Real Estate Commission Calculator Canada 2026

How much will you pay in realtor fees? Typically 5% in Ontario, 7% on the first $100K then 3% in BC and Alberta. See commission, tax, and net proceeds.

FAQ

Who pays the real estate commission in Canada?

The seller pays the real estate commission out of the sale proceeds. The total commission covers both the listing agent's fee and the cooperating (buyer's) agent's fee, and is deducted at closing and distributed by the seller's lawyer. While the buyer doesn't pay commission directly, it's effectively factored into the sale price. Some buyers who work without an agent may try to negotiate a lower purchase price to reflect the savings on the cooperating agent's fee.

How is GST/HST applied to commission?

Real estate commission is a taxable service, so GST or HST is charged on top of the commission amount — 5% GST in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba; 13% HST in Ontario; and 15% HST in the Atlantic provinces. For example, on a $500,000 sale with a 5% commission ($25,000), the HST in Ontario would be $3,250, bringing the total commission cost to $28,250.

Can I sell my home without paying commission?

Yes, you can sell privately (known as "For Sale By Owner" or FSBO) to avoid the listing agent's commission, though if a buyer is represented by an agent you may still need to offer a cooperating commission to attract those buyers. Selling without any agent means you handle all marketing, showings, negotiations, and paperwork yourself. Some sellers use flat-fee listing services that place the property on MLS for a fixed cost (often $500-$5,000) rather than a percentage-based commission.

Are commission rates different across provinces?

Commission rates are fully negotiable everywhere — there is no standard or legally mandated rate in Canada — and the total is typically 3% to 5% of the sale price. In some British Columbia markets, agents commonly use a tiered structure with a higher rate on the first portion of the sale price (e.g., the first $100,000) and a lower rate on the balance, while in Ontario and Alberta a flat percentage split is more common. Local market conditions, property values, and competition among agents all influence typical rates in a given area.

Is real estate commission tax-deductible?

For your principal residence, the commission is not tax-deductible. However, the commission reduces your proceeds of disposition when calculating a capital gain, effectively lowering your taxable gain. For investment or rental properties, real estate commission is a selling expense that directly reduces your capital gain. If you're selling a property held by a corporation, the commission is deducted as a business expense.

How does this calculator work?

Enter your expected sale price and select your province. The calculator applies common commission rate structures for your region, splits the total between the listing and cooperating (buyer's) agent, and adds the applicable GST or HST to show the full commission cost including tax. You can customize the rate to match your actual listing agreement, and the calculator shows the total commission, the tax component, and your estimated net proceeds after commission.