Closing costs can be a bit mystifying at times. That’s why in today’s article, we’ll help clear up the confusion around closing costs. Here are some of the most expensive closing costs that investors should factor into their accounting.

What are Closing Costs: Deposit

The deposit should come as no surprise. You’ll need to pay a certain percentage of the price of the condo on signing, and throughout the building process. Make sure you know exactly what the payment structure is, and ask for this in writing up front.

One advantage to new condo builds is that builders break up the deposit structure into smaller amounts. That way, you don’t have to pay the deposit all at once. You can space it out into three or four smaller payments over a few months to a few years.

A 20% dump of cash can be a little intimidating! But, many developers accept four 5% payments over the course of the building process. This is much more manageable!

The deposit makes up a large part of the fees, but don’t get comfortable – the little stuff adds up!

What are Closing Costs: Land Transfer Taxes

Land transfer taxes can be killer. This is especially true in Toronto. We not only have to pay the Ontario Land Transfer Tax, but also the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.

Here’s what you’ll pay for the Ontario Land Transfer Tax:

• • 0.5% on the first $55,000
• • 1.0% on the amount between $55,000 and $250,000
• • 1.5% – on anything between $250,000 and $400,000
• • 2.0% – on anything over $400,000

There is some relief for first-time buyers, as they may qualify and receive a credit worth up to $2000.

The Toronto Land Transfer Tax has a similar structure to the provincial transfer tax:

• • 0.5% – on the first $55,000
• • 1.0% – on the amount between $55,000 – $400,000
• • 2.0% – on anything over $400,000

Once again, first-time buyers have a bit of relief. They’re exempt from paying on the first $400,000.

If you were going by the benchmark cost of a condo ($352,000), you’d pay $3755 for the Ontario Land Transfer Tax and $3245 for the Toronto Land Transfer Tax. That means you’ll pay $7000 total in Land Transfer Taxes alone.

What are Closing Costs: Tarion Warranty Fee

Tarion, while a valuable layer of protection for your condo, doesn’t come for free. On new build condos, there is an enrollment fee. The fee depends on how much the purchase price of your condo is. The enrollment fee is $802.30 for a condo that costs between $300,000 and $350,000. The fee is $881.40 for a condo that costs between $350,000.01 and $400,000.00.

While the enrollment fee may seem like a bit of a pain, trust us – it’s worth it. If there are any problems with your condo that are the result of shoddy workmanship, they can cost you a lot more than $800.

It is possible that the builder has factored this in their price.

What are Closing Costs: CMHC Insurance Premium

Are you going to put less than 20% down on your condo? If so, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMCH) will charge you a premium on your mortgage insurance.

This varies from province to province, but is typically between 0.5% and 2.5% of the principal of the mortgage insurance.

Often, this fee can be factored into your mortgage and you don’t have to pay it up front. Most real estate investments require a minimum of 20%, so you likely won’t need to consider the CMHC fee.

What are Closing Costs: Legal Fees

Legal fees are another standard closing cost. Depending on the lawyer you use, you’ll pay between $1,000 and $2,500 in legal fees.

It’s important to choose a competent lawyer to take care of your condo’s closing. Condos are a big purchase. You want to make sure you dot those i’s and cross those t’s!

What are Closing Costs: Other Fees the Builder May Pass to You

A savvy investor knows how to ask the right questions when buying a property. There are some important questions you, too, should be asking. What other fees are the builder passing on? Will the builder cap closing costs?

Other fees you need to consider, but may not be necessary depending on your situation are:

• • Home inspection
• • HST, where applicable
• • Title insurance, and
• • Utility service deposits
• • Builder and Educational levies

Generally speaking, closing costs usually add up to 1-4% of the purchase price. Although a 1% difference in closing cost may seem small, it could be thousands of dollars. The more homework you do, the better prepared you’ll be for your purchase. And the less likely fees will surprise you.

CONNECT Asset Management is always here to help you break down your condo purchase. Connect with us and we can save you some time, and money!

Ryan Coyle, Co-Founder CONNECT Asset Management