Does the Northwest Territories have land transfer tax?

The Northwest Territories does not have a traditional land transfer tax. Instead, NWT charges land titles fees based on the property value — $1.50 per $1,000 of value (minimum $100) for properties up to $1,000,000, and $1.00 per $1,000 over $1,000,000. There is also a mortgage registration fee.

How much are NWT land titles fees?

For a $400,000 home with a $320,000 mortgage, land titles fees would be approximately $600 for the property transfer and $64 for the mortgage registration, totalling about $680.

When are NWT land titles fees paid?

Land titles fees are paid when the transfer is registered with the NWT Land Titles Office. Your lawyer handles this as part of the property closing process.

Is there a minimum fee for NWT land transfers?

Yes, the minimum property registration fee is $100, and the minimum mortgage registration fee is $80 (if you have a mortgage).

Northwest Territories Land Transfer Tax Calculator

Calculate the land titles fees for your home purchase in the Northwest Territories. The NWT does not charge a traditional land transfer tax — instead, there are modest registration fees based on the property value and mortgage amount.

Registration Fees

NWT Land Titles Fee Schedule

The Northwest Territories charges land titles fees rather than a land transfer tax. These fees are administered through the NWT Land Titles Office.

Property Transfer Fee

Property Value	Fee
Up to $1,000,000	$1.50 per $1,000 of property value (minimum $100)
Over $1,000,000	$1.50 per $1,000 on first $1M + $1.00 per $1,000 on remainder

Mortgage Registration Fee

Mortgage Amount	Fee
All amounts	$1.00 per $5,000 of mortgage amount (minimum $80)

How to Calculate NWT Land Titles Fees

Example: For a $400,000 home with a $320,000 mortgage:

Property Transfer Fee:

$400,000 / $1,000 x $1.50 = $600

Mortgage Registration Fee:

$320,000 / $5,000 x $1.00 = $64
Minimum fee applies: $80

Total NWT Fees: $600 + $80 = $680

NWT vs Other Provinces

The Northwest Territories’ fee-based system is one of the most affordable in Canada:

Province/Territory	Cost on $400,000 Home
Northwest Territories	~$680 (fees)
Alberta	~$750 (fees)
Ontario	$4,475 (LTT)
BC	$6,000 (PTT)

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in the Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories does not offer a territorial first-time homebuyer exemption for land titles fees. However, first-time buyers can benefit from federal programs to help with the cost of their purchase:

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

Other Closing Costs in the Northwest Territories

Land titles fees are only one part of the total cost of purchasing a home in the NWT. Other closing costs include legal fees, title insurance, a home inspection, property tax adjustments, and mortgage default insurance if your down payment is less than 20%. Housing costs in the North can be higher due to remote location and limited supply. Use our closing costs calculator to estimate your total buying costs, and our mortgage calculator to calculate your expected monthly payments.

Land Transfer Tax in Other Provinces

Land transfer tax rates and rules vary across Canada. See our Land Transfer Tax Calculator for a complete comparison of rates in all provinces and territories.