There _is_ a probate fee in certain provinces. In Ontario, depending on the size of the estate, it can reach 1.5% of the value of the estate.
Gifting any property is a disposition. Capital gains tax is triggered to the donor. If the house has always been the parent's principal residence, the property will be exempt of capital gains tax. Regardless, the property will be transferred with an Adjusted Cash Basis equal to the market value on the date of transfer.
If the parents continue to live in the house, the child will not be able to claim the house as principal residence. This has serious tax implications as well in a future sale.
Dying triggers a "deemed disposition" with the same effect as above.
So, if you believe the real estate market is at a low right now, it would be in the child's best interest NOT to receive the property until a later date, when the ACB will be higher, and therefore the capital gain on a future sale of the property will be lower.
Gifting any property is a disposition. Capital gains tax is triggered to the donor. If the house has always been the parent's principal residence, the property will be exempt of capital gains tax. Regardless, the property will be transferred with an Adjusted Cash Basis equal to the market value on the date of transfer.
If the parents continue to live in the house, the child will not be able to claim the house as principal residence. This has serious tax implications as well in a future sale.
Dying triggers a "deemed disposition" with the same effect as above.
So, if you believe the real estate market is at a low right now, it would be in the child's best interest NOT to receive the property until a later date, when the ACB will be higher, and therefore the capital gain on a future sale of the property will be lower.