How do pre-construction condo deposits work in the GTA?

Most GTA projects collect a total deposit of around 15%–20%, staged over time: an amount at signing, then further instalments at set dates (often 30–90 days, one year, and occupancy). The exact structure is set in your agreement of purchase and sale and varies by project.

What closing costs should I budget for a pre-construction condo?

On top of your final deposit, budget for development charges and adjustments (negotiable caps are common — ask your lawyer), Tarion enrolment, utility hookups, land transfer tax, and legal fees. Uncapped development charges are one of the most common pre-construction surprises.

What is interim occupancy?

Between moving in and final registration you pay the builder a monthly occupancy fee (roughly interest on the unpaid balance plus taxes and maintenance) rather than a mortgage payment. Your mortgage only starts at final closing, at whatever rates are then in effect.

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Pre-Construction
Deposit Planner

Map every deposit cheque, your mortgage at closing, and what happens to the payment if rates move — before you sign.

Purchase Price ($)

Deposit at Signing (%)

Deposit at 90 Days (%)

Deposit at 365 Days (%)

Deposit at Occupancy (%)

Expected Mortgage Rate at Final Closing (%)

Amortization (years)

Est. Development Charges & Closing Adjustments ($)

Stage	Amount	Running Total

Total Cash Needed By Occupancy

Total Deposits

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Mortgage at Final Closing

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Payment at Your Rate

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Payment if Rates +2%

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Estimate only — not financial, lending, tax or investment advice. Figures use standard formulas and the assumptions you enter; your lender, accountant or lawyer will produce exact numbers for your situation. E. & O.E. Deposit structures vary by project — edit the percentages to match your agreement of purchase and sale. Development charges and adjustments vary widely; ask your lawyer whether yours are capped. Interim occupancy fees (paid between occupancy and registration) are not included.

Why pre-construction cash planning matters more

Unlike resale, a pre-construction purchase spreads your deposit over months or years and then closes at whatever mortgage rates are in effect years after you signed — a rate you cannot know today. That’s why this planner shows your payment at your expected rate and at 2% higher: if the higher number breaks your budget, you’re taking real rate risk. Uncapped development charges and closing adjustments can add five figures on top, so have your lawyer confirm caps before you sign.

Buying in Etobicoke or along The Queensway? See the current pre-construction guide, and if you already own a pre-con unit and are weighing whether to close, hold or sell, get a live read with the condo value estimator.

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Let’s run your
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Contact Jatin

Pre-Construction Deposit & Closing Cost Planner — GTA Condos (2026)

Pre-Construction
Deposit Planner

Why pre-construction cash planning matters more

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actual numbers.

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Pre-ConstructionDeposit Planner

Why pre-construction cash planning matters more

Let’s run youractual numbers.

Office

Connect

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Contact Jatin

Pre-Construction
Deposit Planner

Let’s run your
actual numbers.