Real estate has a significant impact on our province, both economically, environmentally, and socially. From over $516 million in spin-off spending to our efforts to ensure every Nova Scotian has a place to call home, REALTORS® play a part in the success of our communities.
To learn more, or engage with NSAR as a partner, contact Ashley at [email protected]
REALTORS® are concerned about affordable housing
NSAR continues to work with key partners on addressing issues related to housing supply and affordability in our province.
In January 2025, NSAR co-hosted Nova Scotia’s inaugural Cross-Market Housing Summit, bringing together more than 100 people from 60 housing-related organizations to find solutions to our housing crisis. The report-back on our action plan will be ready in April 2025.
Has also created reports for Nova Scotia’s Affordable Housing Commission and REALTOR® work on housing attainability: We All Play a Part, REALTOR® Solutions to Nova Scotia’s Affordable Housing Crisis and Actions for Attainability: An Update on REALTOR® Solutions
Improving Deed Transfer Taxes (DTT)
DTT can be an expensive addition to home-buying costs, especially for first-time homebuyers. REALTORS® are proposing that municipalities amend their policies for the collection of Deed Transfer Tax to either be:
Waived for first-time buyers on the purchase of their first home OR Extended over a five-year payment period.
Reducing Provincial Deed Transfer Tax (PDTT)
As of April 1, 2025, the PDTT for non-resident buyers has doubled. This tax targets non-residents, raising their transfer tax to 10 percent. REALTORS® are advocating for the removal of this harmful tax.
Read more HERE
Putting hammers in hands – In order to increase our housing supply, we must have enough tradespeople. NSAR is working with partners to ensure that all Nova Scotians who want to enter the skilled trades and home-building labour force have the ability to do so.
Fixing the Capped Assessment Program (CAP)
The current CAP on property taxes has created inequalities in tax burden for homeowners across the province. New homeowners, including first-time buyers and seniors who are downsizing, pay significantly more in taxes than their neighbours. NSAR and our partners are proposing changes to the CAP.
REALTORS® want to help you stay informed ...
The Down Payment Assistance Program is a 10-year interest-free loan created by REALTORS® and Housing Nova Scotia. Each year, NSAR collaborates with the provincial government to increase price limits and income caps, helping more Nova Scotians afford their first home. So far, it’s helped over 1,500 families in Nova Scotia.
Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act limits who can buy residential property and where they can purchase property in Nova Scotia. It doesn’t impact all buyers or all areas of the province. Speak with your REALTOR® who has tools to help you find the perfect home in our province.
Coastal protection education is essential for owners, buyers, and sellers along Nova Scotia's coastlines. NSAR is engaged with the province of Nova Scotia to create resources for REALTORS® and clients on this topic.
Coastal protection education is essential for owners, buyers, and sellers along Nova Scotia's coastlines. NSAR has engaged with the province of Nova Scotia to create resources for REALTORS® and clients on this topic including A Guide to Buying a Coastal Home in Nova Scotia: Video Guide and Checklist for Buying a Coastal Home in Nova Scotia (PDF)”
Home Buyers Plan withdrawal limit increased from $35k to $60k and expanded to help during marital or common-law breakdowns.