Written by Derek Chevrefils, Calgary REALTOR® with 2% Realty
If you’re thinking about selling, one of the first questions is simple:
What is the cost to sell a house in Calgary?
The answer depends on your home price, commission structure, mortgage situation, and closing costs, but below is a realistic 2026 breakdown so you know exactly what to expect.
Realtor Fees in Calgary (Biggest Expense)
The largest selling cost in Calgary is typically real estate commission.
Realtor fees in Calgary are negotiable. However, many traditional brokerages still use the common model:
- 7% on the first $100,000
- 3% on the remaining balance
For example, if a home sells for $600,000 with the common commission structure, the total commissions would be:
- $7,000 on the first $100,000
- $15,000 on the remaining $500,000
- Total Commission: $22,000 + GST
This amount is typically split between the listing brokerage and the buyer’s brokerage.
Many sellers are surprised at how much equity goes toward commission under traditional structures. That’s why understanding your options matters.
Low Commission Realtor in Calgary (2 Percent Realty Model)
Many sellers today explore working with a low commission realtor in Calgary, especially through the 2 Percent Realty model.
At 2 Percent Realty, the total commission is 2% of the final sale price, split between the listing brokerage and the buyer’s brokerage:
- 1% listing brokerage commission
- 1% buyer’s brokerage commission
If a home sells for $600,000 under the 2% model:
- $6,000 listing side
- $6,000 buyer side
- Total Commission: $12,000 + GST
That’s a potential savings of $10,000 compared to traditional commission models.
For higher priced homes, the savings can increase significantly.
See the image below to calculate how much you can save with the 2 percent commission model, as opposed to the 7/3 commission model.
Legal Fees When Selling a House in Calgary
Typical legal closing costs range from:
$1,200 – $2,500
This generally includes:
- Conveyancing
- Title transfer
- Mortgage discharge registration
- Disbursements
Unlike commission, legal fees are fairly consistent across most firms.
Mortgage Discharge Fees or Penalties
If you are breaking your mortgage early, you may face:
- Variable rate: usually 3 months’ interest
- Fixed rate: could be higher depending on your term
Penalties can range from $0 to several thousand dollars.
Always confirm with your lender before listing so you can factor this into your total selling costs in Calgary.
Adjustments at Closing (Property Tax, Condo Fees, Utilities)
Depending on timing, you may owe prorated amounts for:
- Property taxes
- Condo fees
- Utilities
These are typically minor adjustments but still affect your final net proceeds.
What Is the Total Cost to Sell a House in Calgary?
Let’s estimate on a $600,000 home using:
- 2 Percent Realty model
- $1,500 legal fees
- No mortgage penalty
Estimated Selling Costs:
- $12,000 commission
- $1,500 legal fee
Total: ~$13,500 + GST
Compare that to traditional 7/3 commission:
- $22,000 commission
- $1,500 legal
Total: ~$23,500 + GST
That’s a meaningful difference in your equity.
What Do Sellers Actually Net?
To calculate what you keep:
Sale Price
– Realtor Fees
– Legal Costs
– Mortgage Balance
– Adjustments
This gives you your estimated net proceeds.
Many sellers focus only on sale price, but your net is what truly matters.
Why Commission Structure Matters More in 2026
As Calgary home values rise, commission differences grow.
The gap between traditional and low commission models becomes even larger.
Commissions on an $850,000 home:
- Traditional 7/3 = $29,500
- 2% model = $17,000
- Savings = $12,500
Frequently Asked Questions
Are realtor commissions negotiable in Alberta?
Yes. Realtor commissions in Alberta are negotiable, and sellers can choose a commission structure that fits their goals.
Do I pay GST on realtor fees in Calgary?
Yes. GST applies to real estate commissions.
Who pays the buyer’s agent commission?
In most Calgary transactions, the seller pays the total commission, which is typically split between the listing brokerage and the buyer’s brokerage. Buyers do not usually pay any realtor commissions.
What are typical legal fees when selling a house in Calgary?
Legal fees often range from about $1,200 to $2,500 depending on the transaction and disbursements.
Are there mortgage penalties when selling?
Sometimes. If you break your mortgage early, penalties may apply (often three months’ interest on variable-rate mortgages; fixed-rate penalties can be higher). Confirm with your lender.
Final Thoughts
The cost to sell a house in Calgary depends largely on:
- Your sale price
- Commission structure
- Mortgage situation
But in most cases, commission makes up the majority of your total expenses.
Before listing, it’s worth understanding exactly what you’ll pay, and what you’ll keep.
As a top-producing Calgary REALTOR® with 2% Realty working with sellers across the city, I see many homeowners underestimate how much commission affects their final equity.
If you’d like a clear breakdown tailored to your home, use the form below for a free, no-obligation home evaluation. Even a 1% difference in commission can mean thousands of dollars in retained equity.
About Derek Chevrefils
Derek Chevrefils is a Calgary REALTOR® with 2% Realty who helps homeowners retain more equity through transparent commission structures and clear net-proceeds breakdowns. He works with sellers across Calgary and provides clear net-proceeds breakdowns so clients understand exactly what they’ll pay — and what they’ll keep.
You can view Derek’s recent Calgary home sales here.
