Calculate the Deed Transfer Tax (DTT) on your home purchase in Nova Scotia. Unlike most provinces, Nova Scotia does not have a provincial land transfer tax — instead, individual municipalities set their own Deed Transfer Tax rates, which can range from 0.5% to 1.5% of the purchase price.
Nova Scotia Deed Transfer Tax Rates
Nova Scotia does not administer a provincial land transfer tax. Instead, municipalities are authorized to charge a Deed Transfer Tax (DTT) on property transfers. The calculator above uses the Halifax rate of 1.5%.
Common Municipal Rates
| Municipality | Deed Transfer Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Halifax Regional Municipality | 1.5% |
| Cape Breton Regional Municipality | 1.5% |
| Other municipalities | 0.5% to 1.5% |
Rates vary by municipality — check with your local municipal office for the exact rate in your area.
How to Calculate Nova Scotia Deed Transfer Tax
The calculation is straightforward — multiply the purchase price by your municipality’s DTT rate.
Example (Halifax): For a $400,000 home:
- $400,000 x 1.5% = $6,000
Example (0.5% municipality): For a $400,000 home:
- $400,000 x 0.5% = $2,000
First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Nova Scotia does not currently offer a first-time homebuyer exemption for the Deed Transfer Tax. First-time buyers can take advantage of federal programs including:
- Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP): Withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP tax-free for a first home purchase
- First Home Savings Account (FHSA): Save up to $40,000 tax-free for your first home
- Home Buyers’ Tax Credit: Federal non-refundable tax credit of up to $1,500
Land Transfer Tax in Other Provinces
Land transfer tax rates and rules vary across Canada. See our Land Transfer Tax Calculator for rates in all provinces and territories.