Calgary homeowner guide
Calgary Closing Costs: Budget for Both Sides of Your Move
The down payment is only one part of a move. Keep a separate budget for the sale, the purchase and the gap between them.
Separate the sale budget from the purchase budget.
Start two columns. On the sale side, list commission and applicable GST, your lawyer’s quote, the lender’s payout amount, any payout charges, document costs, preparation and moving. On the purchase side, list the down payment, legal work, registration, inspection, adjustments and a cash reserve. These are planning categories; your contract, lender and lawyer determine which apply.
Do not count the mortgage balance twice. It reduces your equity, but it is different from the professional fees you pay to sell. Use the selling-cost guide for that side of the budget.
What do Alberta registration fees add?
The provincial schedule lists $50 plus $5 per $5,000 for a land transfer and separately for mortgage principal. A single-title $600,000 purchase with a $480,000 registered mortgage therefore produces $650 + $530 = $1,180 in those two registration charges. Legal work and other costs are additional. The mortgage amount registered can differ from the amount borrowed.
The schedule includes changes effective October 1, 2026. The transfer and mortgage formulas above remain the same in both versions, while some other document fees change. Have your lawyer use the submission date and actual documents. Source: Alberta Land Titles fee schedule.
Compare the total legal quote.
Ask each firm to itemize its professional fee, GST, disbursements, title insurance if applicable, registration and any extra mortgage or condominium work. A lower advertised professional fee can still lead to a higher total bill. See Calgary lawyer fee examples before comparing quotes.
Budget for adjustments and the timing of cash.
Property taxes and other prepaid amounts may be apportioned on the closing statement. Ask the lawyer for an estimate before your signing appointment. An adjustment is not necessarily a new service fee.
If you are buying before sale proceeds arrive, ask your lender when the down payment must be available and whether bridge financing is possible. Get its conditions and cost in writing. Keep moving money and a reserve outside the amount committed to the purchase.
Bring these numbers to your planning meeting.
Bring your mortgage statement, a written payout quote for the expected date, the proposed purchase price, available cash and both possession dates. For a condominium, include the current fee and any known assessment information. Don can help compare sale-price scenarios; your lender and lawyer confirm financing and closing amounts.
Get the numbers for your own home.
Your next move starts with a realistic sale price and a clear view of what you can keep. Ask Don to review your home, nearby competition and selling costs.