Deposit schedule · occupancy fees · CMHC premium · free
Pre-Construction Deposit Calculator Canada
Buying pre-construction means paying deposits in tranches over 12–24 months before occupancy, then occupancy fees for another 6–18 months before you own the unit. See your full deposit schedule, occupancy cost, and exactly how much cash you'll need and when.
Educational calculators — always consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions.
The contract price with the builder.
Typical Toronto condo: 5% on signing + 5% at 90 days + 5% at 180 days + 5% at occupancy = 20%.
Months from signing to when you can move in (but don't own yet). Pre-construction typically 24–60 months.
The fee you pay between occupancy and final closing (title transfer). Covers builder's mortgage interest, property tax, and maintenance fee.
Total cash needed at closing
$131,250
15% deposit ($112,500) + closing costs ($18,750)
Deposit Payment Schedule
Tranche 1 — 5%
On signing
$37,500
Cumulative: $37,500
Tranche 2 — 5%
Month 3 from signing
$37,500
Cumulative: $75,000
Tranche 3 — 5%
Month 6 from signing
$37,500
Cumulative: $112,500
Assumes 5.49% mortgage rate, 25yr amortization, ~12-month occupancy period before closing. Estimates only.
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What you'll need
- ·Pre-construction purchase price
- ·Deposit structure (15%, 20%, or 25%)
- ·Estimated occupancy date and monthly occupancy fee
What you'll get
- ✓Deposit schedule — Tranche-by-tranche breakdown
- ✓Occupancy fees — Monthly cost before closing
- ✓CMHC premium — If applicable to your down payment
- ✓Total cash needed — Exactly how much and when
How it works
Enter the purchase price and deposit structure
Input the pre-construction contract price and whether your deposit structure is 15%, 20%, or 25% (standard in Toronto and Vancouver markets).
Set the occupancy date and monthly occupancy fee
The occupancy fee is what you pay to the builder between move-in and title transfer. It typically covers the builder's mortgage interest, your share of property taxes, and estimated maintenance fee.
See deposit schedule, occupancy cost, and mortgage at closing
We lay out each deposit tranche with its due date, total occupancy fees during the pre-closing period, CMHC premium if applicable, and your mortgage payment once title transfers.
Pre-Construction Condo — $750K, 20% Deposit, 36-Month Occupancy
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total deposit (20%) | $150,000 |
| Tranche 1 (on signing, 5%) | $37,500 |
| Tranche 2 (90 days, 5%) | $37,500 |
| Tranche 3 (180 days, 5%) | $37,500 |
| Tranche 4 (at occupancy, 5%) | $37,500 |
| Occupancy fees (12 months × $2,800) | $33,600 |
| Closing costs estimate (~2.5%) | $18,750 |
| Total cash needed | $168,750 |
| Mortgage at closing | $600,000 |
Occupancy fees do not contribute to your mortgage or equity. Budget for them as a sunk cost during the pre-closing period.
About this calculator
What is a typical deposit structure for pre-construction condos in Canada?+
In Toronto and Vancouver, typical pre-construction deposit structures are: 5% on signing, 5% at 90 days, 5% at 180 days, and 5% at occupancy — totalling 20%. Some builders now require 20–25% total with tranches spread over 12–18 months. Ontario's Tarion warranty requires deposits to be held in trust and protected up to $100,000.
What is the occupancy period for pre-construction condos in Canada?+
The occupancy period is when you can move in but haven't received title yet. You pay the builder an 'occupancy fee' covering their mortgage interest, property taxes, and estimated condo fees — but no money goes toward your own mortgage or equity. This period typically lasts 6–18 months in Toronto and Vancouver. Title transfers at final closing.
Are pre-construction deposits protected in Ontario?+
Yes — in Ontario, pre-construction deposits are protected under the Condominium Act. The builder must hold deposits in trust. Tarion (Ontario's new home warranty program) provides deposit protection up to $100,000 per unit if the builder defaults or the project is cancelled. Always verify the builder is Tarion-registered.
What is the risk of buying pre-construction in Canada?+
Key risks include: construction delays (24–48 months is common), price increases for upgrades, interest rate changes between signing and closing (you'll qualify at closing rates), project cancellation, and occupancy fee costs during the pre-closing period. Buyers should obtain independent legal advice and review the disclosure statement carefully.
Want to try different numbers? Know exactly how much cash you need and when before you sign.
Back to the calculator ↑Pre-Construction Deposit Calculator Canada is built and maintained by the RealCostIQ editorial team. Cost ranges and rates are checked against published industry data and contractor quotes, and revised when the underlying figures move. Read our data methodology or more about who builds this. Every calculation runs in your browser — no account, and none of your inputs are stored.
Cost ranges and rates here are checked against contractor quotes and published industry data. If a number still looks off, email Support@RealCostIQ.com and we'll review and fix it.