How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Alberta?

Selling a house in Alberta typically costs roughly 5–6% of the sale price once everything is counted — with real estate commission as the largest single cost. The common Alberta reference is 7% on the first $100,000 + 3% on the balance (negotiable, split between listing and buyer agents), plus 5% GST on the commission, legal fees of roughly $1,000–$1,800, and any mortgage penalties or preparation costs. On a $566,700 sale (September 2026 Calgary benchmark), the commission illustration alone is about $21,000 + GST ≈ $22,050.

Verified news snapshot

• Alberta's common commission reference: 7% on the first $100,000 + 3% on the balance — fully negotiable, usually split between the listing and buyer agents (no legally fixed rate).
• 5% GST applies to the commission — on a $566,700 sale, ~$21,000 commission + ~$1,050 GST (illustration).
• Legal fees for a sale in Alberta typically run $1,000–$1,800.
• September 2026 Calgary residential benchmark: $566,700 — the illustration baseline used below (CREB via mortgagesforless.ca).
• Alberta sellers pay no land transfer tax and no PST on the transaction — only 5% GST on services.

What is the commission math on a typical sale?

Take the $566,700 benchmark as an illustration: 7% on the first $100,000 = $7,000; 3% on the remaining $466,700 = $14,001 — about $21,000 total commission, then 5% GST adds ~$1,050, for roughly $22,050. Remember this is the common reference, not a fixed rate — commission is negotiable, and what it covers (photography, marketing, negotiation, paperwork) matters as much as the number. One quirk of the tiered system: the higher your sale price, the lower your effective rate, since the 7% only ever applies to the first $100,000.

What are the legal and discharge costs?

Your lawyer handles the conveyancing: preparing documents, discharging your old mortgage, adjusting taxes and fees, and disbursing funds. Budget $1,000–$1,800 for legal fees on a standard sale. If you are breaking your mortgage early, the prepayment penalty can dwarf everything else — on a fixed mortgage it is typically the greater of three months' interest or the interest rate differential (IRD), which can run into five figures. Ask your lender for the exact penalty quote before you list, so it is in your net-proceeds math from day one.

What about preparation and moving costs?

Optional but real. Staging, photography and minor repairs — a few hundred to a few thousand dollars — routinely pay back in a balanced market where presentation wins (September 2026: 3.9 months supply). Moving costs vary from a truck rental to several thousand for full-service movers. Condo sellers may need updated condo documents. None of these are legally required, but skipping presentation in a buyer's-choice segment (condos at 5.3 months supply) costs more than it saves.

How do you calculate your net proceeds?

The formula: sale price − mortgage balance − commission − GST − legal fees − penalties − prep/moving = what lands in your account. Illustration on $566,700 with a $350,000 mortgage: $566,700 − $350,000 − $22,050 − $1,500 − $0 penalty = roughly $193,000 before moving costs (illustration only — your penalty, fees and commission will differ). Run this math before you list, not after you accept an offer — it is the difference between hoping and knowing.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to sell a house in Alberta?
Typically ~5–6% of the sale price all-in: commission (commonly 7% on the first $100K + 3% on the balance, negotiable) + 5% GST on commission + legal fees ($1,000–$1,800) + any mortgage penalty + prep and moving.

Who pays the buyer's agent commission?
The seller — the total commission comes out of the sale proceeds and is split between the listing and buyer agents.

Is real estate commission negotiable in Alberta?
Yes — there is no legally fixed rate. Negotiate on the full service package, not just the percentage.

What is the biggest surprise cost when selling?
The mortgage prepayment penalty — breaking a fixed mortgage early can cost five figures. Get the exact quote from your lender before listing.

Do I pay tax on the sale of my home?
Your principal residence is exempt from capital gains tax in Canada. Investment properties are not — talk to an accountant about your situation.

Related reading

https://jaypatelhomes.com/buyers-guide/home-buyers-guide-alberta

https://jaypatelhomes.com/home-sellers-guide-alberta

https://jaypatelhomes.com/blog/bank-of-canada-october-28-2026-rate-decision-alberta-buyers

Selling? Know your net before you list

I'll estimate your net proceeds down to the dollar — commission, legal, everything. Free. Call or text Jay Patel at +1 (825) 889-5383, visit jaypatelhomes.com, or DM me on Instagram @jaypatel.albertarealtor. First conversation is free — no pressure, just real numbers.