Purchasers in most large Canadian centres can add Land Transfer Taxes to their list of closing costs. Unless you live in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or rural Nova Scotia, land transfer taxes (or property purchase tax) are a basic fact of life. These taxes, levied on properties that are changing hands, are the responsibility of the purchaser. Depending on where you live, taxes can range from half a per cent to two per cent of the total value of the property.
Many provinces have multi-tiered taxation systems that can prove complicated. The following illustrates Land Transfer Tax rate for each level of property price in Ontario;
.005 x the first $55,000 PLUS
.01 x from $55,000 - $250,000 PLUS .015 x remainder of purchase price PLUS .005 surcharge on single family homes over $400,000 | 
