Alberta Land Transfer Tax: The Good News Is There Isn't One
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In brief — No. Alberta does not charge a land transfer tax. Buyers pay only small Land Titles registration fees for the transfer and the mortgage.
If you are searching for Alberta's land transfer tax, here is the short answer: Alberta does not charge one. Along with Saskatchewan, it is the exception in Canada — and for investors, that is a real edge on cash-to-close.
What you pay instead
Alberta charges small Land Titles registration fees (schedule in force since October 2024):
- Property transfer registration: $50 base + $5 for every $5,000 (or part) of property value.
- Mortgage registration: $50 base + $5 for every $5,000 (or part) of mortgage.
There are no rebates because there is no tax to rebate.
Worked example ($900,000, $720,000 mortgage)
- Transfer: $50 + $5 × 180 = $950
- Mortgage: $50 + $5 × 144 = $770
- Total = $1,720 — versus roughly $16,000 in BC or $28,950 in Toronto for the same price.
Is it different in Calgary or Edmonton?
No. Registration fees are provincial and identical everywhere in Alberta: the same schedule applies in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge or Red Deer, and no municipality adds a transfer tax. That is the opposite of Québec, where several cities apply their own tiers. For an exact amount, our Alberta closing-fees calculator applies the schedule to your price and mortgage.
Why it matters for investors
Lower acquisition cost means more of your capital goes to work, and a higher cash-on-cash return on day one. It is one reason Alberta markets like Calgary and Edmonton screen well for cashflow. See our guide to capital gains on a rental property.
Build it into your analysis
DeedWorth reflects Alberta's low closing costs in its return calculation. Analyze a property with DeedWorth →
FAQ
Does Alberta have a land transfer tax? No. Alberta does not charge a land transfer tax. Buyers pay only small Land Titles registration fees for the transfer and the mortgage.
What are Alberta's registration fees? A 50 dollar base plus 5 dollars per 5,000 of property value for the transfer, and 50 dollars plus 5 dollars per 5,000 of mortgage (schedule in force since October 2024). There are no rebates.
Is Alberta cheaper to buy in than Ontario or BC? On transfer costs, yes, substantially. The same 900,000 dollar purchase (720,000 mortgage) costs 1,720 dollars in Alberta versus roughly 16,000 in BC or 28,950 in Toronto.
Are the fees different in Calgary or Edmonton? No. The schedule is provincial and identical in every Alberta city, and no municipality adds a transfer tax.
When do you pay Alberta registration fees? On closing, through the Land Titles Office, handled by your lawyer.
For information only, not tax or legal advice. Rates vary and change; confirm with the province, the municipality, and your lawyer/notary. Last verified: July 2026.