Land Titles Registration Fees in Alberta: Transfer and Title Costs

When you buy a home in Alberta, the transfer of ownership has to be registered at Land Titles. That registration carries a levy that depends on the value of the land, not a flat amount.

This article explains how the levy is calculated, shows a worked example, and covers the mortgage levy, exceptions and how fees are paid.

This article covers the law of Alberta.

How the transfer levy is calculated

Under section 64.1 of the Land Titles Act, a transferee named in an instrument that creates a lease, transfers ownership, or is a qualifying court order must pay a levy of $50 plus $5 for each $5,000 or portion of the value of the land or interest in land.

Because the formula counts each $5,000 or portion, any part of a $5,000 step is charged as a full step. For example, a $400,000 value gives $50 plus 80 steps at $5, which is $450. Even a small amount over a step is charged as a full additional step.

A worked example and the rates side by side

The $400,000 example applies the section 64.1 formula and is for illustration. The value used is generally the purchase price, since Alberta bases its Land Titles charges on the value of the land. Your own figure depends on the value of your land, so a lawyer can confirm it for your purchase.

The mortgage levy and the rate change

If you register a mortgage, the mortgagor pays a separate levy of $50 plus $5 for each $5,000 or portion of the principal secured. It is calculated on the principal, not the purchase price, and it is not charged to a buyer who pays cash with no mortgage.

The levy of $5 per $5,000 for both transfers and mortgages applies to submissions received by the Land Titles Office on or after October 20, 2024. Before that date it was $2 per $5,000 for transfers and $1.50 per $5,000 for mortgages. If an article or fact sheet shows the lower rate, it is out of date.

Exceptions and special cases

• Crown: the transfer levy does not apply to the Crown in right of Canada or of Alberta, though it does apply to agents of the Crown in right of Alberta, the Minister of Municipal Affairs acting under Part 10 of the Municipal Government Act, and the Public Trustee.
• Mortgage holder transfers: the transfer-of-ownership levy does not apply where the transferee's sole purpose is to transfer the land to a person with whom it has a mortgage agreement, the mortgagor pays no interest, and an affidavit is provided.
• Leases: the value used is either the land's value including intended leasehold improvements, or 5% of that value multiplied by the years remaining in the lease term.
• Same-lender mortgages: where a new mortgage is from the same mortgagee as an existing one and is supplemental, collateral, a substitute or a partial replacement, the levy is calculated only on the additional interest or principal.
• Mortgage amendments: an agreement increasing the interest or principal carries the levy on the additional amount only.

If the Registrar does not accept the transfer instrument, the transfer levy is returned to the transferee, and the same applies to the mortgage levy.

Paying fees and what to do next

Registration fees are listed in the Tariff of Fees Regulation (AR 120/2000) and must be paid at submission, and a Common Documents Fee Schedule lists the most common documents. Fees can be paid in person by cash, cheque, credit or debit, cheques are payable to the Government of Alberta, and frequent users can apply for a Land Titles charge account.

Other fees, such as for issuing a new title, are set by the schedules and may be updated, so confirm current amounts rather than relying on old estimates.

• Take your purchase price and round up to the next $5,000 step.
• Multiply the steps by $5 and add $50 for the transfer levy.
• Repeat with your mortgage principal if you are borrowing.
• Ask your lawyer to confirm the current fee schedules and any exception that applies.

Frequently asked questions