How Much Deposit Does an Edmonton Builder Require—and When Is It Due?
The short answer
Deposit structures vary meaningfully by builder — some use a percentage of the purchase price, others a fixed dollar amount, and payment can be due all at once or staged across signing, construction milestones, and possession. There's no single Edmonton-wide standard, so get the specific schedule and dollar amounts in writing before you commit.
Key takeaways
- Deposit amounts and structures vary by builder — percentage-based and fixed-fee approaches both exist.
- Deposits are often staged across signing, construction milestones, and possession rather than paid all at once.
- A deposit is not the same as your mortgage down payment — they're tracked and applied separately.
- Get exact dollar amounts and due dates in writing, not just percentages.
- Review deposit-forfeiture terms carefully before signing — ideally with a lawyer.
How builders typically set deposit amounts
Some builders set deposits as a percentage of the total purchase price; others use a fixed dollar figure, particularly for the initial deposit at signing. Neither approach is standard across the industry, and the amount can also depend on the home's price point and how far out completion is. There's no reliable "typical" number to plan around — ask your specific builder directly.
Why deposits are often staged, not paid all at once
Rather than one lump sum, many builders structure deposits across several points: an initial amount at signing, additional amounts at defined construction milestones, and sometimes a final amount before possession. This spreads the cash-flow impact for buyers, but it also means tracking several dates and amounts rather than one. Ask for the complete schedule in writing at the outset.
Deposit vs. down payment: not the same thing
These two terms get used loosely, but they're functionally different. The deposit is paid to the builder over the course of the purchase agreement, ahead of closing. Your down payment is a mortgage requirement, confirmed with your lender, and the deposit you've already paid is typically credited toward it at closing — but the two are tracked separately and shouldn't be assumed to be the same pool of money until you've confirmed how they reconcile.
Get exact dollar amounts, not just percentages. A percentage on an unfinalized price (before lot premium and upgrades) can be misleading. Ask for the actual dollar figures for your specific purchase.
What to get in writing before you sign
Before signing, confirm: the total deposit amount in dollars, the schedule of when each portion is due, what happens if a milestone is delayed, and what the forfeiture terms are if you need to walk away. This is one of the areas where a real estate lawyer's review is particularly valuable — see our piece on who does what in a new-build purchase for where legal review fits into the process.
Why deposit protection is a separate question
Knowing how much and when you'll pay is one question. Whether that money is actually protected if something goes wrong is a separate, equally important one — covered in our piece on is your new-build deposit protected. Once you have both answers, you can budget your full cash requirement against your mortgage plans with real numbers.
Want to see what your budget actually buys right now?
Reviewing a builder's deposit schedule? Get in touch — we'll help you understand what's typical and what's worth questioning.
Ryan McCann
Ryan is an Edmonton-based new-construction specialist with MaxWell Polaris and the person behind MoveNew. He's helped over 2,200 clients in the Edmonton area buy and sell their home.
Contact Ryan today at 780-964-8445 to start your new home journey.
Last reviewed 4 August 2026. General information for Edmonton-area buyers — not legal or financial advice. Deposit structures and terms vary by builder; confirm current requirements directly and review the purchase agreement with a real estate lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the deposit the same as a down payment?
No. The deposit is paid to the builder at stages through the purchase agreement and is later credited toward your purchase at closing; your down payment is a separate mortgage requirement confirmed with your lender.
Is a deposit ever a flat fee instead of a percentage?
Some builders use a fixed dollar amount rather than a percentage, particularly on lower-priced homes or in the early stages of a deposit schedule. Confirm the specific structure with your builder.
Are deposits paid all at once or in stages?
Both structures exist. Many builders stage deposits at signing, at certain construction milestones, or before possession — confirm the exact schedule and dates for your specific purchase.
What happens to my deposit if I have to walk away from the deal?
This depends on the specific circumstances and your purchase agreement's terms. Review the deposit-forfeiture clauses carefully, ideally with a real estate lawyer, before signing.
What if I have a home to sell?
That is common, and it is worth planning early. The timing question is how a builder's possession date lines up with the sale of your current home — completion dates can move, and carrying two homes or bridging the gap has a real cost. Start with a free home evaluation so you know what your current home is worth, then read our guide to selling before buying new construction.
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