Cost to Sell a House in Calgary: Fees, Closing Costs & Net Proceeds
A seller-first breakdown of what you may pay when you sell: commission, legal fees, mortgage payout, and common adjustments—so you can estimate your net before you list.
Direct answer: The cost to sell a house in Calgary typically includes real estate commission, legal fees/disbursements, mortgage payout costs, and closing adjustments (taxes, condo fees, utilities). Your exact total depends on your sale price, mortgage terms, and property type, so a net sheet is the fastest way to estimate proceeds.
Commission structure + sale price.
Mortgage payout/penalty and adjustments.
Run a net sheet before you list.
Want your net estimate fast? Request a Calgary net sheet.
Main costs when you sell in Calgary
Most sellers want one thing: “What will I actually walk away with?” Start with these buckets.
| Cost bucket | What it includes | How to reduce risk |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | Listing/buyer side compensation and marketing scope. | Get clarity on services and expected outcome. |
| Legal | Lawyer fees + disbursements + registrations. | Ask for an all-in estimate up front. |
| Mortgage payout | Balance + discharge + possible penalty (if breaking term). | Request a payout statement early. |
| Adjustments | Property taxes, condo fees, utilities, rental items. | Confirm what’s prepaid vs owed at closing. |
How AlbertaSell helps: We build your net sheet and explain it in plain language.
Next step: Get Free Home Value.
Commission in Calgary (how to think about it)
Commission varies by service, price band, and what’s included. The right question isn’t only “what’s the rate?”—it’s “what outcome and protection do I get for it?”
What commission should cover
- Pricing strategy based on comps and demand.
- Photography/marketing that increases buyer confidence.
- Negotiation and offer strategy that protects your net.
- Clear communication and fast execution.
When sellers overpay (or underpay)
Overpaying happens when the scope is vague. Underpaying happens when the marketing and negotiation quality drops and your final price suffers.
How AlbertaSell helps: Seller-first pricing + negotiation to protect net proceeds.
Next step: Review the selling plan.
Legal fees and disbursements
Legal fees typically include the lawyer’s fee plus disbursements (registrations, courier, searches, etc.). Ask for an all-in range so you can budget accurately.
What to ask your lawyer
- Estimated all-in cost (fee + disbursements).
- Timing for closing funds and payouts.
- What adjustments they will calculate.
Mortgage payout, discharge, and potential penalties
If you sell before your mortgage term ends, you may have a payout penalty depending on your lender and product. The fastest way to know is to request a formal payout statement.
Common items
- Mortgage balance payout.
- Discharge fee.
- Penalty/interest differential (if applicable).
Seller tip: Request your payout statement early so it doesn’t surprise you on closing week.
Closing adjustments (often overlooked)
Adjustments are the “fair split” of prepaid or owing items between you and the buyer as of possession day.
Examples
- Property taxes (prepaid vs owed).
- Condo fees (if applicable).
- Utilities (depending on arrangements).
- Rental items (hot water tank, etc., if any).
How to estimate your net proceeds (simple net sheet)
Your net is roughly:
| Step | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sale price | What buyer pays. |
| 2 | Minus commission | Varies by agreement. |
| 3 | Minus legal | Fee + disbursements. |
| 4 | Minus mortgage payout | Balance + discharge + penalty if any. |
| 5 | Plus/minus adjustments | Taxes/fees split on possession day. |
Get your Calgary net sheet (fast)
Send your address + basics and we’ll reply with a seller-first estimate of value and likely net proceeds.
General info only; not legal, financial, or tax advice. Confirm exact figures with your lawyer/lender.
FAQ: Cost to sell in Calgary
What are the closing costs for a seller in Calgary?
Sellers typically pay commission, legal fees, mortgage payout costs, and closing adjustments like taxes or condo fees. Your total depends on your mortgage terms and sale price.
Do sellers pay land transfer tax in Alberta?
No—Alberta does not charge a provincial land transfer tax. Buyers still have other purchase costs, but this specific tax isn’t part of Alberta closings.
How do I estimate my net proceeds before listing?
Run a net sheet using your expected sale price, commission, legal estimate, and your lender’s payout statement. That gives the cleanest “what you walk away with” range.
Can I reduce selling costs?
You can reduce surprises by confirming your mortgage payout early, clarifying commission scope, and budgeting for common adjustments. Cutting marketing or negotiation quality can cost more than it saves.
What’s the biggest surprise cost for sellers?
Mortgage payout penalties are the most common surprise when a seller breaks a term. Ask your lender for a formal payout statement as early as possible.