How Much Does It Cost to Sell a Home in Ontario in 2026?

Full breakdown of selling costs in Ontario in 2026

Here is every cost you will encounter when selling a home in Ontario, from listing to closing:

Real estate commission — the biggest cost

Commission is typically the largest selling cost. In Ontario, the seller pays both the listing agent commission and the buyer agent commission from the sale proceeds. The listing agent commission is negotiable — it ranges from 1% to 2.5% depending on the brokerage. The buyer agent commission is typically 2% to 2.5% and is set by the seller when listing.

At onepercentsold.ca, our listing commission is 1%. On that same $800,000 home, that is $8,000 versus $20,000 at the traditional 2.5% rate — a saving of $12,000 that stays with you at closing.

Legal fees

You need a real estate lawyer to close the transaction in Ontario — this is legally required. Expect to pay $1,500 to $2,000 in legal fees for a standard residential sale. Your lawyer handles title transfer, discharge of the mortgage, and distribution of proceeds.

Mortgage discharge penalty

If you have a mortgage on the property and it is not yet at the end of its term, your lender may charge a penalty to break it. For fixed-rate mortgages this is typically the greater of 3 months interest or the Interest Rate Differential (IRD) — which can be several thousand dollars. Ask your lender for a payout statement before listing so there are no surprises at closing.

Other costs to budget for

Moving costs range from $1,500 for a local move to $5,000+ for a long-distance move depending on volume and distance. Home staging is optional but can add perceived value — expect $1,500 to $5,000 for a partial or full staging. Professional photography is included in our 1% listing service at no additional cost.

How to reduce your selling costs

The most effective way to reduce selling costs is to choose a lower listing commission. Choosing onepercentsold.ca at 1% versus a traditional 2.5% listing agent saves $12,000 on an $800,000 home — that is money you keep regardless of market conditions. Contact us for a free home evaluation and a clear breakdown of your expected net proceeds.