Realistic numbers, not vague percentages
Selling a Toronto home involves a series of closing-side line items that go beyond the marketed sale price. We walk you through what each one actually entails — complete with realistic ranges based on current local deals. Knowing these figures ahead of time helps you plan your next move with clarity.
Real-estate lawyer
Expect $1,500 to $2,500 for a lawyer to handle the transaction. Your legal team completes the title search, prepares the mortgage discharge, and manages the secure transfer of funds on closing day. We coordinate directly with your lawyer to ensure no detail is missed before the keys change hands.
Mortgage discharge fee
Lenders charge a standard fee of $200 to $400 to remove your mortgage from the property title. If the mortgage is broken early, there is also a prepayment penalty — the lender’s payout statement is the only authoritative number for this cost. Run the math with your mortgage professional to weigh your options.
Capital gains tax
The principal residence exemption applies to a home you lived in, shielding you from this tax. On an investment or rental property, 50% of the capital gain is taxable at your marginal rate. We advise confirming your specific situation with an accountant before listing the property.
Staging and photography
Where not covered, expect a range of $1,500 to $4,000 depending on the size and condition of the home. Professional staging shapes how buyers perceive the property when scrolling online — we arrange these services to ensure your home captures attention in a crowded market.
Pre-list repairs and cleaning
A typical budget runs $500 to $3,000 to patch walls, clean carpets, and prepare the home for viewings. We can also arrange a pre-list inspection for $400 to $700 — this lets our team address surprises before negotiation, keeping you in control of the timeline.
Status certificate for condos
For condominium sales, a status certificate costs $100 and must be ordered from the condo corporation. This dense document outlines the financial health of the building — it is required for the buying side to complete their due diligence and remove their conditions.
Moving within Toronto
Relocating across Toronto generally costs $1,500 to $5,000, depending heavily on the volume of belongings and the distance to the new address. We suggest booking your movers well in advance — especially if you are closing at the end of the month when schedules fill up quickly.
Your one-page net sheet
Our team runs a personalised net sheet for every seller before the sign goes up. This simple document subtracts the actual costs and your mortgage payoff from the expected sale price — showing exactly what hits your account on closing day. Request your net sheet. If you are also buying, run the numbers with our cash calculators.
Apply this to your own home.
You’ve read the general advice — now see exactly what a sale looks like for your specific address.
