Buying a house in Alberta can feel overwhelming — especially if it's your first time. But with the right knowledge and support, the process can be smooth and even enjoyable.
Whether you're looking in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, or a small Alberta town, this guide breaks down the step-by-step process of buying a home in Alberta, updated for 2025.
🔍 Why Buy a House in Alberta?
Alberta offers some of the most affordable real estate in Canada, no provincial sales tax, and — unlike other provinces — no land transfer tax. It’s a great place to put down roots whether you're a first-time buyer or upgrading your home.
📋 Step-by-Step Process to Buying a House in Alberta
1. ✅ Check Your Financial Readiness
Before house hunting, evaluate your financial situation:
Get a copy of your credit report
Use an online mortgage affordability calculator
Start saving for your down payment (minimum 5% of purchase price)
💡 Bonus Tip: Set aside 1.5%–4% of the purchase price for closing costs like legal fees, home inspection, and insurance.
2. 💰 Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
A pre-approval shows sellers you’re serious and gives you a clear price range.
You’ll need:
Proof of income and employment
Recent bank statements
Credit history
📍 Alberta lenders to consider: ATB Financial, First Calgary, RBC, TD, CIBC.
3. 🧑💼 Hire a Licensed Alberta Real Estate Agent
Your REALTOR® will help:
Identify suitable properties
Book showings and tours
Negotiate offers and conditions
Guide you through contracts and deadlines
✅ In Alberta, real estate agents are regulated by RECA (Real Estate Council of Alberta).
4. 🏘️ Start House Hunting
Explore properties based on your budget and lifestyle. Consider:
Property type (detached, townhouse, condo)
Proximity to schools, work, transit
Future resale value
Use MLS® listings or work directly with your agent to stay ahead of new listings.
5. ✍️ Make an Offer to Purchase
Your agent will draft your Offer to Purchase, which includes:
Price
Deposit amount (typically 1–5%)
Conditions (financing, home inspection, condo doc review)
Proposed possession date
📌 Tip: Always include conditions to protect your deposit and avoid surprises.
6. 🔎 Satisfy Conditions
Once the seller accepts your offer, you’ll have a few days to:
Finalize your mortgage
Complete a home inspection
Review condo documents (if applicable)
If everything checks out, you waive conditions and the deal becomes firm.
7. ⚖️ Hire a Real Estate Lawyer in Alberta
You’ll need a lawyer to:
Conduct a title search
Handle fund transfers
Register the property with Alberta Land Titles
💰 Legal fees typically range from $1,000–$2,000.
8. 🧾 Prepare for Closing Day
Before possession, you’ll need to:
Obtain home insurance
Transfer utilities
Meet with your lawyer to sign documents
On closing day, the property is officially yours, and you’ll receive the keys!
📦 Summary of the Alberta Home Buying Process
💡 Alberta Home Buying FAQs
Do I have to pay land transfer tax in Alberta?
No! Alberta doesn’t charge a land transfer tax — a major savings compared to Ontario or BC.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Minimum 5% for homes under $500,000. For homes between $500K–$999K, it's 5% on the first $500K, then 10% on the remainder.
How long does it take to buy a home in Alberta?
The process usually takes 30–60 days from offer to possession.
🔑 Ready to Buy a Home in Alberta?
Whether you're buying in Calgary, Edmonton, Airdrie, Cochrane, or surrounding areas, I can help guide you every step of the way.
📞 Contact me for a free consultation
📍 Based in Calgary | Serving all of Alberta
📧 yycdreamhomes@gmail.com | ☎️ (403) 992-5310
