Mortgages in Laurelwood
A west Waterloo community of detached homes near Laurel Creek Conservation Area. Here’s what buying there costs and which rules apply, before you compare lenders with one licensed mortgage professional.
Short answer
Laurelwood is in Kitchener-Waterloo, so Kitchener-Waterloo’s tax rates and Ontario’s rules apply. On a $750,000 home you’d need at least $50,000 down and $11,475 in land transfer tax ($7,475 for a first-time buyer). Property tax runs about $1,406 a year per $100,000 of assessed value.
Buying in Laurelwood
A west Waterloo community of detached homes near Laurel Creek Conservation Area.
Homes here are mostly built from the 1990s onward, with trails and schools nearby. Many buyers work in tech or at the universities.
What to know about a mortgage in Laurelwood
A mortgage professional who knows Kitchener-Waterloo can tell you how lenders view homes in Laurelwood, what appraisals tend to come in at, and which options fit your plans.
How NorthMerit can help
Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll connect you with one licensed mortgage professional who compares lenders for you. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.
What it costs to buy a $750,000 home in Laurelwood
| Repeat buyer | First-time buyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum down payment | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Mortgage insurance (added to the loan) | $28,000 | $28,000 |
| Sales tax on insurance (cash) | $2,240 | $2,240 |
| Ontario land transfer tax | $11,475 | $7,475 |
| Cash at closing | $63,715 | $59,715 |
Example price, not a local average. Minimum down payment and a 25-year amortization; legal fees, title insurance and adjustments are extra.
Kitchener-Waterloo rules that apply in Laurelwood
Kitchener-Waterloo’s 2026 residential property tax rate is 1.406% (City of Kitchener; the City of Waterloo’s 2026 rate is 1.432260%), about $1,406 a year for every $100,000 of assessed value. Source
Kitchener decided in 2022 not to bring in a vacant home tax. Source
Kitchener approved up to four units on most lots where singles, semis or street townhouses are allowed. Source
The City of Waterloo requires a licence for long-term rentals in low-rise buildings, including houses, semis, townhouses and basement units. Kitchener doesn’t have the same city-wide licence. Source
Sources
We checked these figures against official sources in October 2026. Rules and rates change, so confirm the details with your mortgage professional, lawyer or the source before you rely on them.
- Minimum down payment (Financial Consumer Agency of Canada)
- Mortgage insurance premiums (CMHC)
- Calculating land transfer tax (Government of Ontario)
- Land transfer tax refunds for first-time buyers (Government of Ontario)
- Kitchener-Waterloo property tax rates
- Kitchener-Waterloo: vacant home tax
- Kitchener-Waterloo: rental licensing
- Kitchener-Waterloo: additional units
- Region of Waterloo Affordable Home Ownership
Common questions
How much down payment do I need for a home in Laurelwood?
What property tax will I pay in Laurelwood?
Can I add a rental unit to a home in Laurelwood?
Who can help me get a mortgage in Laurelwood?
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