Closing Costs For Burlington Home Buyers

Buying a home in Burlington is exciting, but the closing costs can feel like a mystery. You might be asking how much to set aside beyond your down payment and where that money actually goes. You deserve a clear, local breakdown so you can plan with confidence. In this guide, you will learn what Burlington buyers typically pay, how Ontario land transfer tax works, what to expect for legal and inspection fees, and simple steps to avoid surprises. Let’s dive in.

What closing costs cover in Burlington

Closing costs are the one-time expenses and adjustments you pay at or before closing. In Burlington, these usually include:

• Ontario land transfer tax (LTT)
• Legal fees, title searches, and registrations
• Title insurance and lender-related costs
• Inspections and any needed surveys
• Closing adjustments such as property tax prorations and prepaid interest

You will not pay a municipal land transfer tax in Burlington. That is specific to Toronto, so Burlington buyers only pay the provincial LTT.

Ontario land transfer tax for Burlington buyers

Ontario charges land transfer tax on most real estate purchases. Your lawyer calculates and pays it on closing. Burlington does not add a municipal LTT, so you only pay the provincial amount. For current rules and eligibility details, review the Government of Ontario’s guidance on land transfer tax and first-time buyer refunds. You can confirm the rate structure on the Government of Ontario land transfer tax page.

Key rates in Ontario

• 0.5% on the first $55,000
• 1.0% on the portion from $55,000 to $250,000
• 1.5% on the portion from $250,000 to $400,000
• 2.0% on the portion from $400,000 to $2,000,000
• 2.5% on the portion above $2,000,000

For the most up-to-date details, check the Government of Ontario’s land transfer tax rules on the official page.

First-time buyer refund

If you qualify as a first-time buyer, you may receive a refund that reduces your LTT, up to the current cap. Eligibility includes not having owned residential property before in Canada. Your lawyer will confirm if you meet the criteria and file the refund on closing when possible. Review the steps and the current maximum on the Government of Ontario LTT page to confirm your eligibility and the refund cap.

LTT examples for Burlington price points

Here are sample calculations for Burlington buyers using the provincial brackets. These totals do not include any first-time buyer refund.

• $500,000 purchase

  • 0.5% on first $55,000 = $275
  • 1.0% on next $195,000 = $1,950
  • 1.5% on next $150,000 = $2,250
  • 2.0% on remaining $100,000 = $2,000
  • Total LTT = $6,475

• $800,000 purchase

  • First three tiers total = $4,475
  • 2.0% on $400,000 = $8,000
  • Total LTT = $12,475

• $1,200,000 purchase

  • First three tiers total = $4,475
  • 2.0% on $800,000 = $16,000
  • Total LTT = $20,475

• $2,500,000 purchase

  • First three tiers total = $4,475
  • 2.0% on $1,600,000 = $32,000
  • 2.5% on $500,000 = $12,500
  • Total LTT = $48,975

If you qualify for the first-time buyer refund, you subtract up to the current maximum from these totals. For example, a qualifying buyer at $500,000 could reduce $6,475 by the available refund.

HST on new vs. resale homes

Resale homes in Ontario usually do not have HST charged on the purchase price. New construction from a builder is different. HST at 13% applies to most new homes, and your agreement should state whether HST is included in the price and how any rebate is handled.

Buyers of eligible new homes may receive a partial new housing rebate. Rules vary by purchase price and occupancy, so it is smart to confirm the details. You can review eligibility and amounts on the Canada Revenue Agency’s page about the GST/HST new housing rebate.

Professional and legal fees

Your Ontario real estate lawyer coordinates the entire closing. They review your agreement, complete title searches, register the transfer and mortgage, calculate and pay the LTT, and deliver closing funds. For most residential purchases, legal fees often range from about 700 to 1,800 dollars, plus disbursements for searches and registrations that commonly add 150 to 500 dollars. Ask for a written quote that shows what is included.

Title insurance is a one-time premium that protects against specific title defects and fraud-related issues. Many lenders require it. Expect roughly 150 to 400 dollars for a typical Burlington home. Ask whether your policy includes both lender and owner coverage.

If your lender requests an appraisal, the fee is usually 300 to 500 dollars. Mortgage default insurance premiums for high-ratio mortgages are often added to the mortgage rather than paid in cash at closing. Your lender can explain how they handle any administrative fees.

Inspections and due diligence

A home inspection helps you understand the condition of the home and plan for repairs. In Ontario, a typical inspection for a single-family home ranges from 350 to 700 dollars, depending on size and age. Condo inspections may be at the lower end. If needed, you can add specialist checks such as sewer camera, radon, or structural assessments. These can range from a couple of hundred dollars up to 1,000 dollars or more per service.

If you need a new survey or a certificate of location, costs can vary widely. Many buyers opt for title insurance as a faster, less expensive alternative. For condo purchases, you should also order a status certificate from the condo corporation, usually 100 to 200 dollars.

Adjustments and prepaids on closing day

Your statement of adjustments balances prepaid items between you and the seller. Property taxes are prorated based on the closing date. If the seller prepaid taxes past your closing date, you reimburse the seller for the portion after closing. You can review local tax billing information on the City of Burlington property tax page.

Utility charges such as water and sewer may also be adjusted. Final meter reads and account closings are coordinated before the transfer. Your lawyer will also calculate any prepaid mortgage interest you owe from closing to your first scheduled payment. That amount depends on your mortgage size, rate, and the timing of your first payment.

What to budget: Burlington examples

Every purchase is different, but these examples can help you plan. These figures show typical out-of-pocket closing funds in addition to your down payment and deposit. They do not include HST on new construction.

• Lower-price condo example at $450,000

  • Ontario LTT about $5,475
  • Lawyer, title, appraisal, inspection about $1,500 to $3,000
  • Total closing funds about $7,000 to $10,000

• Typical detached Burlington home at $1,000,000

  • Ontario LTT about $16,475
  • Legal, title, inspection, appraisal about $1,800 to $3,500
  • Adjustments, prepaids, moving about $1,000 to $4,000
  • Total closing funds about $20,000 to $25,000 or more

• High-end purchase at $2,000,000

  • Ontario LTT about $36,475
  • Professional fees and adjustments about $2,500 to $6,000
  • Total closing funds about $39,000 to $45,000 or more

If you are a first-time buyer in Burlington and you qualify for the LTT refund, that benefit can lower your total significantly. Your lawyer will help you apply the refund to reduce what you bring to closing.

Local Burlington tips

• No municipal LTT. Unlike Toronto, Burlington buyers pay only the Ontario LTT.
• Property tax proration. Burlington taxes include both City and Regional portions. Confirm the seller’s payment status so your adjustments are accurate.
• Utilities and final reads. Check whether water and sewer are billed municipally or by a third party and plan final readings.
• Flood and insurance checks. If you are near the lake or a creek, get property-specific insurance quotes and ask your insurer about any local flood considerations.
• New builds. Review your agreement for any development charges, occupancy fees, or closing adjustments that apply to your unit or lot.
• Condos. Request the status certificate early and review it with your lawyer before waiving conditions.

Simple plan and worksheet

Use this step-by-step approach to keep your closing costs on track.

1. Get pre-approved and ask your lender about appraisals, prepaid interest, and mortgage insurance treatment.
2. Ask 2 to 3 Burlington-area real estate lawyers for detailed quotes. Confirm inclusions such as title searches, registrations, courier, and LTT filing.
3. Price your due diligence. Book a home inspection and add specialist inspections if needed. For condos, order the status certificate right away.
4. Confirm adjustments. Ask the listing side for the property tax bill and payment schedule so your lawyer can estimate prorations.
5. Decide on title insurance. Confirm the policy type and cost with your lawyer and lender.
6. Build a buffer. Set aside extra for moving, initial repairs, and unforeseen adjustments.

Want a clean budgeting tool you can edit? Use a simple worksheet with these sections:

• Transaction basics: purchase price, closing date, property type
• Mandatory charges: Ontario LTT and any first-time buyer refund
• Professional fees: lawyer, disbursements, title insurance, appraisal
• Inspections and surveys: home inspection, specialists, survey if needed
• Adjustments and prepaids: property tax proration, utilities, condo status fee, prepaid interest, moving
• Totals: funds due before closing and at closing, with notes and contacts for your lawyer, lender, and inspector

If you would like a ready-to-use spreadsheet with built-in Ontario LTT formulas, ask our team and we will share a copy that you can customize for your Burlington purchase.

Ready to buy in Burlington?

Closing costs do not need to be a guessing game. With a clear estimate for LTT, legal and title fees, inspections, and adjustments, you can move forward with confidence. If you want a personal breakdown for your price range and timeline, reach out to Joe Callari. We will walk you through each line item and help you plan a smooth closing.

FAQs

Who pays land transfer tax in Burlington, Ontario?

• The buyer pays the Ontario land transfer tax on closing in Burlington, and there is no municipal land transfer tax added by the City of Burlington.

Do first-time buyers in Ontario get an LTT refund?

• Yes, eligible first-time buyers can receive a refund up to the current maximum; review the Government of Ontario land transfer tax page for criteria and the refund cap.

Is HST charged on resale homes in Burlington?

• Resale homes typically do not have HST on the purchase price, while new construction usually includes HST; check the CRA new housing rebate to see if you qualify for a partial rebate on a new home.

What does a real estate lawyer do for my Burlington closing?

• Your lawyer reviews your agreement and title, registers the transfer and mortgage, calculates and pays LTT, handles closing funds, and provides a title opinion.

Is title insurance required for Burlington home purchases?

• Many lenders require it and most buyers choose it for protection against specific title and fraud risks; the one-time premium is often 150 to 400 dollars for typical homes.

How much should I budget for closing costs besides my down payment?

• Many Burlington buyers set aside about 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price, driven mostly by Ontario LTT, plus legal, title, inspection, and adjustments.

When and how do I send closing funds in Ontario?

• Your lawyer will give you a final statement before closing; you typically provide certified funds by bank draft or wire for the balance due, including LTT and adjustments.

Resources for verification:

• Review Ontario LTT rates and first-time buyer refund on the Government of Ontario page.
• Confirm HST new housing rebate details on the CRA website.
• Check property tax billing and timelines on the City of Burlington property tax page.

Links:

• Government of Ontario land transfer tax page: Understand Ontario land transfer tax and refunds
• CRA new housing rebate: GST/HST new housing rebate overview
• City of Burlington taxes: Property tax billing and information