Nova Scotia Real Estate Guides
Straight answers on buying and selling in Nova Scotia, written for real people, with every number tied to an official source.
GST Back on a New Build: The First-Time Home Buyers' GST Rebate Explained for Nova Scotia (2026)
Since March 2026, first-time buyers get the full 5% federal GST back on a newly built home up to $1 million, shrinking to nothing at $1.5 million. Who qualifies, what counts as a new home, how it stacks with Nova Scotia's own $3,000 rebate, and what it does to the new-build versus resale decision.
October 2, 2026 · 3 min read
First-Time Buyers0% Down From Your Own Savings: How Nova Scotia's Down Payment Assistance Program Works (2026)
The Down Payment Assistance Program lends first-time buyers in Nova Scotia the 5% minimum down payment, interest-free, repaid over 10 years. Who qualifies, the price caps by area, the three-week timing, and what it does to your monthly cost.
October 2, 2026 · 4 min read
First-Time BuyersNova Scotia's 2% Down Pilot for First-Time Buyers: Who Qualifies and How It Works (2026)
Since 3 February 2026, participating credit unions in Nova Scotia can lend to first-time buyers with 2% down and no mortgage default insurance premium. The income limit, credit score, price caps by area, the 25-year amortization, and how it compares with the 0% down program.
October 2, 2026 · 4 min read
CommunitiesDartmouth Neighbourhoods Compared: A Buyer's Guide
Comparing Downtown Dartmouth, Woodlawn and Portland Hills on commute, transit, schools and parks to help you pick a Dartmouth neighbourhood that fits.
September 23, 2026 · 5 min read
CommunitiesSpryfield and Governors Brook: Newer Homes Near Halifax
A REALTOR's guide to Spryfield and Governors Brook in Halifax, and what to check before buying a newer home close to the city.
September 23, 2026 · 4 min read
CommunitiesLiving in Clayton Park and Rockingham, Halifax
A REALTOR®'s plain look at Clayton Park and Rockingham in Halifax — housing types, getting around, green space, and what to check before you buy.
September 23, 2026 · 4 min read
CommunitiesLiving in Bedford, Nova Scotia: A Buyer's Neighbourhood Guide
Thinking about buying in Bedford, NS? Here's a REALTOR's plain-language look at the Basin, commute, schools and shopping before you search listings.
September 22, 2026 · 5 min read
MarketBank of Canada Holds at 2.25%: What It Means for Nova Scotia Home Buyers (September 2026)
The Bank of Canada kept its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2, 2026. Here is what that does, and does not, mean for your mortgage if you are buying in Halifax or anywhere in Nova Scotia.
September 18, 2026 · 3 min read
New ConstructionBuying New Construction in Nova Scotia: HST, Warranties, Deposits and Timelines
New builds in Halifax and across Nova Scotia work differently from resale homes. Here is what to check on HST, the new home warranty, deposits, the provincial rebate and the 30-year mortgage option before you sign a builder's agreement.
September 18, 2026 · 4 min read
BuyingClosing Costs in Nova Scotia: What to Budget Beyond Your Down Payment
Your down payment is only part of the cash you need to buy a home in Nova Scotia. Here is the full list of closing costs, which ones are fixed, and which ones you should ask about before you make an offer.
September 18, 2026 · 4 min read
First-Time BuyersFirst-Time Home Buyer Programs in Nova Scotia (2026): 0% Down, 2% Down, GST Back, FHSA, HBP and 30-Year Mortgages
Every program that helps a first-time buyer in Nova Scotia in 2026, with the current figures: the Down Payment Assistance Program (0% down from your own savings), the new 2% down pilot, the federal GST rebate on new builds, the $40,000 FHSA, the $60,000 Home Buyers' Plan, the provincial new-home rebate and 30-year amortizations.
September 18, 2026 · 6 min read
NewcomersMoving to Nova Scotia: How to Buy a Home From Away Without Costly Surprises
Relocating to Halifax or elsewhere in Nova Scotia from another province or country? Here is how buying works when you are not here yet: the 10% non-resident tax and its six-month exemption, remote viewings, lawyers, inspections and timing.
September 18, 2026 · 4 min read
BuyingNova Scotia Deed Transfer Tax Explained: Municipal Rates and the 10% Non-Resident Tax
Every home purchase in Nova Scotia comes with a municipal deed transfer tax, and buyers who live outside the province may owe a separate 10% provincial tax. Here is how both work, who pays, and the exemption newcomers should know about.
September 18, 2026 · 3 min read