Closing costs and property taxes
The numbers that sit on top of your down payment.
How much are closing costs in Sackville?
Plan on roughly 3% to 4% of the purchase price. That covers the deed transfer tax, legal fees, your home inspection, property tax adjustments and insurance.
What is the deed transfer tax in Sackville?
Sackville is in HRM, where the deed transfer tax is 1.5% of the purchase price. On a $450,000 home that is $6,750. Your lawyer pays it when the deed is registered.
Source: halifax.ca, novascotia.ca
Is there an extra tax for non-residents of Nova Scotia?
Yes. Nova Scotia charges a 10% non-resident deed transfer tax on the non-resident share of a residential property with three units or fewer. People who move to Nova Scotia can be exempt if they prove residency within the required time, currently 12 months for transfers on or after August 6, 2026.
Source: novascotia.ca
How are property taxes calculated in HRM?
Your bill is your taxable assessed value from PVSC multiplied by the tax rate, which is a general rate plus any area rates for your neighbourhood. HRM sends an interim bill due the last business day of April and a final bill due the last business day of October.
Source: halifax.ca, halifax.ca
Will my property assessment go up after I buy?
Probably. Nova Scotia's Capped Assessment Program limits yearly increases for homeowners (2.6% for 2026), but the cap comes off the year after a home sells, except in some family transfers. So the new owner's taxable assessment can jump to market value. Ask me to estimate this before you buy.
Source: pvsc.ca
Is water included in my property taxes?
No. If you are on city services, Halifax Water bills you separately, monthly or quarterly.
Source: halifaxwater.ca
Written by Chris Crowell, REALTOR® with REMAX NOVA. Facts checked against official sources in October 2026.
Talk to Chris
Buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of the market. Call, text or book a time and you'll hear back from me directly.