What is the deed transfer tax in Halifax?

The deed transfer tax in Nova Scotia is paid by the buyer when a property changes hands. Halifax Regional Municipality charges a municipal deed transfer tax of 1.5 percent of the purchase price, on top of the provincial deed transfer tax of 0.5 percent. On a $600,000 home, that amounts to roughly $12,000 in deed transfer tax alone. This is separate from legal fees, home inspection costs, and any applicable mortgage insurance. For a full picture of what buyers pay, see what buyers pay at closing in Halifax.

The deed transfer tax is due at closing and is handled by your lawyer as part of the title transfer process. Budget for it when calculating your total purchase costs. Find a real estate agent in Halifax who can walk you through all the numbers before you make an offer.