DeedWorthGuide · Quebec

Alberta Land Transfer Tax: The Good News Is There Isn't One

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:

• Property transfer registration: $50 base + $2 for every $5,000 of property value.
• Mortgage registration: $50 base + $1.5 for every $5,000 of mortgage.

There are no rebates because there is no tax to rebate.

Worked example ($900,000, $720,000 mortgage)

• Transfer: $50 + $2 × 180 = $410
• Mortgage: $50 + $1.5 × 144 = $266
• Total ≈ $676 — versus roughly $16,000 in BC or $28,950 in Toronto for the same price.

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? Roughly 50 dollars plus 2 dollars per 5,000 of property value for the transfer, and 50 dollars plus 1.5 dollars per 5,000 of mortgage. 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 costs about 676 dollars in Alberta versus roughly 16,000 in BC or 28,950 in Toronto.

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: June 2026.