Welcome-tax calculator by city (2026)
The welcome tax — the real-estate transfer duties — varies with the property value and your municipality. Pick your city and enter the price to get the amount.
Montreal applies progressive rates up to 4% on very high-value properties. For other cities, check the municipal by-law: some apply 3% above $500,000.
Quick comparison ($700,000 property)
| Regime | Welcome tax |
|---|---|
| Standard schedule (1.5%) | — |
| 3% city (Laval, Longueuil…) | — |
| Montreal | — |
How it works
Transfer duties are computed by bracket on the tax base (the highest of the price paid, the price stated in the deed, and the assessed value × the comparative factor). 2026 provincial brackets:
| Bracket | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $62,900 | 0.5% |
| $62,900 – $315,000 | 1.0% |
| $315,000 and up | 1.5% |
A municipality may, by by-law, impose a higher rate (up to 3%) on the portion above $500,000. Montreal has a special regime and applies additional rates reaching up to 4% — the seven Montreal brackets are laid out in Buying in Montreal in 2026.
The first-time buyer credit
If this is your first property — neither you nor your co-buyer having owned a home in the past 4 years — a refundable tax credit reimburses 100% of the first $5,000 of transfer duties, then 25% of the excess (maximum $875), for $5,875 in total. Under $500,000, the net bill falls below $500 under every municipal regime: the tax all but disappears. The credit is limited to properties under $1M and phases out between $750,000 and $1M. Mind the timing gap: it is paid at tax filing, while the municipal bill is due on receipt.
Frequently asked questions
What are the welcome-tax brackets in 2026?
0.5% up to $62,900, 1% from $62,900 to $315,000, and 1.5% above. Some cities add up to 3% on the portion above $500,000.
Can the welcome tax be included in the mortgage?
No. It is billed 3 to 6 months after purchase and must be paid separately, on top of the down payment.
Who pays the welcome tax?
The buyer. The bill arrives from the municipality a few months after the purchase.
Are there exemptions to the welcome tax?
Yes, notably transfers between spouses married or in a civil union, and in a direct line between parent and child or between grandparent and grandchild. Transfers between siblings are not exempt.
Why is the welcome tax more expensive in Montreal?
Montreal is the only city allowed to exceed the 3% cap. Its additional brackets climb up to 4% for very high-value properties.
Is there a credit for first-time buyers?
Yes. A refundable tax credit reimburses 100% of the first $5,000 of transfer duties, then 25% of the excess (maximum $875), up to $5,875 in total. It applies to properties under $1M and phases out between $750,000 and $1M. Under $500,000, it cancels nearly the entire tax.
▸ Buy or rent? Compare on ImmobasculeEstimates for informational purposes based on the 2026 provincial brackets and known municipal rates; rates can change and vary by municipality. This is not legal or tax advice — confirm with your municipality or a notary.