What Buyers Need to Budget for Beyond the Down Payment

Buying a home in Calgary is an exciting step—but if you’re only budgeting for the down payment, you might be in for a surprise. Many first-time (and even repeat) buyers overlook key expenses that come with a real estate transaction, which can quickly add up and create last-minute stress.

Here’s what you need to know about the hidden costs of buying a home in Calgary and how to budget smart.

🧾 1. Legal Fees

When you buy a property in Alberta, you’ll need a real estate lawyer to handle the legal paperwork, review title documents, and ensure the property is transferred properly. Legal fees in Calgary typically range from $1,000 to $1,800, depending on the complexity of the transaction.

✅ Pro Tip:

Ask your REALTOR® for trusted lawyer referrals who specialize in real estate—some even offer flat-rate pricing for standard transactions.

🕵️ 2. Home Inspection

A home inspection helps you uncover any hidden issues with the property. This is a crucial step, especially for resale homes. Expect to pay $450–$650+ depending on the size and type of property.

If you’re buying an acreage near Calgary, you may also need specialized inspections (like septic or well testing), which are additional costs.

📋 3. Appraisal (If Required)

If you're getting a mortgage, your lender may require an independent appraisal to confirm the home’s market value. This usually costs between $300–$500 and is often paid by the buyer unless your lender covers it.

📄 4. Title Insurance or Real Property Report (RPR)

In Alberta, sellers are usually expected to provide an up-to-date Real Property Report with municipal compliance, but in hot markets, many offer title insurance instead. If the seller doesn’t provide either, you may need to cover the cost:

• Title insurance: $200–$350

• RPR with compliance: $800–$1,200+

✅ Ask your agent:

“Will I be responsible for the RPR or title insurance in this deal?” It’s a negotiable term in most purchase contracts.

⚡ 5. Utility Hookups & Moving Costs

Once you’ve got the keys, there are still costs to cover:

• Setting up electricity, gas, internet, water

• Moving services or truck rental

• Potential appliance upgrades or cleaning fees

It’s smart to budget $500–$2,000 for these post-possession essentials.

🏡 Buying a Home? Let’s Make Sure You’re Budget-Ready

As a Calgary-based REALTOR®, I help my clients prepare for every part of the buying process—no surprises, no stress. Want a full checklist of these hidden costs and how to plan for them?

📩 DM me “COSTS” and I’ll send you my free Buyer Budget Breakdown Guide.

Let’s get you into your next home with confidence and clarity.