Pick the municipality the property is in and enter the price.
Deed transfer tax
$6,750
1.5% of $450,000
The purchase
$
Rates from Service Nova Scotia's list (July 2026). Towns can have a different rate from the county around them.
Adds the provincial non-resident deed transfer tax (10%) on homes of 3 units or fewer. You may be exempt if you become a resident within the allowed time.
Breakdown
Municipal deed transfer tax1.5% · Halifax Regional Municipality
$6,750Total due on closing
$6,750The buyer pays deed transfer tax when the deed is registered. Your lawyer takes it from your closing funds, so it has to be paid in cash: it can't be added to your mortgage.
How it works
- Each municipality sets its own deed transfer tax rate, between 1% and 1.5% of the purchase price. The rates come from Service Nova Scotia's list.
- Towns set their own rate, which can differ from the county or district around them, so check which municipality the property is actually in.
- Buyers who aren't Nova Scotia residents also pay the provincial non-resident deed transfer tax: 10% of the higher of the price or the assessed value, on homes of three units or fewer.
- Deed transfer tax is paid by the buyer, in cash, when the deed is registered. It can't be added to the mortgage.
Sources
Service Nova Scotia: Municipal deed transfer tax ratesGovernment of Nova Scotia: Changes to non-resident deed transfer tax (Aug 2026)Estimate only, not legal or tax advice. Municipalities can change their rate at any time, so confirm it with the municipality or your lawyer before closing.