Jump to a section
A job transfer, a return home or a family move can mean buying a house in St. John's before you live here. It can be done. It takes a clear process, the right local professionals and more questions than you would ask in person. This guide covers the buying side only. For settling in, from utilities to health cards, see our newcomer checklist for moving to St. John's. This is general information, not legal advice. Ask your lawyer about your situation.
Rent first or buy before you arrive?
There is no single right answer. Buying before you arrive means one move, a home ready on day one and no lease to break. Renting first lets you learn the neighbourhoods, the hills and the winter before you commit, but you move twice. If you are unsure which part of the city suits you, renting for a while is a reasonable choice. Our guide to renting an apartment in St. John's explains how tenancies work here.
Shortlisting neighbourhoods remotely
The City of St. John's groups the city into 29 neighbourhoods and publishes a profile for each. City of St. John's neighbourhood profiles Use them to narrow your list before you look at homes.
Commute and transit
Map your commute from each area at the time of day you will travel. If anyone in your household will rely on the bus, check routes too. See getting around St. John's.
Schools and healthcare access
Families should check school zones and childcare options early. Read our guides to schools and childcare and healthcare in St. John's.
Weather exposure: hills, wind and snow-clearing routes
Weather shapes daily life here. A steep driveway, an exposed hilltop or a street that is cleared late can matter more than an extra bedroom. Read St. John's weather and seasons before you decide.
Viewing homes you can't visit
What to ask about when you can't view in person
When you can't walk through a home yourself, ask more specific questions and request clear photos or documents:
- The age and condition of the windows and roof.
- Signs of moisture in the basement, and whether it has ever flooded.
- Whether there is an oil tank, where it is and how old it is.
- The type and age of the electrical panel and wiring.
- The heating system and recent heating costs.
Using the listing and public records
Read the full MLS® listing, then check the property tax. The City of St. John's 2026 residential mill rate is 9.1 mills with water and sewer services, 8.6 with one of the two, and 8.1 with neither. The 2026 water tax is $700, and seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement get 25% off. City of St. John's tax rates
Making a conditional offer from out of province
Financing, inspection and other conditions
Get pre-approved before you make an offer. Federally regulated lenders qualify borrowers at the higher of 5.25% or the contract rate plus 2%, for both insured and uninsured mortgages. Credit unions are not required to use this test. FCAC: preparing for a mortgage OSFI minimum qualifying rate Buying from away, conditions such as financing and a home inspection give you time to confirm what you can't see for yourself.
Deposits and how funds move
Your deposit and closing funds are normally paid through a lawyer's trust account. Confirm payment instructions directly with your lawyer by phone before you send any money. Payment fraud can target buyers who are working remotely.
Inspection, insurance and lawyer, all remote
Hiring a local inspector and getting the report by video
Hire a local home inspector who knows older St. John's houses. Ask whether they can walk you through their findings on a video call and send a written report with photos.
Home insurance: oil tanks, older wiring and insurer questions
Talk to an insurer before you firm up your offer. Oil tanks, older wiring and the age of the heating system can affect whether you can get coverage and what it costs. Your lender will want insurance in place for closing.
NL lawyer: title search, registration and signing remotely
A Newfoundland and Labrador lawyer will search the title and register the purchase at the Registry of Deeds. Registration fees are set under the Services Charges Act. For a deed, the fee is $100 for up to $500 of value, plus $0.40 for each additional $100 or part of $100. A mortgage uses the same formula, capped at $5,000. Services Charges Act, SNL 2013 c.9 You can estimate fees with the province's Registry of Deeds fee calculator. Ask your lawyer how they will verify your identity and have you sign documents while you are out of province.
Closing day when you're not here yet
Keys and utilities hook-up
The closing date is set in your purchase agreement. Plan how you will get the keys, and set up power, heat and insurance to start on that date, even if you arrive later.
A relocation timeline
- Narrow your neighbourhoods and talk to a lender about pre-approval.
- Choose your REALTOR®, lawyer and inspector, and confirm they can work
with you remotely.
- Review listings, ask your questions and make a conditional offer.
- Complete the inspection, financing and insurance before you firm up.
- Sign with your lawyer and arrange your funds.
- Close on the date in your agreement, then collect your keys and move in.
For an estimate of total costs, see home buying costs in St. John's.
Common questions about buying from away
Can I buy a house in Newfoundland without seeing it in person?
Yes, it can be done. Ask detailed questions, rely on a local inspection and make your offer conditional so you have time to check what you can't see.
Do I need a Newfoundland lawyer if I live in another province?
The title search and registration happen at the Newfoundland and Labrador Registry of Deeds, so work with a lawyer who handles property in this province.
When does closing happen?
On the date set in your purchase agreement.
Should I rent first when I move to St. John's?
It depends on how well you know the city and how firm your plans are. Renting first gives you time to learn the neighbourhoods. Buying first saves you a second move.
How do I check property taxes on a St. John's home?
Use the City's published 2026 mill rates above, applied to the property's assessed value, and ask for the current tax figure in the listing details.
Sources
Official references checked October 16, 2026. Confirm what applies to your property with your lender, lawyer or municipality.
