What commercial mortgage rates are available in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia commercial mortgage rates follow the national structure. Halifax's growing rental market and compressed cap rates have increased lender confidence. CMHC MLI Select is available and increasingly attractive given Halifax's housing supply shortage.

What is the Deed Transfer Tax on commercial property in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia municipalities charge a Deed Transfer Tax (DTT) on property transfers. The Halifax Regional Municipality charges 1.5% of the purchase price for commercial transactions. Other municipalities have varying rates. The DTT is an important closing cost to factor into commercial transactions.

How has interprovincial migration affected Halifax commercial real estate?

Halifax's apartment market has tightened significantly with net interprovincial migration from Ontario, BC, and Alberta. This has driven vacancy rates down and pushed cap rates from 6%+ to 4.5–5.5%. The market now attracts national institutional investors who historically ignored Halifax.

Is CMHC MLI Select being used in Nova Scotia?

Yes — CMHC MLI Select activity in Nova Scotia has grown with Halifax's rental demand. The program is particularly relevant for new apartment construction given Halifax's significant housing shortage and the economics of new development.

What commercial property types are active in Nova Scotia?

Halifax's university population (Dalhousie, SMU, MSVU, NSCAD) supports apartment buildings and student rental properties. Mixed-use development downtown Halifax is active. Industrial properties serving the port are stable.

Commercial Mortgage Province Guide 🏢

Commercial Mortgage Nova Scotia — Rates & Broker Matching (2026)

Nova Scotia's commercial real estate market, centered on Halifax, has seen significant appreciation over the past several years.

Halifax apt cap rates

4.5–5.5%

Deed Transfer Tax

1.5% (HRM)

Market trend

Compressing cap rates

University demand

4 universities in Halifax

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Nova Scotia Commercial Real Estate Market Overview (2026)

Nova Scotia's commercial real estate market, centered on Halifax, has seen significant appreciation over the past several years. Post-pandemic interprovincial migration has tightened rental markets across the province. Halifax apartment cap rates have compressed from 6%+ to 4.5–5.5% as investor interest has grown substantially. The province's university population, growing tech sector, and interprovincial migration all support strong rental fundamentals.

Commercial Property Types in Nova Scotia

Each property type has different financing terms, lender preferences, and market dynamics in Nova Scotia.

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Apartment Buildings

Purpose-built rental apartments. Cap rates in Nova Scotia: 4.5–5.5%. CMHC MLI Select available.

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Mixed-Use

Retail or office below, residential above. Financing terms depend on the income split.

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Retail / Commercial

Single-tenant and multi-tenant retail. Conventional 65–70% LTV. Lease quality is critical.

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Construction Loans

Ground-up development financing. Draw-based advances, interest only, converts to permanent.

CMHC MLI Select in Nova Scotia

CMHC MLI Select is available for purpose-built rental apartment buildings across all of Canada including Nova Scotia. The program offers up to 95% LTV and 50-year amortization — the most competitive commercial financing available in Canada.

95%

Max LTV

50 years

Max Amortization

5 residential

Min Units

Complete CMHC MLI Select guide →

Commercial Mortgage Brokers in Nova Scotia

Why Use a Commercial Broker

Commercial mortgage brokers in Nova Scotia have access to national banks, life insurance companies, pension funds, credit unions, and CMHC — sources you can't easily access directly. For CMHC insured programs, an experienced broker is essential.

What to Look For

Look for brokers with specific commercial real estate experience — ideally in your property type. Ask how many commercial transactions they complete per year and whether they have experience with CMHC MLI Select applications if relevant.

The LendGuide Difference

LendGuide connects you with licensed commercial mortgage specialists in Nova Scotia who have deep knowledge of the local market. Submit one inquiry — we match you with the right broker for your specific property and financing need.

Commercial Mortgage Nova Scotia — FAQ

Common questions from commercial real estate investors and developers in Nova Scotia.

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Connect with a licensed commercial mortgage broker specialising in the Nova Scotia market. Free consultation, no obligation.

Related Resources

Commercial Mortgage Hub →Apartment Buildings →CMHC MLI Select Guide →Construction Loans →Mixed-Use Properties →