New-Build Closing Costs in Alberta: A Buyer's Budget Checklist
The short answer
Closing costs are a separate, one-time layer on top of the purchase price — legal fees, title insurance, property tax adjustments, and sometimes utility hookup fees specific to new construction. There's no single reliable percentage to plan around, so ask your lawyer and lender for a written estimate based on your specific purchase.
Key takeaways
- Closing costs are separate from — and in addition to — your purchase price and deposit.
- New construction can carry items resale purchases don't, like utility hookup fees.
- There's no single reliable percentage; get a written estimate specific to your purchase.
- Some incentives can include a builder credit toward closing costs.
- Confirm exactly when closing funds need to be available.
Legal fees and disbursements
Your real estate lawyer's fee for reviewing the contract, handling title, and managing closing is typically the largest single line item. Ask for a flat-fee quote upfront where possible, and confirm what disbursements (registration fees, courier charges, and similar small costs) are included versus billed separately.
Title insurance
Title insurance protects against certain title defects and is a standard part of most closings, new construction included. Your lawyer typically arranges this as part of the closing process — confirm it's included in your fee quote or budgeted separately.
Property tax adjustments
Property taxes are adjusted between builder and buyer based on the possession date, so you may owe a prorated amount depending on when in the tax year you take possession. Your lawyer calculates this as part of the closing statement.
New builds have their own quirks. A newly created lot can have a tax assessment that isn't finalized at closing, which can affect how the adjustment is calculated. Ask your lawyer specifically how this is handled for new construction.
Costs specific to new construction
Beyond the items shared with resale closings, new construction can include utility hookup or connection fees, and sometimes a Municipal-specific development or infrastructure levy passed through by the builder. Ask your builder specifically which of these, if any, apply and whether they're included in your quoted price or billed separately at closing.
Getting a real written estimate
Ask your lawyer for a written closing cost estimate specific to your purchase price and lot as early as possible — ideally before you're deep into the process. This slots into the fuller total-cost picture covered in our piece on the real cost of a new build beyond the starting price, and helps you budget accurately alongside your mortgage plans.
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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. Closing costs vary by transaction; get a written estimate from your real estate lawyer specific to your purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Roughly how much should I budget for closing costs?
It varies by purchase price, lender, and builder, so there is no single reliable percentage. Ask your lawyer and lender for a specific estimate based on your actual purchase.
Are closing costs different for new construction than resale?
Some items overlap with resale, but new construction can include additional items like utility hookup fees and property tax adjustments specific to a newly created lot — confirm the full list with your lawyer.
Does the builder ever cover any closing costs?
Sometimes, as part of a negotiated incentive — see our piece on builder incentives for how to value a closing-cost credit against other incentive types.
When do I actually need to have closing costs available?
Generally at possession, alongside your down payment, though some items may be due earlier. Confirm the exact timeline with your lawyer.
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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