Cost of Selling a House in North Vancouver (2025)

If you’re researching the cost of selling house in North Vancouver, here’s the fast truth: most sellers should budget 3–6% of the sale price for selling costs, depending on the commission structure, services, and mortgage penalties. In British Columbia, professional services like real estate commissions are subject to 5% GST, aslo you have to calculate capital gain if you are not living in the house.

Quick snapshot (2025)

• Commission (varies by brokerage/market): commonly a tiered structure (e.g., 7% on the first $100,000 and 2.5% on the balance), negotiable and not fixed by law
• GST (on real estate services only): 5% in BC
• Lawyer/notary for conveyance: ~$900–$1,800+ depending on complexity
• Strata paperwork (condos/townhomes): Form B (Info Certificate) max $35 + copies; Form F (Certificate of Payment) max $15 (rush or copy fees extra)
• Staging + cleaning + photography + floorplans + video + minor repairs: $1,000–$7,000+ depending on scope
• Mortgage discharge penalty (if applicable): three months’ interest or IRD (varies—ask your lender)
• Moving/out fees (strata move-out deposits/fees): often $100–$400+ depending on building bylaws

The GST rate and the maxima for key strata forms are set by federal/provincial sources (details and caps below). Canada+1

What exactly do North Vancouver home sellers pay?

1) Commission (plus GST on services)

Commission is the largest line item for most sellers. In Greater Vancouver, a tiered commission is common (for example, 7% on the first $100,000, 2.5% on the balance). This is negotiable and split between the listing and cooperating brokerages according to agreed terms. Whatever structure you agree to, remember that GST applies to real estate services in BC at 5%. Canada+1

Example: On a $1,500,000 sale at 7%/$100k + 2.5%/balance:

• Commission math: $7,000 + (2.5% of $1,400,000) = $7,000 + $35,000 = $42,000
• GST (5%) on $42,000 = $2,100
• Total service cost = $44,100

2) Legal / conveyancing fees

A BC lawyer or notary typically handles your discharge, undertakings, and conveyance to the buyer. Expect ~$900–$1,800+ depending on the file (strata vs detached, rush requests, multiple payouts, etc.). Ask for a written quote that includes registration and courier fees.

3) Strata documents and move-out fees (if selling a condo/townhome)

Strata sellers must usually provide:

• Form B – Information Certificate (by law, max $35 + copy costs up to $0.25/page)
• Form F – Certificate of Payment (by law, max $15)

Rush fees and third-party portal charges may be extra, but the max caps for Form B and Form F are set in the regulation. Buildings also often charge move-out fees or elevator deposits that are refundable if no damage occurs. Check your bylaws and ask your manager about timelines for ordering. BC Laws

4) Staging, cleaning, and media (photos, video, floorplans)

Presentation drives traffic. Even small improvements—paint touch-ups, lighting, deep cleaning—can boost your sale price or shorten days on market. Budget $1,000–$7,000+ depending on whether you do light styling or a full staging package for a vacant home. Many North Shore buyers expect pro photography, floorplans, and video—often covered by your listing package, but confirm in writing.

5) Pre-listing inspection and fix-ups

A pre-listing inspection (typically $400–$700) can help you fix red-flag items before launch. Minor repairs (GFCI outlets, caulking, leaky faucets, door sweeps, paint) are inexpensive compared to a price reduction after a rough inspection.

6) Mortgage discharge and penalties

If you break a fixed mortgage early, the lender will charge either three months’ interest or an Interest Rate Differential (IRD)—whichever is higher, per your contract. CMHC-insured or HELOC-tied setups can add steps. Ask your lender for a written payout statement before you price your home so you know your net.

7) Property taxes, utilities, and adjustments at closing

On completion, your notary/lawyer will pro-rate property taxes, strata fees, and utilities so each party pays for the days they own the home. If you’ve prepaid annual taxes, you’ll usually receive a credit back from the buyer for the unused period.

8) Taxes you typically do not pay as a seller

• Property Transfer Tax (PTT) in BC is paid by the buyer on most transactions.
• GST on the home price: For resale residential homes, GST is not charged to the buyer (it applies to most new homes).
  That said, you (the seller) still pay GST on your professional services (commission, staging, etc.), as noted above. Canada

9) Capital gains—when they matter

• Principal residence: If the home has been your principal residence for all the years you owned it (and you properly designate it), capital gains tax is generally not payable.
• Rental/second property: Capital gains can apply. Rules have been in flux in 2024–2025; check the latest federal guidance or speak with your accountant to model your numbers before you list.

(Why care? Even if your sale is exempt, a mis-step—such as partial rental use—can change your tax picture. For authoritative updates on federal tax changes, see the Department of Finance’s official pages.) Budget Canada

The cost of selling house in North Vancouver: worked example

Let’s put real numbers to a typical North Shore scenario.

Scenario A — Detached home

• Sale price: $1,500,000
• Commission (example only): 7% on first $100k + 2.5% on balance
  • $7,000 + (2.5% × $1,400,000) = $42,000
  • GST @ 5% on services: $2,100
  • Subtotal services: $44,100
• Legal / conveyance (estimate): $1,300
• Strata docs: N/A (detached)
• Staging + media: $2,500
• Mortgage penalty (if breaking): $0–$12,000+ (varies; we’ll model $6,000)
• Misc. move costs: $1,000

Indicative total selling costs: $54,900 (plus/minus)
Estimated net (before income tax, if any): $1,500,000 − $54,900 = $1,445,100

Scenario B — Strata condo/townhome

• Sale price: $850,000
• Commission (example): 7%/$100k + 2.5%/balance
  • $7,000 + (2.5% × $750,000) = $25,750
  • GST @ 5%: $1,287.50
  • Subtotal services: $27,037.50
• Legal / conveyance: $1,200
• Form B (max $35 + copies) and Form F (max $15), plus potential rush/portal fees
  • Budget $80–$200 for forms/copies/rushes
• Staging + media: $2,000
• Strata move-out fee/deposit: $200–$400 (assume $300)
• Mortgage penalty (if breaking): $0–$8,000 (assume $3,000)
• Misc. move costs: $800

Indicative total selling costs: ~$34,618–$36,000 (depending on doc fees/rush)
Estimated net (before income tax, if any): $850,000 − ~$35,000 = ~$815,000

These are examples—not quotes. Commission is negotiable. Always confirm your exact commission, inclusions (staging, media), GST, legal fees, and any lender penalties in writing.

Why the cost of selling house in North Vancouver varies so much

Market strategy affects spend

If your agent invests in premium media, targeted ads, and staging, your up-front cost might be a bit higher—but it can shorten days on market and protect your price. In slower markets, additional exposure often pays for itself.

Price point changes the math

Because commission is a percentage, the total grows with price. That’s why a clear net-sheet at the start matters, especially for upsizers who need funds for the next purchase.

Strata vs detached = different paperwork

Strata homes require Form B and Form F, and buildings sometimes have move-out fees or booking deposits. Detached sellers skip those—but may pay more for yard work, painting, or exterior washdowns to maximize curb appeal. BC Laws

Mortgage timing is huge

Lender penalties can dwarf media or legal costs. If your fixed rate is much lower than today’s rates, the IRD can be meaningful. Ask your lender for a payout quote before you set list price.

FAQs sellers ask me

Does the buyer ever pay my commission?

In our market, the total commission is set by the listing contract and then apportioned. Practically, it comes off the seller’s proceeds on closing. The exact split and structure are negotiable—have your agent walk you through the line items and GST at 5% on services. Canada+1

Do I pay GST on my resale home’s price?

Generally no—resale residential housing is usually GST-exempt for the property itself. But your services (commission, staging, photography, etc.) are taxable. New construction is different: buyers typically deal with GST and potential rebates; confirm with your lawyer/notary. Canada

How long do strata forms take?

Standard timelines vary by manager and workload. Because Form B includes attachments (bylaws, rules, minutes, insurance), order early. Remember the max $35 cap for Form B (plus copy costs) and max $15 for Form F per provincial regulation; rush or third-party service fees may be extra. BC Laws

The bottom line

For most homeowners, the cost of selling house in North Vancouver falls in the 3–6% range of the final sale price after you layer in commission (plus 5% GST on services), conveyancing, any strata form fees, and your chosen prep work. Mortgage penalties can push that higher. The smartest first steps are:

1. get a detailed net-sheet from your agent,
2. request a lender payout quote, and
3. pre-book strata documents (if applicable). Canada+1

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External Link:

• Canada Revenue Agency — GST/HST on services and rates (confirms 5% GST in BC and that real estate agent services are taxable): Canada+1.
  • internal links: https://tomjahed.ca/realtor-north-vancouver-2025-market-datarealtor-north-vancouver-how-to-choose/

How to Choose a Realtor North Vancouver (2025)

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