These taxes, levied on properties that are changing hands, are the responsibility of the purchaser. Depending on where you live, taxes can range from a half a per cent to two per cent of the total value of the property.

Many provinces have multi-tiered taxation systems that can prove complicated. If you purchase a property for $260,000 in Ontario, for example, .5 per cent is charged on the first $55,000, 1 per cent is charged on $55,000 – $250,000, while the $250,000 – $400,000 range is taxed at 1.5 per cent. Your total tax bill? $2,375.00.

0.5% – on the first $55,000
1.0% – on portion between $55,000 – $250,000
1.5% – on balance over $250,000
2.0% – on anything over $400,000
Qualifying first time buyers receive a $2000 credit

0.5% – on the first $55,000
1.0% – on portion between $55,000 – $400,000
2.0% – on anything over $400,000
First time buyers are exempt on the first $400,000