What are Ontario's land transfer tax rates?
For land with one or two single-family residences, the tax is charged in slices of the price:
| Portion of the price | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $55,000 | 0.5% |
| $55,000 to $250,000 | 1.0% |
| $250,000 to $400,000 | 1.5% |
| $400,000 to $2,000,000 | 2.0% |
| Over $2,000,000 | 2.5% |
What does that come to on a typical London home?
Worked examples, Ontario tax only (London adds nothing):
| Price | Ontario LTT | First-time buyer pays |
|---|---|---|
| $400,000 | $4,475 | $475 |
| $500,000 | $6,475 | $2,475 |
| $600,000 | $8,475 | $4,475 |
| $800,000 | $12,475 | $8,475 |
| $1,000,000 | $16,475 | $12,475 |
Try your own price in the land transfer tax calculator.
Why do Toronto buyers pay so much more?
Toronto is the only Ontario city that charges its own municipal land transfer tax on top of Ontario's. Its rates match Ontario's up to $2 million, so a Toronto buyer roughly doubles the bill; on a $600,000 home that is $8,475 to the province plus $8,475 to the city. Toronto's first-time buyer rebate is up to $4,475. Moving to London removes the municipal half entirely, and that is only part of what changes when you move from Toronto.
Who qualifies for the first-time buyer refund?
You must be at least 18, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, never have owned a home or an interest in one anywhere in the world, and occupy the home as your principal residence within nine months. If your spouse owned a home while you were spouses, you do not qualify. Apply within 18 months of registration; in practice your lawyer usually claims it when the deed is registered.
What about buyers who are not Canadian?
Ontario charges a Non-Resident Speculation Tax of 25%, province-wide, on purchases of residential property (one to six single-family residences) by foreign nationals and certain foreign corporations, on top of the land transfer tax. Get legal advice before you offer.
Before you move ahead
- Budget the Ontario land transfer tax in cash: it cannot be added to your mortgage.
- Ask your lawyer to confirm first-time buyer eligibility before closing.
- Add legal fees, title insurance and adjustments to your closing budget.
General information for Ontario buyers and sellers, current as of September 26, 2026. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and rates change, so confirm the details for your own purchase or sale with your lawyer, lender or accountant.