Learning Centre: what it costs to buy or sell in London, and how it works
On a $600,000 sale with us, fees and HST come to $35,595, with 2% offered to the buyer’s agent. Buying a $600,000 home with the minimum down takes about $48,483 in cash to close. Both are examples, not real sales.
You might be worried about a cost nobody told you about. The cost guides and calculators below put the numbers first.
The Bottom Line (Quick Answer)
- This is the Ken Small Real Estate Team’s free library for buying and selling in London, Ontario.
- Start with what it costs. Then pick your side: the buyer guides, the seller guides or the calculators.
- None of it asks for your email. When you want the number for your own home, book a 15-minute call.
The short version
- Buying with us costs $495 to start. Our 3% is paid from the seller’s side of the deal.
- Selling with us costs a $1,500 Launch Retainer and 3% on our listing side, plus HST.
- The guides are free to read. The calculators need no email and no sign-up.
What does it cost to buy or sell a house in London?
Buying with us, it is $495 to start, and our 3% is paid from the seller’s side of the deal. Selling with us, it is a $1,500 Launch Retainer and 3% on our listing side, plus HST.
Buying, you need a down payment, land transfer tax and closing costs. Selling, you pay commission, HST, your lawyer and your mortgage payout.
Buying
- $495 retainer to start, paid up front.
- Our 3% commission is paid from the seller’s side of the deal.
- Your own costs: down payment, land transfer tax, legal and title.
- If within 24 months it isn’t right, we list it for free: 0% listing-side commission. That applies when you buy your next home with us, one of equal or greater value. You remain responsible for the buyer’s agency fee.
On a $600,000 home with the minimum down, plan on about $48,483 in cash to close. It is an example, not a real sale. Buyer pricing and fees →
Selling
- $1,500 Launch Retainer, up front.
- 3% on our listing side, paid only when it sells.
- What you offer the buyer’s agent is your call. We recommend 2%.
- 13% HST on top of all three.
On a $600,000 example sale, the fees come to $35,595 with HST. Seller pricing and fees →
Is it a good time to buy a house in London, Ontario?
Honestly? It depends on your plans more than the calendar. In September 2026, London had 5.7 months of inventory (source: LSTAR Residential Market Activity Report, September 2026). The average sale price was $591,927.
More months of inventory means more homes to choose from. Read the London market report for this month’s full picture.
How do you buy or sell a house in London?
Buying starts with a pre-approval, then the search, the offer and the closing. Selling with us starts with a phone call with Ken. Then come a customized plan for your home, the launch and the offers.
How long does it take to sell a house in London, Ontario?
In September 2026, the median London home sold in 33 days (source: LSTAR Residential Market Activity Report, September 2026). That is a city number, not your home’s.
The guides below walk through each step. They include how long buying and selling take in London.
B For Buyers
From “should I?” to keys in hand.
S For Sellers
Sell for more, with fewer surprises.
$ Tools & Calculators
Numbers you can check. No sign-up.
N Neighbourhoods & Market
Where to live, and what’s happening.
✎ Blog
Local events, neighbourhoods and real estate in London, Ontario.
A Answers, Programs & The Team
The full library, the programs and the people behind it.
What clients say about working with us
4.9 average from 14 Google reviews, as shown on our reviews page (October 2026). One client, word for word:
★★★★★We would 100% recommend Ken Small if you are wanting to sell or purchase a home. After 65 years in the same house, my father and I had a huge task on our hands to clean it out and get it ready to put on the market. We were able to leave most of this with Ken and his team.
We honestly feel we could not have done this without him. He stepped right in and knew what needed to be done. We felt like he was on the same page with us and we had several offers to look at in less than a week. Ken is kind, personable, professional and turned a very stressful situation into a worry-free one for us once he was on the job.
Awesome job Ken, we can’t thank you enough. We second the other reviewer’s opinion that Ken goes above and beyond!
Denise F. · Seller · Aug 2024 · via Google
The honest takeaway
It depends on your budget, your timing and your street more than the city average.
Common questions about the Learning Centre
How much does it cost to buy a house in London, Ontario?
How much does it cost to sell a house in London, Ontario?
Is it a good time to buy a house in London, Ontario?
Do I have to sign up to use the guides and calculators?
Not sure where to start?
Book a 15-minute call. No pressure, no obligation. We’ll point you to what you need.
About Ken Small
Ken Small, REALTOR®, has been a real estate agent in London since 2003. He leads the Ken Small Real Estate Team at Century 21 First Canadian Corp., Brokerage. The office is at 420 York Street, London, ON N6B 1R1. RECO #4727293. Meet the team →
Century 21 First Canadian Corp., Brokerage. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. All data approximate.