTT. For more information, please visit http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca

Home Inspection Fee - Most REALTORS® recommend that you get a home inspection by a certified home inspector. It will cost you from $450 to $650 for a smaller house. Large houses may cost more.

Legal fees - Lawyers or Notaries fees for closing the sale range according to the complexity of the deal but they should range from $1400 - $3000.

Prepaid property taxes or utility bills - You will have to reimburse the sellers for any prepaid property taxes or utilities.

Mortgage loan insurance and application fee - If you get a high-ratio mortgage (a mortgage where you pay less than a 20% down payment) you will have to buy mortgage loan insurance from CMHC or a private company. If you qualify for a 5% down payment, CMHC charges an insurance fee that equals 3.25% of the mortgage. If you put 10% or 15% down, your insurance fees will decrease to 2% and 1.75% respectively (changes all the time, ask the mortgage broker to help with calculations). The insurance premium usually gets added to your mortgage.

You will also have to pay an application fee. CMHC's standard fee is $235. CMHC also offers a basic service for a $75 fee but it must be accompanied by an appraisal.

Appraisal - Before your lender approves your mortgage, you may be required to have an appraisal done. Sometimes your lender covers this cost otherwise you are responsible for covering this cost. The fee ranges from $250 to $550 (if you need a rush).

Survey fee - Your lender may require an up-to-date survey of the property. If the seller did not provide you with one, you will have to pay to have one done. The fee ranges from $1300.

Disbursements to Land Titles Office - These fees are approximately $300. Your lawyer/notary will arrange this payment.


To find a Realtor in Vancouver, West or North Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Moody or Richmond area please call to Oleg at 604-719-4490 for free consultation or home evaluation.

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