Selling a condo in Halifax is exciting. Whether you are moving up, downsizing, relocating or unlocking equity, there is always one big question that pops up the moment a seller starts thinking about listing.

How much is this actually going to cost me?

It is a fair question and one every seller deserves a clear answer to. Selling a condo involves several moving parts and each one has a cost attached to it. The good news is, when you understand these numbers upfront, the entire selling process feels easier, more predictable and way less stressful.

So let’s break down the real costs of selling a condo in Halifax using real figures and real examples. Grab a coffee. Let’s get into it.

Commission

The commission you pay to your real estate agent is typically your biggest selling cost and the part that has the biggest influence on your final price. That is why it is so important to hire a strong and competent team who can deliver outstanding results (like us!)

In Nova Scotia, the seller pays the commission. This covers both the listing agent who works for you and the buyer’s agent who represents the buyer.

This is typically 5% plus HST.

Here is what that looks like with real numbers:

If your condo sells for $450,000, the commission is $22,500 plus HST of $3,375, for a total of $25,875.

If your condo sells for $600,000, the commission is $30,000 plus HST of $4,500, for a total of $34,500.

Commission is your largest selling cost, but it is also the part that directly affects your final sale price. Great marketing, strong negotiations and proper pricing strategy often put more money in your pocket than the cost of the commission itself.

Good agents do not just list your condo. We manage the full strategy that brings you the highest possible sale price.

Legal Fees

Behind the scenes work that protects you

Every condo sale in Halifax needs a real estate lawyer. They handle:

Mortgage discharge
Closing documents
Tax adjustments
Fund transfers
Communication with the buyer’s lawyer
Ensuring your sale closes properly

Most Halifax condo sellers pay $1,200 to $2,000 in legal fees, but costs can vary depending on who you chose to represent you.

Legal work is not flashy, but it is absolutely essential. They are the ones who make sure everything is accurate, compliant and safe.

Pre Sale Preparation

Small updates that make a big impact.

The good news is, most Halifax condos do not need major renovations to sell well. Small improvements often bring the biggest return.

Typical pre sale items include:

Fresh paint
Minor repairs
Professional cleaning
Lighting updates
Decluttering and organizing
Carpet cleaning
Window cleaning

Realistic costs:

A full repaint for a 2 bedroom condo usually costs $2,000 to $4,000
Deep cleaning is usually $250 to $400
Minor repairs might range from $100 to $500
Carpet cleaning is often $100 to $200

Most condo sellers invest somewhere between $300 and $3,000 on pre sale prep.

The goal is simple. Make your condo feel clean, bright and move in ready.

Staging

The makeover that boosts your sale price.

Staging matters. It helps buyers instantly visualize the lifestyle your condo offers. It improves your photos. It increases online engagement. It makes your listing stand out.

In Halifax, staging costs typically fall into three categories
Full staging for an empty condo: $1,000 to $3,000
Partial staging for a lived in unit: $300 to $800
Accessory staging for finishing touches: $200 to $600

One of the perks of working with us? We cover this cost for you! That’s right, we know how important it is for your condo to look it’s best, so we offer all of our clients complimentary staging with A&E Home Staging and Design!

Photography and Marketing

Buyers fall in love with condos online long before they book a showing. High quality marketing is essential.

Marketing may include:

Professional photography
Video tours
Floor plans
3D tours
Listing website
Social ads
Boosted Instagram posts
Google ads
Drone shots
Printed feature sheets
Open house materials

When not included in commission, marketing packages usually cost $2,000 - $5,000+ depending on how extensive they are.

Another perk to working with us - Marketing and Photography are completely covered by our team when you become a Perkins Real Estate client!

Moving Costs

The part sellers tend to forget about.

Moving is the final cost of your sale and it adds up quicker than most people expect.

In Halifax:

Most moving companies charge $100 to $150 per hour for a 2 person crew.
A typical condo move costs $500 to $1,500 or more.

If you are moving long distance, expect significantly more.
A cross Canada move can cost $3,000 to $10,000 depending on distance and volume.

Most condo sellers in Halifax should budget $500 to $2,000 for moving.

Mortgage Payout Penalties

The hidden cost that surprises many sellers.

If you are breaking your mortgage before the term ends, your lender will charge a penalty. This is one of the most overlooked selling costs.

The penalty is usually either:

3 months of interest
Interest rate differential which can be much higher

Real examples from Halifax sellers:

Some pay as little as $800
Some pay $5,000
Some pay $15,000 or more

The only way to know your number is to call your lender and request a payout statement. Every mortgage is different. This number is important for budgeting.

Estoppel Certificate

If you are selling a condo in Nova Scotia, the buyer’s lawyer will often request an estoppel certificate. This document confirms whether you owe any outstanding condo fees, special assessments or fines, and it verifies the financial standing of your unit within the corporation.

Think of it as a financial clean bill of health for your condo.

The cost usually ranges from $400 to $900. Your lawyer will request the estoppel certificate during the closing process and the condo corporation will issue it directly to the buyer’s lawyer. This step helps ensure there are no surprises for the buyer and protects everyone involved in the transaction.

Additional Costs You Might Encounter

Not everyone will see these, but they do happen

Possible extras include:

Property tax adjustments
Mortgage discharge fees around $75 to $150
Fob or key replacement fees from $25 to $75
Courier fees or document fees

Additional costs usually add $100 to $1,000 depending on your building and situation.

We provide complimentary move-out professional cleaning services, so cross that off your list of potential costs to budget for!

So How Much Should You Budget?

Let’s put it all together.

Most Halifax condo sellers pay a total selling cost equal to 7% to 10% of their sale price once everything is included.

This accounts for:

Commission at 5% plus HST
Legal fees $1,200 to $2,000+
Pre sale prep $300 to $3,000+
Moving $500 to $2,000+

Mortgage penalties if applicable

Your exact cost depends on:

Your condo
Your building
Your mortgage
Your timeline
Your goals

But with the numbers laid out clearly, you can plan your move confidently and avoid surprises.

Final Thoughts

Selling a condo is a major financial moment. When you know exactly what to expect, the entire experience becomes easier and far less overwhelming. You can plan properly. You can budget accurately. And you can make decisions with confidence.

If you want a personalized cost breakdown tailored to your condo, your building, your mortgage and your timeline, we are always happy to help.

Whenever you are ready, we can walk you through every number and every step.

Author: Jordan Gunn
Operations and Marketing
Perkins Real Estate
Keller Williams Select Realty

How Much Will It Cost Me to Sell My Halifax Condo?