Buying in Scarborough
Scarborough is the epicenter of Toronto's current public transit megaproject buildout. The Scarborough Subway Extension (Line 2 eastward) and the Eglinton Crosstown are reshaping previously auto-dependent corridors into high-density, walkable hubs. Because Scarborough is part of the City of Toronto, first-time buyers here access the coveted 'double rebate'—stacking up to $4,000 provincially and $4,475 municipally for an $8,475 land transfer tax relief at closing. For buyers priced out of the Downtown Core or North York, Scarborough's pre-construction towers along the Golden Mile and Kennedy nodes are pricing in tomorrow's subway access at today's values.
Local Tax Strategy
Toronto is the only city in Ontario with a municipal land transfer tax. First-time buyers can stack both the Provincial ($4,000) and Municipal ($4,475) rebates for a combined $8,475 in LTT savings at closing — the highest first-time buyer LTT relief in Canada.
Calculate Scarborough CostsHot Neighborhoods for 2026
Scarborough CentreUrban, commercial, high-growth
The civic and commercial heart of Scarborough, undergoing massive intensification with new condos and transit.
Top Development Sites
+ many other new developments — request a full list built to your specific home requirements and budget.
Market Highlights
- Official LTT Refund Zone
- Bill C-4 Projected Savings Hub
- High Pre-Construction Demand
- Transit-Oriented Communities
Pro Tip for Scarborough Buyers
"When comparing Scarborough to Durham Region, always run the LTT calculator. The $4,475 extra municipal LTT rebate you get in Scarborough often offsets the slightly higher purchase price when you calculate your actual cash required on closing day."
Common Questions: Scarborough First-Time Buyers
Do first-time buyers in Scarborough get the double Toronto Land Transfer Tax rebate?
Yes. Because Scarborough is an amalgamated district within the City of Toronto, purchasing a home here qualifies you for BOTH the Ontario Provincial LTT refund (up to $4,000) and the Toronto Municipal LTT rebate (up to $4,475). This combined $8,475 rebate is a massive closing-cost advantage over buying just across the border in Markham or Pickering, where only the provincial rebate applies.
Calculate Your Costs in Scarborough
Use our live engine to estimate land transfer tax, mortgage affordability, and rebates specifically for the Scarborough market.
Mortgage Affordability
CMHC Stress Test Engine
Car loans, student debt, etc.
If applicable
Used for qualification
Your maximum buying power below updates as you adjust your income or debts.
Your Maximum Purchase Price
CMHC Insurance Required
Your down payment is under 20%. CMHC insures your mortgage, costing $12,432 (2.8%) added to your mortgage. This unlocks lower rates.
Based on CMHC stress test guidelines. GDS ≤ 39% and TDS ≤ 44% (includes $150/mo CMHC heating estimate). Payment calculated using Canadian semi-annual compounding per the Interest Act. Property tax estimated at 1.1% annually. Always consult a licensed mortgage broker for exact qualification.
Ontario Land Transfer Tax
Official 2024/2026 Brackets
Regional tax calculations and rebates update as you shift parameters.
Your Tax Receipt
Breakdown of exactly what you will owe on closing day.