Cost to Sell a House in Ontario (2026 Guide): Real Estate Fees, Commission & Hidden Costs
By Modern Solution Realty – 🏡 1% Listing Commission | 💰 $5,000 Buyer Cashback🔗 https://modernsolution.ca/
Selling a home in Ontario involves more than simply finding a buyer and signing paperwork. Many homeowners are surprised to discover that several expenses are involved in the selling process, including real estate commission, legal fees, staging costs, and moving expenses.
Understanding the true cost of selling a house in Ontario in 2026 can help homeowners plan ahead and avoid unexpected costs at closing.
In this guide, Modern Solution Realty explains the typical costs associated with selling a home in Ontario and how sellers can potentially save thousands of dollars in commission.
Realtor Commission in Ontario
For most homeowners, the largest cost of selling a house in Ontario is real estate commission.
Traditional real estate commissions in Ontario are commonly structured around 4% to 5% of the home's sale price, which is typically split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent.
Example of Traditional Commission
Home Price: $1,000,000
Typical Commission (5%):
$50,000
This means a large portion of the homeowner’s equity may go toward commission fees alone.
However, modern brokerage models are changing the industry and providing homeowners with lower commission alternatives without sacrificing full service.
Modern Solution Realty offers homeowners the ability to list their property for just a 1% listing fee, helping sellers keep significantly more of their home’s equity.
Commission Comparison: Traditional vs 1% Listing Model
Example Based on a $1,000,000 Home
Traditional Real Estate Commission (5%)
$50,000
Modern Solution Realty – 1% Listing Fee
$10,000
Potential Savings
$40,000
For many homeowners, this difference can dramatically increase their net proceeds after selling their home.
Other Costs When Selling a House in Ontario
In addition to real estate commission, sellers should also prepare for several additional expenses when selling a property.
Legal Fees
A real estate lawyer is required to complete the legal transfer of ownership during the closing process.
Typical legal costs in Ontario range from:
$1,200 – $2,000
These fees typically include:
- Document preparation
- Title searches
- Closing coordination
- Mortgage discharge paperwork
Home Staging and Preparation
Preparing your home properly before listing can help attract buyers and maximize the sale price.
Some sellers choose to invest in:
Professional Home Staging
Typical cost:
$500 – $5,000
Other preparation costs may include:
- Minor repairs
- Interior painting
- Landscaping improvements
- Professional cleaning
The amount varies depending on the condition of the property.
Moving Costs
Moving expenses depend on the size of the home and distance of the move.
Typical moving costs in Ontario range from:
$1,000 – $3,000
For larger homes or long-distance moves, costs may be higher.
Mortgage Discharge Fee
If there is still a mortgage registered on the property, the lender may charge a mortgage discharge fee when the home is sold.
Typical discharge fees range from:
$200 – $400
Your real estate lawyer usually handles this process during closing.
Cost to Sell a Home in Mississauga
Mississauga continues to be one of the most active real estate markets in Ontario. With average home prices often exceeding $1,000,000, commission costs can become a significant factor when deciding how to sell.
Example:
Average Mississauga Home Price:
$1,000,000
Traditional Commission (5%)
$50,000
Choosing a lower commission brokerage like Modern Solution Realty can help homeowners significantly increase their final net proceeds from the sale.
Cost to Sell a House in Toronto
Toronto homeowners face similar considerations when selling their property. With some of the highest home prices in Canada, real estate commission can represent a substantial portion of a seller’s equity.
Because of this, many homeowners are now exploring alternative real estate commission models that allow them to receive professional service while paying significantly lower fees.
How to Reduce the Cost of Selling Your Home in Ontario
Homeowners looking to reduce selling costs often consider several key strategies:
• Choosing a competitive commission structure
• Comparing multiple real estate brokerage options
• Preparing the home properly before listing
• Working with experienced agents familiar with the local market
Modern real estate brokerage models now allow sellers to receive full professional service while paying far less in commission.
Why Many Ontario Homeowners Choose Modern Solution Realty
Modern Solution Realty has become a popular choice for homeowners who want to maximize their home equity while still receiving full real estate service.
Benefits include:
• 1% listing commission
• Professional marketing and MLS exposure
• Experienced real estate agents
• Expert negotiation support
• Significant commission savings
For homeowners selling higher-value properties, the savings can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Final Thoughts: Understanding the Cost to Sell a House in Ontario
Selling a home in Ontario involves several expenses, but understanding them ahead of time allows homeowners to plan financially and avoid surprises during closing.
Real estate commission remains the largest cost for most sellers, which is why many homeowners are exploring lower commission brokerage options that allow them to keep more of their equity.
With the right strategy, preparation, and professional guidance, homeowners can successfully sell their property while minimizing unnecessary costs.
If you would like to learn more about how the 1% listing model works, the team at Modern Solution Realty can provide expert guidance and answer any questions about selling your home in Ontario.