Saskatchewan stands out among Canadian provinces for its approach to property transfer fees. Unlike most provinces that charge substantial land transfer taxes, Saskatchewan applies a more affordable Land Titles Transfer Fee system. This significant difference can save homebuyers thousands of dollars when purchasing property in Saskatchewan. Understanding Land Transfer Tax Saskatchewan is essential for accurately budgeting your home purchase and avoiding unexpected costs at closing time.
Is there a Land Transfer Tax in Saskatchewan?
No, Saskatchewan does not have a land transfer tax. Instead, you pay a Land Titles Transfer Fee.
The Saskatchewan Land Titles Transfer Fee is a registration fee for property ownership transfers from a seller to a buyer. The Information Services Corporation (ISC) – the province’s land titles registry – collects these fees to register the title in the buyer’s name.
Saskatchewan’s approach is considerably more affordable for homebuyers. While provinces with land transfer taxes often charge 1-2% of the property value, Saskatchewan’s maximum rate is just 0.4% for properties over $6,300. This fee structure makes Saskatchewan one of the most economical provinces in Canada in terms of closing costs.
Saskatchewan Land Title Transfer Fee Rates for 2025
The Saskatchewan Land Titles Transfer Fee uses a tiered structure based on the property’s purchase price. The current rates, effective as of July 29, 2023, follow a straightforward calculation method that makes it easy to determine your costs.
| Property Value | Land Title Transfer Fee |
|---|---|
| First $500 | $0 |
| $500.01 to $6,300 | $25 flat fee |
| Over $6,300 | 0.4% of property value |
For example, the land title transfer fee for a $1,000,000 commercial property in SK would be $1,000,000 * 0.4% = $4000.
How Does Saskatchewan LTT Differ from Other Provinces?
Saskatchewan’s approach to land transfer fees differs significantly from most other provinces, creating substantial cost differences for homebuyers.
Saskatchewan vs. Alberta
Both Saskatchewan and Alberta operate without traditional land transfer taxes, making them among the most affordable provinces for closing costs:
- Alberta charges slightly lower registration fees than Saskatchewan
- Both provinces have flat-fee structures rather than percentage-based taxes
- Combined with other factors, these policies make these prairie provinces more affordable for homebuyers
For example, on a $500,000 property, Alberta might charge $550 in Land registration fees compared to Saskatchewan’s $2,000.
Comparison with BC, Manitoba, and Ontario (With Land Transfer Taxes)
The contrast becomes stark when comparing Saskatchewan to provinces with land transfer taxes:
Table: Land Transfer Costs Comparison for a $650,000 home
| Province | Transfer Tax/Fee | First-Time Buyer Rebates |
|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan | $2,600 | None |
| British Columbia | $11,000 | Up to $8,000 |
| Manitoba | $7,300 | None |
| Ontario | $9,475 | Up to $4,000 |
This comparison demonstrates Saskatchewan’s significantly predictable and affordable nature compared to other provinces, especially for higher-valued properties.
Cost Impact on Total Closing Expenses
The absence of a traditional land transfer tax in Saskatchewan creates cascading benefits for homebuyers:
- Lower overall closing costs (often 2-3% of purchase price versus 3-5% in provinces with transfer taxes)
- Ability to allocate more funds toward down payment (potentially reducing mortgage insurance requirements)
- Reduced need for additional closing cost financing
These savings can be particularly meaningful for first-time homebuyers with limited cash reserves beyond their down payment.
Explore the how different regions in Canada charge their Land Transfer Tax with our detailed guides:
- BC Property Transfer Tax
- Ontario Land Transfer Tax
- Toronto Land Transfer Tax
- Alberta Land Transfer Tax
Additional Land Registry Fee in Saskatchewan
Other registration costs apply when purchasing property in Saskatchewan, in addition to the SK Land Titles Transfer Fee. Understanding these additional fees helps you budget accurately for your total closing costs.
Mortgage Registration Fees
When registering a mortgage in Saskatchewan, the ISC charges a separate fee based on the mortgage amount. As of May 4, 2024, ISC set the rates for the first four titles are as follows:
| Mortgage Value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 to $249,999.99 | $180.00 |
| $250,000 to $500,000 | $250.00 |
| $500,000.01 to $750,000 | $500.00 |
| $750,000.01 to $1,000,000 | $750.00 |
| $1,000,000.01 and greater | $1000.00 |
After the first four titles, a $55.00 flat fee will be applied for each additional title, interest, or share affected.
Document Registration Costs
Additional documents that may require registration during your property purchase include:
- Manual Certification of Documents (if security paper is not available): $10/document
- Manual Certification of Documents (if security paper is available): $50/document
These fees apply to specific situations and may not be relevant to all property purchases. Your lawyer will advise which documents need registration based on your specific transaction.
Source: May 4, 2024 Fee Adjustment Details – Breakdown, ISC
Land transfer tax Saskatchewan FAQs
Are land transfer fees in Saskatchewan lower than other provinces?
Yes, Saskatchewan's land transfer fees are among the lowest in Canada. Only Alberta and the Northwest Territories have comparable or lower fees. Provinces with land transfer taxes, like Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba, charge significantly more - often 3-5 times higher than Saskatchewan's fees for the same property value.
Do first-time homebuyers get a rebate in Saskatchewan?
No, Saskatchewan does not offer land transfer fee rebates or exemptions specifically for first-time homebuyers. This differs from provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Prince Edward Island, which provide first-time buyer rebates on their land transfer taxes. However, since Saskatchewan's fees are already substantially lower than those of those provinces, the absence of a rebate has less of a financial impact on buyers.
When do I pay the land transfer fee?
Your lawyer or notary pays land transfer fees in Saskatchewan at closing. Your legal representative will calculate the exact amount based on your property's purchase price and include it in the closing costs. These fees must be paid before the title can be registered in your name.
Who calculates and collects the land transfer fee?
Your real estate lawyer or notary calculates the land transfer fee based on your property's purchase price. They collect this fee from you during the closing process and remit it to Information Services Corporation (ISC), Saskatchewan's land titles registry when registering your title. The accuracy of this calculation is important, so working with an experienced legal professional is recommended.
The Bottom Line
Saskatchewan’s approach to land transfer fees represents a significant advantage for property buyers in the province. By implementing a modest fee structure instead of the substantial transfer taxes found in many other provinces, Saskatchewan creates a more accessible real estate market with lower transaction costs.
To maximize the benefits of Saskatchewan’s favourable fee structure:
- Calculate your land transfer fees early in your home search process to accurately budget for closing costs
- Work with professionals familiar with Saskatchewan’s land titles system to ensure proper handling of all documents
- Compare total closing costs (not just purchase price) when evaluating properties in different locations
- Consider how the savings on transfer fees might allow you to increase your down payment, potentially reducing mortgage insurance costs
- Stay informed about any changes to Saskatchewan’s fee structure, as government policies can change over time
By understanding and planning for Saskatchewan land transfer fees, you can approach your property purchase with confidence and financial preparedness.
