Toronto Land Transfer Tax | 2026 Rates, Double Tax Explained, Who Pays and When

How Toronto land transfer tax is calculated

Both taxes are marginal, which means each rate applies only to the slice of the price that falls inside that bracket. For a typical home with one or two single family residences, the Ontario rates are 0.5 percent up to $55,000, 1 percent from $55,000 to $250,000, 1.5 percent from $250,000 to $400,000, 2 percent from $400,000 to $2,000,000, and 2.5 percent above $2,000,000.

The City of Toronto uses the same brackets up to $2,000,000. For residential properties with one or two single family residences, higher brackets take effect on April 1, 2026: 2.5 percent from $2,000,000 to $3,000,000, 4.40 percent from $3,000,000 to $4,000,000, 5.45 percent from $4,000,000 to $5,000,000, 6.50 percent from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000, 7.55 percent from $10,000,000 to $20,000,000 and 8.60 percent above $20,000,000. Other property types, including condo apartments in buildings that are not single family residences, continue under the earlier City structure. Confirm which schedule applies to your property with your lawyer.

The buyer pays both taxes, not the seller

Land transfer tax is a buyer cost in Ontario. It is not deducted from the seller's proceeds and it is not part of the seller's commission or closing costs. When you build an offer budget for a Toronto home, add both taxes to your down payment, legal fees and other closing costs.

First-time buyers can get back up to $4,000 provincially and up to $4,475 from the City

Eligible first-time buyers can claim a refund of Ontario land transfer tax of up to $4,000, and a separate rebate of Toronto land transfer tax of up to $4,475. Together that is up to $8,475 off the combined bill. Rules apply, including that you have never owned a home anywhere in the world and that you occupy the home within the required time. Your lawyer applies the rebates on closing, so ask about them before the closing date. See the official pages below for the current conditions.

For a full picture of what else to budget, read our guide to first-time home buying in York Region.

Toronto versus York Region: how much does the city line cost you?

Because York Region does not charge a municipal land transfer tax, a buyer at $1,000,000 saves about $16,475 in tax by purchasing in Aurora, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, Georgina or King City instead of Toronto. At $1,500,000 the difference is about $26,475. That is only one part of the comparison, since property taxes, commute and lifestyle also matter. Our condo versus freehold guide walks through the type of home decision, and the closing cost overview covers the seller side of the same transaction.

Questions to ask your lawyer before closing

Ask which land transfer tax schedule applies to your property type, whether you qualify for the Ontario and Toronto first-time buyer rebates, what funds you need to deliver and by what date, and whether any non-resident tax could apply. If you want a second set of eyes on your numbers before you offer, contact Jonathan or start with the buyer planning page.

Official resources

Rules, rebates and warranty coverage can change. Use official sources and obtain legal advice before signing.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rates, rebates and eligibility rules change, so confirm your numbers with your real estate lawyer and the official sources above before you buy.