The Short Answer

What are seller closing costs in Ontario? Deducted from your sale proceeds: real estate commission (typically 3.5% to 5% plus HST), legal fees (approximately $1,500 to $2,500), mortgage discharge and any prepayment penalty, property tax and utility adjustments, and any condo status certificate cost. Sellers do not pay Land Transfer Tax or title insurance — those are buyer costs.

When your Markham home sale closes, several costs come due — and understanding these closing costs in advance allows you to plan accurately and know exactly what you will net from your sale. Michael John Lau, a top real estate agent in Markham and CPA/CMA, provides the complete breakdown of seller closing costs in Ontario.

What "Closing Costs" Means for Sellers

Closing costs are the expenses that come due at or around the completion of your home sale. For sellers in Ontario, these costs are deducted from your sale proceeds, determining your net amount. Understanding them in advance is essential for accurate planning. Note that seller closing costs differ from buyer closing costs — buyers face costs like Land Transfer Tax and title insurance that sellers do not. Sellers face their own set of costs, detailed below.

The Seller's Closing Costs in Ontario

Real estate commission

The largest closing cost is typically the real estate commission — negotiable and typically approximately 3.5% to 5% of the sale price, plus HST. The commission is paid at closing, deducted from your proceeds. On a Markham home at the average price of approximately $1.1 million, commission is a significant cost.

Legal fees

Your real estate lawyer's fees — typically approximately $1,500 to $2,500 — are paid at closing. The lawyer handles the closing, discharges your mortgage, and transfers title. Legal disbursements (title searches, registration, and other charges) may be added to the base fee.

Mortgage discharge and prepayment penalty

Discharging your mortgage involves a fee, and breaking a fixed-term mortgage early may trigger a prepayment penalty. Confirm both with your lender before closing.

Property tax and utility adjustments

At closing, prepaid property taxes and utilities are adjusted between you and the buyer, so each party pays only for their period of ownership.

Condo status certificate (if applicable)

If you are selling a condo, the status certificate carries a modest cost. It is required to provide buyers with the condo corporation's financial and legal status.

Calculating Your Net Proceeds

To calculate your net proceeds, start with your sale price and deduct your closing costs: commission (plus HST), legal fees and disbursements, mortgage discharge fee and any prepayment penalty, property tax and utility adjustments, and any condo status certificate cost. Also account for preparation and staging costs incurred before closing.

The total cost of selling typically ranges from approximately 3% to 6% of the sale price. On the average Markham home, understanding this allows you to know your net proceeds — essential for planning your next purchase or your next steps.

Michael John Lau, a top real estate agent in Markham and CPA/CMA, provides sellers with a detailed, accurate estimate of their closing costs and net proceeds — bringing financial expertise to ensure you understand exactly what your sale will net. Planning your sale with a clear understanding of closing costs allows you to move forward with confidence and avoid surprises at the closing table.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are seller closing costs in Ontario?
For sellers in Ontario, closing costs are deducted from your sale proceeds and include real estate commission (typically 3.5% to 5% plus HST), legal fees (approximately $1,500 to $2,500), mortgage discharge and any prepayment penalty, property tax and utility adjustments, and any condo status certificate cost.
Do sellers pay Land Transfer Tax or title insurance?
No. Land Transfer Tax and title insurance are buyer closing costs in Ontario, not seller costs. Sellers face their own set of costs, led by real estate commission.

Understand Your Closing Costs — Free

Michael John Lau, REALTOR® CPA, CMA, brings financial expertise to ensure you understand exactly what your sale will net. Book a free consultation and avoid surprises at the closing table.