Welcome tax calculator
Estimate the property transfer duties due when you buy a home, using the 2026 provincial rates or the Montreal schedule. Budget for it on top of your down payment and mortgage payments.
The higher of the sale price or the municipal assessment
By bracket
Welcome tax to pay
$4,861
Frequently asked questions
What is the welcome tax?
It is the popular name for property transfer duties: a one-time municipal tax that every new buyer of a property must pay after the purchase. The nickname comes from Minister Jean Bienvenue, who introduced the law in 1976 (bienvenue also means "welcome" in French).
How is the welcome tax calculated in 2026?
It is calculated in brackets on the tax base. The 2026 provincial rates are 0.5% up to $62,900, 1% from $62,900 to $315,000, and 1.5% above that. The tax base is the higher of the purchase price and the municipal assessment.
Why does Montreal cost more?
Montreal applies higher rates above $315,000: 1.5% up to $552,300, 2% up to $1,104,700, 2.5% up to $2,136,500, 3.5% up to $3,113,000, then 4%. Select "Montréal" in the calculator for this schedule. Other large cities may also set higher rates on brackets above $500,000.
When do you pay the welcome tax?
The municipality sends a separate bill in the months following the purchase, usually payable in a single instalment. Budget for it on top of your down payment and notary fees: it is a cost first-time buyers often forget.
Is my data saved?
No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser: no information is sent to or stored on our servers.
Related guides
Sources and references
Brackets are indexed annually. Each municipality sets its own rates above the provincial schedule: for an exact figure, check your city's website. This tool gives an estimate, not tax advice.
Author's note: the welcome tax is the cost almost every first-time buyer forgets. It arrives several months after the purchase, once you've already spent everything. Set the amount aside the day you sign — your future self will avoid a nasty surprise.