Buying a home

Start with a purchase budget you can live with, then work through financing, the property and closing. These guides help you prepare useful questions before you make an offer.

Guides in this topic

First-time buyer guideFollow the purchase process from preparation through closing.Read How much can I borrow?Explore a mortgage qualification estimate before choosing a price range.Read GDS and TDS ratiosUnderstand how housing costs and other debts fit into qualification.Read Halifax closing costsPlan for expenses beyond the down payment.Read Purchase depositsUnderstand the deposit’s role and prepare for its deadline.Read Your real estate lawyerSee where legal review fits into a Nova Scotia purchase.Read Buying a Halifax condoReview the property and condominium documents alongside financing.Read New-build financingPrepare for construction timelines and mortgage conditions.Read Posting to or from HalifaxCoordinate mortgage decisions with relocation dates and approvals.Read

Choose your starting point

If you are early in the process, begin with affordability and the first-time buyer guide. If you already have a property in mind, move to the relevant closing-cost, condo or new-build guide. Bring your income records, debt details and source-of-funds documents to the financing review.

Connect financing with the purchase contract

Your broker reviews the mortgage, your lawyer reviews the legal transaction and your real estate professional helps with the offer. Keep deadlines visible across the team. A financing estimate does not replace a property review or explain every obligation in the purchase agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Which guide should I read first?

Start with the first-time buyer guide for the overall process, then use the borrowing calculator to explore a budget.

Is a calculator result a mortgage approval?

No. Approval requires a review of your documents, credit and the property under the lender’s requirements.

Are the deposit and down payment separate costs?

The deposit generally forms part of the purchase funds, but it is usually needed earlier. Confirm how it is credited in your transaction.

Should I review financing before making an offer?

Yes. Early document review helps identify questions about income, debts and purchase funds before contract deadlines begin.

Sources

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