Lenders may charge a mortgage application fee, which will vary depending on the lending institution.
The federal government requires high-ratio mortgages with less than 20% down payment to be insured against default. The cost ranges
between 0.60 to 3.85 per cent of the mortgage amount which is added to the mortgage principal. The federal government requires a 10 per cent down payment on homes valued at $500,000 - $1 million that need mortgage insurance. Homes valued at $1 million+ require a minimum down payment of 20 per cent. Mortgage insurance is not available for homes in this price range.
Before your lender approves your mortgage, you may be required to have the property appraised. Sometimes your lender will cover this cost. If not, you're responsible. The fee ranges from $300 to $450 plus GST.
Lenders may require a survey of the property. The fee ranges and is typically $500 plus GST.
When purchasing a home it is highly advised to hire a certified home inspector to inspect your home. They have the necessary tools and knowledge to provide you an accurate understanding of all the homes potential flaws and preventative maintenance. Fees for this typically run between $500-$1000 depending on the size of the home and complexity of the inspection. Some inspectors also charge additional fee for older homes or homes with a secondary suite, crawlspace, or laneway homes.
The GST on a new home is 5% of the purchase price. There are GST rebates available. Rebates equivalent to 36% of the GST paid would be available for homes priced up to $350,000. Partial rebates on new homes priced up to $450,000. Buyers also pay the GST on fees for services from appraisers, home inspectors, lawyers, Notary Publics and REALTORS®.
The PST is generally not payable on services except for legal and notary fees. Both the GST and PST are paid on legal and notary fees.
Home buyers in BC pay a provincial Property Transfer Tax (PTT) when purchasing a home. The tax is charged at a rate of 1% on the first $200,000 of the purchase price and 2% on the remainder up to and including $2 million. The PTT is 3% on amounts greater than $2 million. If the property is residential, a further 2% PTT is payable on the portion greater than $3 million.
Depending on the Contract of Purchase and Sale, a property buyer will likely be required to reimburse the seller for any prepaid property taxes. The lender may require the buyer to add property tax installments to monthly mortgage payments. See also
Why do I have to pay property taxes on the house I'm buying?
A buyer is typically required to reimburse the seller for any prepayments for municipal sewer and water fees.
If there is a secondary suite or a rented laneway home and the tenancy continues, the Buyer will receive the security deposit from the Seller, as the Buyer is responsible for reimbursement of funds to the tenant when the tenancy agreement has ended.
If the owner dies, this type of insurance will pay off the balance owing on their mortgage. Fire and liability insurance Most lenders require property buyers to carry fire and extended coverage insurance and liability insurance.
Lenders typically require Buyers with a mortgage to buy home insurance. The insurance should be effective on the earlier of either the completion date or the date that the balance of funds is placed in trust.
Buyers typically hire a lawyer or Notary Public to assist with drafting documents and ensuring the title of the home is properly transferred. Fess are likely to be between $800 - $1500.
For more information about land titles, visit the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC at
http://www.ltsa.ca/.
Moving fees vary depending on the distance moved and whether professional movers do all the packing. Rates vary.
There are fees for hydro, gas, water and sewer, cable, and phone connections.
New owners should always have door locks rekeyed. Costs depend on whether the locks are standard or electronic.
Typically paid on the first day of each month. If you have questions about closing costs, please contact your Realtor.
