Buying a Home
How much down payment do I need to buy a home in Ontario?
The minimum is 5% of the first $500,000 of the price and 10% of the portion from $500,000 up to $1.5 million. Homes priced at $1.5 million or more need at least 20% down. If you put down less than 20%, your mortgage must carry default insurance, and the premium is usually added to the mortgage.
What are the closing costs when buying in Brantford?
Plan for about 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price. The main items are Ontario land transfer tax, legal fees (typically $1,500 to $2,500), title insurance ($250 to $500), a home inspection ($400 to $700), property tax adjustments, and moving costs. Mortgage default insurance, if you need it, is a separate cost.
Does Brantford have its own land transfer tax?
No. Ontario charges a provincial land transfer tax on every purchase, but Brantford does not add a municipal one. The City of Toronto does, which is one reason some GTA buyers find the total cost of buying in Brantford lower.
Do I need a mortgage pre-approval before I shop?
It is strongly recommended. A pre-approval shows your real budget, usually holds a rate for 90 to 120 days, and tells sellers your offer is serious. Compare at least two or three lenders, including a mortgage broker, before you commit.
How long does it take to close after my offer is accepted?
Typically 30 to 60 days, depending on the closing date in your agreement and how quickly your financing and conditions are completed.
What should I look for when buying an older Brantford home?
Always hire a licensed home inspector. Older homes can hide knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized water lines, asbestos in homes from the 1950s to 1970s, and basement moisture. Use the report to negotiate a price reduction or a credit, not just for peace of mind.
First-Time Home Buyers
What is the Ontario first-time buyer land transfer tax refund?
Eligible first-time buyers can get a refund of up to $4,000 on Ontario land transfer tax. That refund covers the entire tax on homes priced up to $368,000, and a partial amount above that. Your lawyer normally applies it at closing.
What is the First Home Savings Account (FHSA)?
The FHSA lets you save up to $8,000 a year, to a lifetime limit of $40,000, for a first home. Contributions are tax-deductible and withdrawals for a qualifying first home are tax-free. Check eligibility and the current rules with the Canada Revenue Agency or your bank.
What is the Home Buyers' Plan?
The Home Buyers' Plan lets first-time buyers withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSPs to buy or build a home, and repay it over 15 years. It can be combined with the FHSA.
Is there a federal tax credit for first-time buyers?
Yes. The Home Buyers' Amount is a non-refundable credit on up to $10,000 of eligible costs, which works out to a tax saving of up to $1,500 for most buyers.
Can first-time buyers get a 30-year mortgage?
Since December 15, 2024, first-time buyers can use a 30-year amortization on an insured mortgage, which lowers the monthly payment compared with 25 years. Insured mortgages are limited to homes priced under $1.5 million.
Selling a Home
How is my Brantford home's value determined?
By comparing it with similar homes that have actually sold nearby in the last 60 to 90 days, then adjusting for condition, size, lot and updates. What you paid or hope to get does not set the price. Jake provides a free evaluation based on real comparable sales.
How long does it take to get my home evaluation?
Jake aims to respond with a personal evaluation within 24 hours of your request.
What does it cost to sell a home in Ontario?
Budget for real estate commission (negotiable, commonly around 4% to 5% in total split between the buyer's and seller's brokerages, plus HST), legal fees of roughly $1,200 to $2,000, a mortgage discharge fee ($200 to $400 if you have a mortgage), and any repairs you agree to before closing.
How long does it take to sell a home from start to finish?
Often 60 to 90 days from signing a listing agreement to handing over the keys: about a week to prepare and photograph, a few weeks on the market, and 30 to 60 days to close once an offer is accepted. A properly priced home usually sells faster.
When is the best time to list in Brantford?
Spring (March to early June) and early fall (September to mid-October) are historically the busiest seasons. The right buyer can appear in any month, and a quieter season can mean less competition from other listings.
Moving to Brantford and Commuting
How far is Brantford from Toronto, and how long is the commute?
Brantford is about 100 km from Toronto. Travel planners estimate roughly 1 hour 20 minutes by car outside rush hour, and the direct VIA Rail train to Toronto Union Station takes about 70 minutes. Peak traffic on Highway 403 can add a lot of time, so test the commute at your own hours before you buy.
Is there a GO train in Brantford?
No. Brantford has no GO train station. GO Bus Route 15 runs from the Brantford Bus Terminal to Aldershot GO Station in Burlington, where you can connect to the Lakeshore West train. VIA Rail also serves Brantford with trains to Toronto.
How many people live in Brantford?
Brantford had 104,688 residents in the 2021 census, up 6.2% from 2016, according to the City of Brantford's summary of Statistics Canada data.
Is Brantford a good place to live if I work in the GTA?
It depends on how often you commute. Many buyers find Brantford works well with a hybrid schedule, a few days a week. A five-day commute by car or by GO Bus and train is a real commitment, so test it first. Brantford also has no municipal land transfer tax, unlike Toronto.
Neighbourhoods, Schools and Areas Served
Which areas does Jake Laracy serve?
Brantford, Paris, St. George and Burford in Brant County, Caledonia, Cayuga and Hagersville in Haldimand County, and Simcoe, Port Dover and Waterford in Norfolk County.
What are the main neighbourhoods in Brantford?
Jake's guides cover Eagle Place, Holmedale, Terrace Hill, West Brant, Echo Place and Downtown Brantford, plus the surrounding communities. Each guide covers the character of the area, parks and trails, schools, how to get around, and current listings.
Which school boards serve Brantford?
Public English schools are run by the Grand Erie District School Board, and Catholic English schools by the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. French-language boards also serve the area.
How do I find out which school a home is assigned to?
Ask the school board with the exact address, because assignments depend on the property and can change. Confirm the assigned schools before you make an offer rather than relying on a listing or a website.
Working With Jake
Who is Jake Laracy?
Jake Laracy is a REALTOR® with Pay It Forward Realty in Brantford, Ontario. He helps buyers, sellers and investors across Brantford, Brant County, Haldimand County and Norfolk County, and was a Silver Winner for Best Real Estate Agents in the Community Votes Brantford 2026 awards.
How do I contact Jake?
Call 226-934-4061, email laracy@payitforwardrealty.ca, or send a message from the contact section on the home page. The office is at 245 Brant Avenue, Brantford, ON N3T 3J4.
Does Jake work with real estate investors?
Yes. Jake helps investors compare areas, read listings for rental potential, and check zoning and financing questions before an offer. The investing page is general information and not financial advice.
How is a buyer's agent paid in Ontario?
Buyer's agent compensation is usually paid from the commission the seller agrees to pay through the listing brokerage, but it is negotiated and must be set out in a written agreement. Jake explains it before you sign anything.
Sources and review date
Last reviewed October 5, 2026. Rules, rates and schedules change, so confirm anything important with the official source or with Jake.
- Ontario Ministry of Finance: land transfer tax refunds for first-time home buyers
- Canada Revenue Agency: First Home Savings Account, Home Buyers' Plan and Home Buyers' Amount
- Government of Canada: insured mortgage down payment and amortization rules (effective December 15, 2024)
- City of Brantford: demographic and census information (2021 Census, Statistics Canada)
- Metrolinx: GO Bus Route 15 Brantford/Burlington schedule
- Rome2Rio: Brantford to Toronto distance, VIA Rail trip time and drive estimate
- Closing, selling and inspection figures come from Jake's Buyer's Guide and Seller's Guide on this site
Still Have a Question?
Ask Jake directly. He will give you an honest answer and point you to the right guide.