Commission, legal fees, and what you actually net — clearly explained.
In brief
Selling in Coquitlam? Your main costs are real estate commission (plus 5% GST), legal or notary fees, and any mortgage discharge or prepayment penalty. Sellers do not pay Property Transfer Tax or GST on a resale home. Most principal residences are also exempt from capital gains tax.
Knowing your costs upfront is the first step to a confident sale. In British Columbia the seller covers real estate commission for both agents — the buyer pays none — and a handful of closing costs that together determine your net proceeds. Get a free home valuation to pair these numbers with a real estimate of what your Coquitlam property could sell for today.
$1.91M
Detached Median
$706K
Condo / Townhome Median
98%
Sale-to-List Ratio
Current Coquitlam MLS® market data, updated this week. A correctly priced, well-presented home still sells close to asking.
Every Coquitlam seller faces roughly the same set of costs at closing. Commission is by far the largest line item, but the others add up and are worth planning for well before you list. Your Coquitlam listing agent should walk you through a net-sheet — a simple calculation of sale price minus all costs — before you sign anything.
| Cost | Typical Amount or Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate commission | Negotiable — no regulated rate in BC | Covers both the listing agent and the buyer's agent; commission is negotiable |
| GST on commission | 5% of the commission amount | GST applies to the commission service, not to the home sale price |
| Legal / notary fees | Commonly $1,000–$1,500 | Handles title transfer, mortgage discharge, and adjustment calculations |
| Mortgage discharge fee | Set by your lender — typically a few hundred dollars | Charged to remove the lender's charge from title at closing |
| Mortgage prepayment penalty | Varies — can be significant on a closed mortgage | Only applies if you are breaking a closed mortgage before its term ends; see mortgage penalty guide |
| Property-tax adjustment | Prorated to completion date | You pay your share of the year's taxes up to the day the buyer takes possession |
| Strata-fee adjustment (condos/townhomes) | Prorated to completion date | Your portion of strata fees is settled at closing |
| Pre-listing prep, staging, photography | Optional — often covered by the listing agent | Confirm what your agent includes before signing a listing agreement |
A common source of confusion is which costs belong to the buyer versus the seller. Several significant costs that buyers face simply do not apply to you as a seller.
| Cost | Who Pays It | Why Sellers Are Exempt |
|---|---|---|
| Property Transfer Tax (PTT) | Buyer | PTT is a tax on the transfer of ownership — it is the buyer's obligation under BC law |
| GST on the home sale price | Buyer (new builds only) | Resale / used homes are exempt from GST; sellers of resale properties do not collect or remit GST on the sale price |
| Home inspection fee | Buyer | The buyer arranges and pays for their own inspection |
| Title insurance (buyer's policy) | Buyer | The buyer's lender typically requires the buyer to obtain title insurance |
| Capital gains tax (most sellers) | N/A for principal residence | Canada's principal residence exemption means most homeowners owe no tax on the gain when they sell their primary home |
In British Columbia the seller pays the commission for both the listing agent and the buyer's agent out of the sale proceeds — the buyer contributes nothing toward commission. There is no government-regulated commission rate; it is fully negotiable between you and your agent. GST at 5% is added on top of the commission amount. Use the BC commission calculator to model different rates and see the exact GST impact, or read the full breakdown at how realtor commission works. For a deeper look at all closing costs combined, see the complete BC seller closing-costs guide.
Your net proceeds are what lands in your bank account after the sale completes. The formula is straightforward: Net proceeds = Sale price − mortgage payout − commission (+ GST) − legal fees − adjustments If you are breaking a closed mortgage early, the prepayment penalty is also deducted before you see a dollar. The exact figures depend on your remaining mortgage balance, your lender's penalty calculation method, and the final sale price. Start with a Coquitlam home value estimate to anchor the top line, then layer in your known costs.
For most Coquitlam homeowners the answer is no. Canada's principal residence exemption shelters the capital gain — the difference between what you paid and what you sell for — from income tax, provided the home was your primary residence for every year you owned it. If you own a secondary property (a rental, a cabin, or investment real estate), a partial or full capital gain may apply. Speak with your accountant if your situation involves multiple properties, years when the home was not your principal residence, or a recent purchase and quick resale.
Who pays the realtor commission when selling a home in Coquitlam?
In BC the seller pays commission for both the listing agent and the buyer's agent. The buyer pays no commission. Commission is negotiable — there is no fixed or regulated rate — and GST at 5% is charged on top of the commission amount.
Do I pay Property Transfer Tax when I sell my home?
No. Property Transfer Tax is a buyer cost in BC. As the seller you have no PTT obligation on the sale.
Do I pay GST on the sale of my Coquitlam home?
Not on a resale home. GST applies to new construction, but the sale of a used residential property is GST-exempt. You do pay GST on the commission your agent charges, but not on the sale price itself.
Do I owe capital gains tax when I sell my principal residence?
Generally no. Canada's principal residence exemption means the gain on a home that was your primary residence is tax-free. Exceptions exist for properties that were rented out for part of the ownership period or homes that were not your primary residence. Consult a tax professional if your situation is complex.
What is a mortgage prepayment penalty and when does it apply?
If you have a closed mortgage and you sell before the term is up, your lender will charge a prepayment penalty to compensate for the interest they lose. The penalty is typically calculated as either three months' interest or the Interest Rate Differential (IRD), whichever is greater. It can range from a few thousand dollars to a very significant sum depending on your rate, balance, and remaining term. Porting your mortgage to a new property can sometimes eliminate the penalty — see the mortgage penalty and porting guide for details.
How much are legal or notary fees when selling?
Sellers in BC commonly pay between $1,000 and $1,500 in legal or notary fees. That covers preparing the conveyancing documents, registering the mortgage discharge, and calculating the property-tax and strata-fee adjustments. Get a quote early so it does not catch you off guard at closing.
What is a prorated property-tax adjustment and how does it affect me?
Property taxes are billed annually but the buyer takes possession partway through the year. At closing your lawyer or notary calculates each party's share of the annual tax bill based on the completion date. If you have already paid the full year's taxes you receive a credit; if taxes are outstanding your share is deducted from your proceeds.
A calculator gives you the math. It can't tell you how a buyer will see your home against the competition. That's a conversation — and there's no obligation.
Get My Instant Home Value Report → Or call Sebastian directly: (604) 788-4355Find out what your Coquitlam home is worth today before you decide to sell.
Get My ValuationModel different commission rates and see the exact GST impact on your net proceeds.
Calculate CommissionThe full seller's guide — pricing strategy, marketing, timelines, and what to expect.
Seller's Guide
This page is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice, and market figures are live or current as of June 2026 and subject to change. Every home and sale is different — confirm specifics with a qualified real estate lawyer or accountant where relevant. Sebastian Czarkowski is a licensed REALTOR® (BCFSA) with Royal LePage Elite West.