Nova Scotia land transfer tax calculator.
Municipal — set by each Nova Scotia municipality, and capped at 1.5% by the Municipal Government Act. Estimate the transfer tax or registration fees for your property and buyer status.
Fact-checked by Surrayya Afzal, Principal Broker, FSRA #M14001433· Last reviewed October 2026 · Reviewed monthly
Enter the higher of price or assessed value where the province requires it, then select your location and buyer status. The result is a tax or registration estimate, not your full closing budget. Other closing costs are excluded.
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How land transfer tax works in Nova Scotia
Deed Transfer Tax is a one-time tax the buyer pays when title changes hands. It is due at registration, must be paid in cash, and cannot be added to your mortgage. Municipal — set by each Nova Scotia municipality, and capped at 1.5% by the Municipal Government Act. Halifax Regional Municipality charges the full 1.5%, and so do most others: most municipalities charge 1.5%; some charge 1.0% or 1.25%. Confirm the rate for the specific municipality before closing — 1.5% is the norm rather than the exception. Apply the selected municipality’s rate to the taxable value.
The municipal layer
Deed transfer tax in Nova Scotia is set by each municipality — confirm with your lawyer the exact rate for the municipality you're buying in. Select the municipality rate above; your lawyer will confirm it.
This is not the total cash needed to close. Other closing costs are excluded. Legal fees and other charges must be budgeted separately.
Non-resident buyers pay Nova Scotia’s 10% Non-resident Provincial Deed Transfer Tax on residential property of up to three units for agreements signed after 31 March 2025, in addition to municipal tax, unless an exemption applies.
Fold it into your closing budget
Budget separately for legal fees and other charges. once you know it, add it to your full closing costs estimate alongside legal fees, title insurance and moving costs. First-time buyer? The first-time buyer guide covers the FHSA, the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan, and how they stack. See Nova Scotia mortgage rate.
- • Nova Scotia's Deed Transfer Tax is municipal. Most municipalities, Halifax included, charge 1.5%; some charge 1.0% or 1.25%, so so confirm the rate for the specific municipality.
How much is land transfer tax in Nova Scotia?
Do first-time buyers get a rebate in Nova Scotia?
Is there an extra municipal tax in Nova Scotia?
When do I pay Nova Scotia deed transfer tax — and can I finance it?
Does my down payment or mortgage size change the deed transfer tax?
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