{"id":4048,"date":"2026-08-02T16:12:54","date_gmt":"2026-08-02T20:12:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-08-02T16:12:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T20:12:54","slug":"gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"GTA Pre-Construction Closing Costs, Deposits &#038; Timelines (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Last reviewed: August 2, 2026. Project prices and availability change; verify the builder&#8217;s current release and legal documents before purchasing.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The advertised purchase price is only the first number in a GTA pre-construction budget. Deposits arrive before closing, adjustments are charged at final closing, and condominium buyers may have an interim-occupancy period before title transfers. This guide explains the moving parts so buyers can compare projects on cash flow rather than headline price.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/#1_Deposit_schedule\" >1. Deposit schedule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/#2_Ontario_land_transfer_tax\" >2. Ontario land transfer tax<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/#3_Development_and_education_charges\" >3. Development and education charges<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/#4_Utility_meter_and_connection_adjustments\" >4. Utility, meter and connection adjustments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/#5_Condominium_interim_occupancy\" >5. Condominium interim occupancy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/#6_HST_and_intended_use\" >6. HST and intended use<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/#7_Upgrades_and_changes\" >7. Upgrades and changes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/#8_Legal_appraisal_financing_and_moving\" >8. Legal, appraisal, financing and moving<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/#Timeline_from_reservation_to_final_closing\" >Timeline from reservation to final closing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/#Practical_contingency\" >Practical contingency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/#Compare_active_projects_not_old_launch_pages\" >Compare active projects, not old launch pages<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/#Use_this_guide_with_local_inventory\" >Use this guide with local inventory<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Deposit_schedule\"><\/span>1. Deposit schedule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Agreement of Purchase and Sale controls the amount and timing. A condominium schedule might require instalments at signing, 30, 90, 180 and 365 days; a low-rise schedule may use different milestones. Add every instalment in dollars and place the dates on a calendar before signing. A \u201c10% deposit\u201d can still be difficult if most of it is due within a few months.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Ontario_land_transfer_tax\"><\/span>2. Ontario land transfer tax<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Ontario land transfer tax normally applies at closing. Properties within the City of Toronto also face the municipal land transfer tax; Markham, Vaughan, Mississauga, Pickering, Ajax and Whitby do not. Use current government calculators and ask your lawyer about any eligible first-time-buyer rebates. Do not rely on an old marketing worksheet.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Development_and_education_charges\"><\/span>3. Development and education charges<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Builder agreements may pass through development-charge, education-charge or other municipal increases. The key question is whether each adjustment is capped. A lawyer should identify uncapped clauses and explain what evidence the builder must provide.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Utility_meter_and_connection_adjustments\"><\/span>4. Utility, meter and connection adjustments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Agreements can include water, hydro, gas, meter installation, tree planting, grading, paving, warranty enrolment and legal administration charges. These are contractual adjustments, not a single universal government fee. Request an estimate but budget conservatively.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Condominium_interim_occupancy\"><\/span>5. Condominium interim occupancy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A condo buyer may receive keys before title transfers. During this period the purchaser generally pays an occupancy fee rather than a mortgage payment to the builder. The fee can include interest on the unpaid balance, estimated taxes and common expenses. It does not build equity. Ask for the outside occupancy date and budget for overlap with rent or another mortgage.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_HST_and_intended_use\"><\/span>6. HST and intended use<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>New-home pricing often assumes eligibility for an HST new-housing rebate assigned to the builder. Owner-occupiers and investors can face different documentation and cash-flow requirements. Confirm the treatment with a tax professional and lawyer, especially if the home will be rented or assigned.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Upgrades_and_changes\"><\/span>7. Upgrades and changes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Structural changes, electrical upgrades, flooring and appliance packages can require deposits before closing and may not increase appraised value dollar-for-dollar. Separate must-have functional changes from cosmetic selections that can be completed later.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Legal_appraisal_financing_and_moving\"><\/span>8. Legal, appraisal, financing and moving<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Budget for legal fees and disbursements, title insurance, appraisal, mortgage setup, insurance, moving and an emergency reserve. A long construction timeline means the mortgage available at signing may not be the mortgage available at closing.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Timeline_from_reservation_to_final_closing\"><\/span>Timeline from reservation to final closing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Sales release:<\/strong> select the exact suite or lot and receive the agreement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cooling-off\/legal review:<\/strong> Ontario condominium buyers receive a statutory review period; obtain legal and financing advice immediately.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Deposit period:<\/strong> complete scheduled instalments and keep records.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Construction updates:<\/strong> monitor Tarion critical-date notices and builder amendments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pre-delivery inspection:<\/strong> document incomplete or damaged items.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interim occupancy, if applicable:<\/strong> receive possession before registration.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Final closing:<\/strong> title transfers, mortgage funds and adjustments are paid.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_contingency\"><\/span>Practical contingency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There is no safe one-size-fits-all percentage because agreements differ. Build a line-by-line closing estimate with your lawyer, then keep an additional contingency for rate changes, appraisal shortfalls and moving overlap. Verify the builder through the <a href=\"https:\/\/obd.hcraontario.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HCRA Ontario Builder Directory<\/a> and learn how critical dates work at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tarion.com\/homeowners\/the-new-home-warranty\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tarion<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"pc-inline-cta\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Compare_active_projects_not_old_launch_pages\"><\/span>Compare active projects, not old launch pages<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Use the linked city pages to review current inventory, then request the latest price sheet, floor plans and deposit schedule for the homes that fit your timing and budget.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_this_guide_with_local_inventory\"><\/span>Use this guide with local inventory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Apply the budget to current <a href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/canada\/ontario\/toronto\">Toronto<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/canada\/ontario\/markham\">Markham<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/canada\/ontario\/scarborough\">Scarborough<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/canada\/ontario\/pickering\">Pickering<\/a> projects.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last reviewed: August 2, 2026. Project prices and availability change; verify the builder&#8217;s current release and legal documents before purchasing. The advertised purchase price is only the first number in a GTA pre-construction budget. Deposits arrive before closing, adjustments are charged at final closing, and condominium buyers may have an interim-occupancy period before title transfers. &#8230; <a title=\"GTA Pre-Construction Closing Costs, Deposits &#038; Timelines (2026)\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/gta-preconstruction-closing-costs-deposits-timelines-2026\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about GTA Pre-Construction Closing Costs, Deposits &#038; Timelines (2026)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1514,1506],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4048","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-financing-guide","category-pre-construction"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4048","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4048"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4048\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4048"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4048"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/preconstruction.info\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4048"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}