Find the best mortgage rate in Halifax

As the capital of Nova Scotia and the largest city in The Maritimes, Halifax is the most important city on Canada's East Coast. As such, it has a vibrant real estate and mortgage market. Halifax also offers more affordable property options for first-time home buyers than do most of Canada's larger cities.

Below we've laid out some of the things you should consider before looking for a mortgage in Halifax. When you're ready, you can compare personalized quotes for mortgage rates in Halifax with the tools at the top of this page.

Comparing the best mortgage rates in Halifax

The comparison tables at the top of this page list the best mortgage rates available in Halifax, up to the minute. Comparing rates between multiple providers and mortgage brokers is the best thing you can do to get the lowest rate possible.

Of course, your personal rate may be different from the rates listed above. The rate you're eligible for can change based on things like your down payment, the home's purchase price, your credit score, which lender you choose, as well as what the property is being used for.

Luckily, you can get personalized quotes for mortgage rates without filling in a full mortgage application. Use the tools at the top of this page and we’ll provide you with personalized mortgage quotes from Halifax lenders in under two minutes.

Halifax closing costs

When applying for a new mortgage in Halifax, you'll need to consider the closing costs associated with all property purchases. Most of these costs will need to be paid upfront, so you’ll need to save the cash to pay for them (in addition to your down payment).

Nova Scotia Deed Transfer Tax: While there is no provincial land transfer tax in Nova Scotia, as there are in most other provinces, there is a municipal deed transfer tax. The rate varies from zero to 1.5% of the purchase price. The table below lists the deed transfer rates across Nova Scotia as of April 2020 (Source: Government of Nova Scotia).

CMHC Insurance: If your mortgage is an insured mortgage, you'll need to pay for mortgage default insurance. This will normally be included as part of your mortgage, so you won't need to provide it in cash.

These are just some of the closing costs you’ll have to pay in Halifax. Learn more on our closing costs education centre page.

Halifax first-time home buyer rebates

Most of the first-time home buyer programs in Canada are administered at the provincial level. Unfortunately, there aren't any rebates in Nova Scotia for first-time home buyers. However, new home buyers in Halifax are still eligible for first-time home buyer programs at the federal level, including:

• RRSP Home Buyer’s Plan: This allows you to borrow up to $60,000 from your RRSP for your down payment. The money must be paid back within 15 years.
• First-Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit: This is a tax credit of up to $750, available when you file your taxes for the year in which you bought your first home.
• GST/HST New Housing Rebate: If your home is newly built, it may be subject to GST or HST. This rebate gives you some or all of that tax back.

Each of these schemes has eligibility criteria and additional rules that apply, which you'll need to investigate further before you apply for them.