Buying a home in Nunavut: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
Land transfer tax or registration fees in Nunavut, worked examples, first-time buyer relief, federal help (FHSA, HBP) and down payment rules.
The big picture: what buying costs beyond the price
Buying a home involves a down payment, closing costs and then your mortgage payments. Closing costs are paid on the day you take possession and usually include a land transfer tax (or registration fees), your lawyer or notary, title insurance, adjustments for property taxes and utilities already paid by the seller, and a home inspection if you ordered one. Plan for them in cash: they cannot be added to a regular mortgage.
Land transfer tax and fees in Nunavut
Nunavut has no land transfer tax. The Land Titles Office charges fees under the Land Titles Tariff of Fees Regulations (R-062-93):
- Transfer: $1.50 per $1,000 of value (minimum $60) up to $1,000,000, then $1,500 plus $1 per $1,000 above that.
- Mortgage: $1 per $1,000 of the amount secured (minimum $40).
- Caveats $20; leases $20 per year or part of the unexpired term (minimum $60, maximum $400); condominium registration $100 plus $10 per unit; an insurance fund levy of 10% of the fees applies.
| Purchase price | Mortgage | Transfer + mortgage fees (before the 10% levy) |
|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $240,000 | $690 |
| $500,000 | $400,000 | $1,150 |
| $800,000 | $640,000 | $1,840 |
Source: Nunavut: Land Titles Tariff of Fees Regulations (R-062-93, consolidation of January 31, 2015) ↗, read on 2026-11-13.
Calculate your own case
Use the land transfer tax calculator with your price, and the mortgage calculator to see your monthly payment.
Federal help for first-time buyers
- First Home Savings Account (FHSA): contributions are deductible like an RRSP and withdrawals to buy a first home are tax-free. You get $8,000 of room in the year you open your first account (lifetime limit $40,000). CRA page ↗
- Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP): withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSPs to buy a home and repay it over time without tax on the withdrawal. CRA page ↗
- First-time home buyers’ GST/HST rebate on new homes: the GST is eliminated on a new home up to $1,000,000 and reduced between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000, saving up to $50,000. It generally applies to agreements of purchase and sale signed on or after March 20, 2025 and before 2031 (Bill C-4, Royal Assent March 12, 2026). Finance Canada ↗
- Home Buyers’ Amount: a non-refundable tax credit based on up to $10,000 (so up to $1,500 of tax) when you buy a qualifying home. CRA page ↗
Down payment and insured mortgages
If you put down less than 20%, your mortgage must be insured (CMHC, Sagen or Canada Guaranty) and the premium is added to the mortgage. The minimum down payment is 5% of the first $500,000 of the price and 10% of the part between $500,000 and $1,500,000; homes above $1,500,000 require 20% down. First-time buyers and buyers of new homes can choose a 30-year amortization on an insured mortgage. The $1,500,000 cap and the 30-year amortization came into force on December 15, 2024 (Finance Canada release below); confirm the current terms with your lender.
Source: Finance Canada: mortgage reforms in force December 15, 2024 ↗, read on 2026-11-13.
Government platforms and next steps
- Open an FHSA at your bank and start saving, if you have not already.
- Get a mortgage pre-approval and calculate your closing costs with the calculators above.
- Hire a lawyer (or notary) before you sign: they check the title, collect the tax and register the deed.
- Claim your federal Home Buyers’ Amount on your next tax return.
Guides for this province
- Renting in Nunavut: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in Nunavut: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to Nunavut: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in Nunavut: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in Nunavut: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in Nunavut: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in Nunavut: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in Nunavut: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in Nunavut: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in Nunavut: child benefits and family programs
- Immigrating to Nunavut: nominee program, steps and processing times