Typical Closing Costs When Buying a House in Halifax, NS
A clear buyer guide to cash-to-close in HRM (with real examples)
If you are buying in Halifax, your down payment is not the full story. You also need cash to close. Typical closing costs when buying a house in Halifax, NS often land around 1.5% to 3% of the purchase price, depending on the property and your situation. The biggest single item is usually HRM Deed Transfer Tax.
This guide breaks down:
- the typical closing costs buyers pay in Halifax (HRM)
- the sneaky costs that catch buyers off guard
- how to plan your cash-to-close without stress
The biggest closing cost in Halifax: HRM Deed Transfer Tax (DTT)
In Halifax Regional Municipality, the Deed Transfer Tax is commonly 1.5% of the purchase price.
Quick math examples
- $400,000 purchase → $6,000 DTT
- $550,000 purchase → $8,250 DTT
- $600,000 purchase → $9,000 DTT
This is paid at closing, usually through your lawyer.
Legal fees and disbursements in Halifax
You need a Nova Scotia real estate lawyer to close. They handle title work, registrations, lender documents, and payout logistics.
Typical guidance you will see locally:
- Legal fees plus disbursements are often quoted in a wide range depending on complexity and firm but most are around $1,000+HST
What matters most is how you budget. Plan for legal costs plus disbursements, then add a buffer.
Title insurance
Many lenders require title insurance. Typical buyer guidance often puts this in a few hundred dollars, depending on the file. Your lawyer will confirm what applies to your situation.
Home inspection and other due diligence costs
This is not always paid “on closing day,” but it is part of your purchase budget.
Typical costs include:
- home inspection
- optional tests (well, septic, radon, oil tank, water quality)
Many Halifax buyer guides include inspection as a common cost category.
Adjustments you may reimburse the seller for
These change based on closing date and what the seller already paid.
Common adjustments:
- property tax adjustment
- utility adjustment
If the home uses oil heat, buyers often reimburse the seller for a full tank at closing, which can be meaningful.
Non-resident deed transfer tax in Nova Scotia
This one is important if you are not a Nova Scotia resident. Nova Scotia charges a Non-resident Provincial Deed Transfer Tax, and the province increased the rate from 5% to 10% effective April 1, 2025 (for agreements signed after March 31, 2025, and other listed transfers).
If you are unsure whether it applies, confirm early with your lawyer.
The “cash-to-close” rule that keeps you safe
If you want a simple, low-stress rule:
- Start with 2% of purchase price as a planning number
- Then adjust up if you expect oil, specialty inspections, or unique conditions
This lines up with the reality that Halifax closing costs are often driven by DTT plus the “it depends” items.
Want me to calculate your closing costs in 2 minutes?
Send me:
- the price range you are shopping
- the area (HRM or outside HRM)
- whether the home is oil heated
I’ll reply with a simple cash-to-close estimate you can plan around.
No pressure. Just clarity.
Nick Ogden | PRESS REALTY
902-240-0635 | nogden@pressrealty.ca
