Quick answer
If you buy a home in Barrie or anywhere in Simcoe County today, you pay Ontario’s provincial land transfer tax only. As far as we know, there is no extra municipal land transfer tax, which is a separate charge Toronto adds on top. That could become a talking point after the October 26 municipal elections, so it is worth understanding now.
WHAT LAND TRANSFER TAX DO BARRIE AND SIMCOE COUNTY BUYERS PAY?
Land transfer tax is paid by the buyer, not the seller, and it is due when your lawyer registers the transfer on closing day. For a home with one or two single-family residences, the provincial rates are marginal, so each rate applies only to the slice of the price inside that bracket:
| Portion of the purchase price | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $55,000 | 0.5% |
| $55,000 to $250,000 | 1.0% |
| $250,000 to $400,000 | 1.5% |
| $400,000 to $2,000,000 | 2.0% |
| Over $2,000,000 | 2.5% |
Here is what that works out to at common price points, before any first-time buyer refund:
| Purchase price | Ontario land transfer tax |
|---|---|
| $500,000 | $6,475 |
| $700,000 | $10,475 |
| $800,000 | $12,475 |
| $1,000,000 | $16,475 |
HOW IS TORONTO DIFFERENT?
Toronto buyers pay the provincial tax and a second, municipal land transfer tax on top. Toronto council also approved graduated municipal rates on high-value homes that took effect April 1, 2026. TRREB has estimated that the Toronto municipal tax alone adds more than $17,000 to the closing costs of an average-priced Toronto home. As far as we know, Toronto is the only Ontario municipality that charges one today, so Barrie and Simcoe County buyers do not face this extra layer.
WHY IS THIS IN THE NEWS RIGHT NOW?
Ontario municipal elections are on October 26, 2026. The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) is asking candidates across the GTA and Simcoe County to oppose extending a municipal land transfer tax to more cities and to reduce other housing costs. A TRREB poll released in September found that 85% of GTA and Barrie residents are concerned about housing affordability, and 69% say housing will affect how they vote. We are not aware of a Barrie or Simcoe County council proposal to adopt one, but buyers should follow what candidates say.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR BARRIE AND SIMCOE BUYERS?
The market is giving buyers more room to negotiate. In September, Simcoe County’s average sale price was down about 12.1% from a year earlier across 187 sales, while GTA sales fell 9% and the average GTA price dropped about 5%. A lower price also means a slightly lower land transfer tax bill, because the tax is a percentage of what you pay. Budget for it anyway: on an $800,000 purchase it is roughly $12,500, due in cash on closing day.
THREE WAYS TO EASE THE CLOSING-DAY COST
- First-time buyer refund. Eligible first-time buyers can claim a provincial refund of up to $4,000, which covers the full tax on a home up to about $368,000. Eligibility rules apply, including citizenship or permanent residency and never having owned a home before.
- A buyer rebate. With onepercentsold.ca you can receive up to 50% of the buyer agent commission back, capped at $25,000 CAD, delivered through your lawyer’s trust account. Conditions apply, including a maximum of four showing days. See how the 50% buyer rebate works.
- Plan the full cash need early. Land transfer tax is one line in a longer list. Our Ontario closing costs guide and first-time buyer guide cover the rest.
Buying in Barrie or Simcoe County? See the buyer rebate program, visit our Barrie real estate page, or browse the Q&A.
Do I pay municipal land transfer tax when buying a home in Barrie?
No. As far as we know, Toronto is the only Ontario municipality that charges a municipal land transfer tax today. Buyers in Barrie and Simcoe County pay Ontario’s provincial land transfer tax only. Rules can change, so confirm with your real estate lawyer before you close.
How much is land transfer tax on a $700,000 home in Ontario?
Ontario’s provincial land transfer tax on a $700,000 home is $10,475 before any first-time buyer refund.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rates and eligibility can change, so confirm with your real estate lawyer before you buy. Rebate amounts and conditions apply. Home Choice Realty Inc., Brokerage.