How Much Does It Cost to Sell a Home in Calgary? (2026 Breakdown)

Quick answer: Most Calgary sellers should budget roughly 3% to 5% of the sale price for selling costs. The biggest pieces are real estate commission (plus GST), legal fees, a Real Property Report if you don't already have a current one, and any mortgage discharge or prepayment penalty. Alberta has no land transfer tax, so sellers don't pay one.

I'm George Brown, a Calgary REALTOR® with LPT Realty. Here's what to expect so there are no surprises on closing day.

1. Real estate commission

Commission is the largest selling cost and it is always negotiable. In Calgary it is often quoted as a percentage on the first $100,000 of the price plus a lower percentage on the balance, and GST (5%) is charged on top. Ask any agent you interview to write their total out in dollars for your expected price, so you can compare apples to apples. What matters most is what you net, not just the rate.

2. Legal fees

You'll need a real estate lawyer to handle the transfer, pay out your mortgage and release funds. Seller legal fees in Calgary commonly land around $800 to $1,500 plus disbursements and GST, depending on the lawyer and how complex the file is.

3. Real Property Report (RPR)

Most Alberta purchase contracts require the seller to provide a current Real Property Report with municipal compliance. If your RPR is old, or you've added a deck, garage, fence or addition since it was done, budget for a new survey plus the City of Calgary compliance fee. Ordering this early is one of the easiest ways to avoid closing delays. Condo sellers usually don't need an RPR.

4. Mortgage discharge and prepayment penalty

If you break a fixed-rate mortgage early, the penalty can be the single biggest surprise. It's usually the greater of three months' interest or an interest rate differential. Call your lender before you list and ask for a written payout estimate. Many mortgages are portable, which can reduce or avoid the penalty if you're buying again.

5. Condo documents (if you're selling a condo)

Condo sellers typically provide recent condo documents such as bylaws, financial statements, the reserve fund study and meeting minutes. Your property management company may charge a fee for the package and for an estoppel certificate.

6. Getting the home ready

Cleaning, small repairs, touch-up paint and decluttering usually pay for themselves. Professional photos are part of how I market every listing. Big renovations right before selling rarely return what they cost, so talk to me before you spend.

7. Moving and overlap costs

Don't forget movers, utility final bills, and any bridge financing or short-term rental if your sale and purchase dates don't line up.

A simple way to estimate your net

Start with a realistic sale price, subtract commission and GST, legal fees, RPR, your mortgage payout and any penalty. What's left is your equity. If you'd like, I'll put together a written net sheet for your home with real numbers, free and with no obligation.

Get your free home value and net sheet →

FAQ

Is there a land transfer tax in Alberta?
No. Alberta charges land titles registration fees instead, and those are generally paid by the buyer.

Is real estate commission negotiable in Calgary?
Yes. Commission is always negotiable between you and your brokerage.

Do I pay capital gains tax when I sell my home?
Usually not on your principal residence, but rental or investment properties are different. Ask your accountant about your situation.

This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Fees vary by provider and change over time.