Looking To buy A Property In The Greater Hamilton Area?
LAND TRANSFER TAX
When you buy land or an interest in land in Ontario, you pay Ontario’s land transfer tax. Land includes, but is not limited to, any buildings, buildings to be constructed, and fixtures (such as light fixtures, built‑in appliances and cabinetry). In addition, for certain transfers of land within the Greater Golden Horseshoe Region, a 15% Non‑Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) may apply.
Land Transfer Tax Rates
Effective January 1, 2017, the tax rates for land transfer tax will depend on the date of the agreement of purchase and sale.
If an agreement of purchase and sale is entered into after November 14, 2016, and registration or the disposition occurs on or after January 1, 2017, the tax rates on the value of the consideration are as follows:
- amounts up to and including $55,000: 0.5%
- amounts exceeding $55,000, up to and including $250,000: 1.0%
- amounts exceeding $250,000, up to and including $400,000: 1.5%
- amounts exceeding $400,000: 2.0%
- amounts exceeding $2,000,000, where the land contains one or two single family residences: 2.5%.
If you buy property in the City of Toronto, you may also pay the City of Toronto’s own municipal land transfer tax.
First‑Time HomeBuyers
If you are a first‑time homebuyer, you may be eligible for a refund of all or part of the land transfer tax.
Beginning January 1, 2017, no land transfer tax would be payable by qualifying first‑time purchasers on the first $368,000 of the value of the consideration for eligible homes. First‑time purchasers of homes greater than $368,000 would receive a maximum refund of $4,000.
Requirements To Qualify For The Refund
To qualify for a refund:
- The purchaser must be at least 18 years old.
- The purchaser must occupy the home as their principal residence within nine months of the date of transfer.
- The purchaser cannot have ever owned an eligible home, or an interest in an eligible home, anywhere in the world, at any time.
- If the purchaser entered into an agreement of purchase and sale before December 14, 2007, the home must be a newly constructed home and the purchaser must be eligible for the Tarion New Home Warranty.
- If the purchaser has a spouse, the spouse cannot have owned an eligible home, or had any ownership interest in an eligible home, anywhere in the world, while he or she was the purchaser’s spouse. If this is the case, no refund is available to either spouse.
Harmonized Sales Tax
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) applies to newly constructed homes or substantially renovated homes, but does not apply to resale homes. Buyers of new homes may receive a rebate of up to $24,000 of the provincial portion (8%) of the HST.
Ontario Land Transfer Tax Calculator
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