logo best mortgage online bmo Rate Search Menu Saskatchewan Land Transfer Tax Saskatchewan Land Transfer Tax is a modest 0.4% fee, not a tax. Discover how this makes Saskatchewan property purchases more affordable than other provinces. By Arthur Basco March 12, 2025 In Home Buying Saskatchewan stands out among Canadian provinces for its approach to property transfer fees. Unlike most provinces that charge substantial land transfer taxes, Saskatchewan applies a more affordable Land Titles Transfer Fee system. This significant difference can save homebuyers thousands of dollars when purchasing property in Saskatchewan. Understanding Land Transfer Tax Saskatchewan is essential for accurately budgeting your home purchase and avoiding unexpected costs at closing time. Contents [ show ] Land Transfer Tax Saskatchewan
Is there a Land Transfer Tax in Saskatchewan? No, Saskatchewan does not have a land transfer tax. Instead, you pay a Land Titles Transfer Fee. The Saskatchewan Land Titles Transfer Fee is a registration fee for property ownership transfers from a seller to a buyer. The Information Services Corporation (ISC) – the province’s land titles registry – collects these fees to register the title in the buyer’s name. Saskatchewan’s approach is considerably more affordable for homebuyers. While provinces with land transfer taxes often charge 1-2% of the property value, Saskatchewan’s maximum rate is just 0.4% for properties over $6,300. This fee structure makes Saskatchewan one of the most economical provinces in Canada in terms of closing costs. Saskatchewan Land Title Transfer Fee Rates for 2025 The Saskatchewan Land Titles Transfer Fee uses a tiered structure based on the property’s purchase price. The current rates, effective as of July 29, 2023, follow a straightforward calculation method that makes it easy to determine your costs. Property Value Land Title Transfer Fee First $500 $0 $500.01 to $6,300 $25 flat fee Over $6,300 0.4% of property value Examples of SK Land Title Transfer Fee Calculations To understand how these fees apply to real-world situations, consider these examples: 1. For a $300,000 home: First $500: $0 $500.01 to $6,300: $25 Remaining $293,700: $1,174.80 (0.4%) Total fee: $1,199.80 2. For a $500,000 home: First $500: $0 $500.01 to $6,300: $25 Remaining $493,700: $1,974.80 (0.4%)
Total fee: $1,999.80 3. For a $1,000,000 commercial property: First $500: $0 $500.01 to $6,300: $25 Remaining $993,700: $3,974.80 (0.4%) Total fee: $3,999.80 These calculations demonstrate the predictable and affordable nature of Saskatchewan’s transfer fee system compared to other provinces. How Does Saskatchewan LTT Differ from Other Provinces? Saskatchewan LTTF vs Other Provinces Saskatchewan’s approach to land transfer fees differs significantly from most other provinces, creating substantial cost differences for homebuyers. Saskatchewan vs. Alberta Both Saskatchewan and Alberta operate without traditional land transfer taxes, making them among the most affordable provinces for closing costs:
Alberta charges slightly lower registration fees than Saskatchewan Both provinces have flat-fee structures rather than percentage-based taxes Combined with other factors, these policies make these prairie provinces more affordable for homebuyers For example, on a $500,000 property, Alberta might charge approximately $1,500 in registration fees compared to Saskatchewan’s $2,000. Comparison with BC, Manitoba, and Ontario (With Land Transfer Taxes) The contrast becomes stark when comparing Saskatchewan to provinces with land transfer taxes: Table: Land Transfer Costs Comparison for a $500,000 Home Province Transfer Tax/Fee Calculation Method First-Time Buyer Rebates Saskatchewan $2,000 0.4% of property value None British Columbia $8,000 Tiered rates up to 2% Up to $8,000 Manitoba $7,300 Tiered rates up to 2% None Ontario $6,475 Tiered rates up to 2.5% Up to $4,000 This comparison demonstrates Saskatchewan’s significant cost advantage, especially for higher-valued properties. Cost Impact on Total Closing Expenses The absence of a traditional land transfer tax in Saskatchewan creates cascading benefits for homebuyers: Lower overall closing costs (often 2-3% of purchase price versus 3-5% in provinces with transfer taxes) Ability to allocate more funds toward down payment (potentially reducing mortgage insurance requirements) Reduced need for additional closing cost financing These savings can be particularly meaningful for first-time homebuyers with limited cash reserves beyond their down payment. Explore the how different regions in Canada charge their Land Transfer Tax with our detailed guides: BC Property Transfer Tax Ontario Land Transfer Tax
Toronto Land Transfer Tax Alberta Land Transfer Tax Additional Registration Costs in Saskatchewan Beyond the SK Land Titles Transfer Fee, several other registration costs apply when purchasing property in Saskatchewan. Understanding these additional fees helps you budget accurately for your total closing costs. ISC Registration Fees for Title Transfer The Information Services Corporation (ISC) charges specific fees to register various documents related to your property purchase: Transfer of Title: 0.4% of the property’s value Mortgage Registration: 250formostmortgages(rangeof250 for most mortgages (range of 250formostmortgages(rangeof180-$1,000 for the first 4 titles, depending on the mortgage amount) Other Document Registrations: $55 for each title affected Discharge of Existing Registrations: $55 per registration (typically paid by the seller) These fees are paid alongside your Land Titles Transfer Fee during the closing process and are processed by your lawyer. Mortgage Registration Fees When registering a mortgage in Saskatchewan, the ISC charges a separate fee based on the mortgage amount. As of July 2023, the standard fee is $250, though this can vary depending on your specific mortgage details and how many titles are affected. Your lender and lawyer will provide the exact amount during the closing process. Document Registration Costs Additional documents that may require registration during your property purchase include: Survey Plans: $55 per registration Easements or Caveats: $55 per title Condominium Plan Documents: $55 per document These fees apply to specific situations and may not be relevant to all property purchases. Your lawyer will advise which documents need registration based on your specific transaction.
Land transfer tax Saskatchewan FAQs Are land transfer fees in Saskatchewan lower than other provinces? Yes, Saskatchewan's land transfer fees are among the lowest in Canada. Only Alberta and the Northwest Territories have comparable or lower fees. Provinces with land transfer taxes, like Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba, charge significantly more - often 3-5 times higher than Saskatchewan's fees for the same property value. Do first-time homebuyers get a rebate in Saskatchewan? No, Saskatchewan does not offer land transfer fee rebates or exemptions specifically for first-time homebuyers. This differs from provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Prince Edward Island, which provide first-time buyer rebates on their land transfer taxes. However, since Saskatchewan's fees are already substantially lower than those of those provinces, the absence of a rebate has less of a financial impact on buyers. When do I pay the land transfer fee? Your lawyer or notary pays land transfer fees in Saskatchewan at closing. Your legal representative will calculate the exact amount based on your property's purchase price and include it in the closing costs. These fees must be paid before the title can be registered in your name. Who calculates and collects the land transfer fee? Your real estate lawyer or notary calculates the land transfer fee based on your property's purchase price. They collect this fee from you during the closing process and remit it to Information Services Corporation (ISC), Saskatchewan's land titles registry when registering your title. The accuracy of this calculation is important, so working with an experienced legal professional is recommended. The Bottom Line Saskatchewan’s approach to land transfer fees represents a significant advantage for property buyers in the province. By implementing a modest fee structure instead of the substantial transfer taxes found in many other provinces, Saskatchewan creates a more accessible real estate market with lower transaction costs. To maximize the benefits of Saskatchewan’s favourable fee structure: 1. Calculate your land transfer fees early in your home search process to accurately budget for closing costs 2. Work with professionals familiar with Saskatchewan’s land titles system to ensure proper handling of all documents 3. Compare total closing costs (not just purchase price) when evaluating properties in different locations
4. Consider how the savings on transfer fees might allow you to increase your down payment, potentially reducing mortgage insurance costs 5. Stay informed about any changes to Saskatchewan’s fee structure, as government policies can change over time By understanding and planning for Saskatchewan land transfer fees, you can approach your property purchase with confidence and financial preparedness. Article Sources By Arthur Basco With over 15 years as a highly successful mortgage broker, manager, and respected finance authority, Arthur Basco leverages his deep expertise in dual roles as Principal Broker at award-winning Orca Pacific Alliance Mortgage & Refinancing Services Ltd. Arthur Basco provides insightful mortgage guidance by leading a team of experts in securing competitive rates and ideal financing solutions tailored to client needs across Canada. Additionally, Arthur Basco shares his insider knowledge directly with clients through his work as Content Manager at Best Mortgage Online. He empowers clients with a wealth of resources covering home financing options, demystifying complex mortgage concepts, clarifying terms and fees, revealing industry insights, and providing market rate analysis. View Archive → Name * Email * Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
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