Moving to Calgary From Another Province

For people relocating from another Canadian province. Tick each step when you finish it; your progress stays in this browser.

1. 1

   Decide if Calgary fits

   Compare everyday costs and the housing market with where you live now.

   • Alberta has no provincial sales tax (PST). Only the 5% federal GST applies to most purchases.
   • Alberta has no land transfer tax when you buy a home. You pay Land Titles registration fees instead (see step 5).
   • Look at current prices by area in CREB® data before you set a budget. My monthly market report shows them.

   Official sources: Market report · Moving to Calgary · Home prices by district

   Done
2. 2

   Pick a few areas

   Narrow the city down to two or three communities.

   • List what matters most: commute, schools, transit, space and budget.
   • Compare by home type. Prices differ a lot between detached homes, townhomes and condos.
   • Check what is being built nearby, such as new schools and transit lines, before you decide.

   Official sources: Buying a home · Calgary future map · Communities

   Done
3. 3

   Plan the money and the mortgage

   Get a mortgage pre-approval early, before you tour homes or make offers.

   • The usual minimum down payment on an insured mortgage is 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of the part above that, up to $1.5 million. Homes above $1.5 million need 20%. Confirm with your lender.
   • If you are selling your current home, plan the timing of both closings and where your down payment comes from.
   • A lender or mortgage broker confirms what you qualify for. Rules and rates differ between lenders.

   Official sources: CMHC · Mortgage page

   Done
4. 4

   Search from a distance

   You can do most of the search before you arrive.

   • Share your wish list and budget with your agent to receive matching listings and video tours.
   • Plan one trip to see your top choices, the neighbourhood and the commute in person.
   • Do not send a deposit or personal documents to anyone you have not verified. Ask your agent how deposits work.

   Done
5. 5

   Offer and closing

   In Alberta a lawyer completes the transfer of the home.

   • An offer usually has conditions, such as financing and a home inspection, with set deadlines.
   • Budget for legal fees, the inspection, title insurance and Land Titles fees. At the time of writing, registration is about $1 per $1,000 of the price plus a $50 base fee, and the same for the mortgage amount. Confirm the amounts with your lawyer.
   • You get possession on the date set in the contract. Book your movers and utilities for that day.

   Official sources: Alberta Land Titles · Closing costs calculator

   Done
6. 6

   Settle in

   Some registrations have deadlines after you become an Alberta resident.

   • Driver's licence: exchange your out-of-province licence within 90 days of becoming a resident.
   • Health care: register for Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) within 3 months of establishing residency. Coverage starts on the first day of the third month after that date. Until then you can keep using your previous province's health card.
   • Update your address with your bank, the Canada Revenue Agency, insurers, your employer and schools.

   Official sources: Driver's licence · Health care (AHCIP)

   Done

General information as of October 2026. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and figures change, so confirm them with the official sources and with your lawyer, lender or mortgage broker.

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