Your real estate questions
Frequently Asked Questions
General answers for buyers, sellers and tenants in Montreal, with links to the official sources. Every situation is different: for advice on yours, talk to us, your notary or your lender.
Buying
Buying a property
Should I get a mortgage pre-approval before visiting properties?
Yes, it is a sensible first step. A pre-approval shows the maximum mortgage a lender could offer you, helps you estimate your payments and may hold an interest rate for 60 to 130 days, depending on the lender. It does not guarantee the loan: the lender still has to approve you and the property. Talk to your lender or mortgage broker about your situation.
How much down payment do I need?
In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% for a price of $500,000 or less; 5% of the first $500,000 plus 10% of the portion above it, up to $1.5 million; and 20% at $1.5 million or more. With less than 20% down, mortgage loan insurance is required. Your lender confirms the amount for your purchase.
What is the welcome tax, and how much is it in Montreal?
The welcome tax is the property transfer duty a buyer pays to the municipality after the purchase. It is calculated on the highest of the price paid, the price stated in the deed of sale and the assessed value multiplied by the comparative factor. In the City of Montréal, 2026 rates rise by bracket from 0.5% on the first $62,900 to 4% above $3,113,000; the City’s example for a $700,000 base comes to $9,349. Other municipalities may use different rates.
Source: City of Montréal (2026 rates) · Gouvernement du Québec
Are there programs for first-time buyers?
Two federal programs can help. The Home Buyers’ Plan lets eligible first-time buyers withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSPs to buy a home, and the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) lets you save toward a first home with tax advantages. Conditions and repayment rules apply, so check the details with your financial institution or tax adviser.
Source: Canada Revenue Agency: Home Buyers’ Plan · Canada Revenue Agency: FHSA
What is a brokerage contract to purchase, and do I need one?
It is the mandatory OACIQ form that sets out the property you are looking for, what your broker will do for you and how the broker is paid. A broker can only represent you and defend your interests in a residential purchase if you have signed one. Without it, a broker must treat you fairly and inform you objectively, but does not represent you.
Source: OACIQ
Can you help me buy a property listed by another broker?
Yes. Our help is not limited to properties listed by our team: with a brokerage contract to purchase, we can represent you for properties listed by other brokers on Centris. Since June 10, 2022, the same broker cannot represent both the buyer and the seller in a transaction; if that situation comes up, we explain the arrangements the rules require before you go further.
Source: OACIQ
Should I have the property inspected?
In most cases, yes. A broker must recommend a complete inspection by a building inspector or professional you choose, and the promise to purchase can be made conditional on it. If the report reveals serious problems, the conditions in your promise set out your options. Waiving the inspection is generally appropriate only in special cases, such as a building that will be replaced or substantially renovated.
Source: OACIQ
What should I check before buying a condo?
For a divided co-ownership, review the declaration of co-ownership and its by-laws, the minutes of meetings, the financial statements, the insurance and the contingency fund. Since August 14, 2025, the seller must also give you a certificate from the syndicate on the condition of the co-ownership, with figures such as the contingency fund balance, condo fees and the budget. Review it with your broker and notary before your conditions expire.
Source: OACIQ
Do I need a notary to buy a property?
In practice, yes. In Quebec, a notary prepares and signs the deed of sale and, if you have a mortgage, the deed of hypothec. The notary examines the titles to confirm the seller can sell, holds the money in a trust account, pays debts registered against the property and registers the sale in the land register. The buyer usually chooses the notary.
Source: Éducaloi
Selling
Selling a property
How do I find out what my property is worth?
A broker compares your property with recent sales of similar properties nearby and considers its condition, location and features to form an opinion of market value. The municipal assessment is used to calculate property taxes and can differ from the price a buyer will pay. We offer a free evaluation, with the reasoning explained and no commitment to sell.
When is the best time to sell?
There is no single best month. The right time depends on your property, your next move, your financing and the comparable properties on the market when you list. We review recent local sales and current listings with you before choosing a launch date, rather than promising a result tied to the calendar.
Which documents will I need to sell?
Plan for your deed of acquisition, a certificate of location that reflects the property as it is today, recent municipal and school tax bills and records of work done. For a condo, add the co-ownership documents and ask the syndicate for its certificate early: it has 15 days to provide it. You will also complete the Declarations by the seller form with your broker.
Do I need a new certificate of location?
Only if yours no longer reflects the property. A certificate of location is a land surveyor’s report and plan on the property’s current situation compared with its titles, the cadastre and the by-laws. After work such as an extension, a new shed or a pool, or a change in the rules, a new one may be needed. Order it early: it can take several weeks.
Do I have to disclose problems with my property?
Yes. With your broker, you complete the Declarations by the seller form, which describes the condition of the property in good faith and to the best of your knowledge. Buyers sign it with their promise to purchase, and a copy goes to their inspector. Complete and accurate declarations protect you as well as the buyer. For legal questions about your situation, talk to your notary or lawyer.
Source: OACIQ
Renting
Renting a home
Which lease is used to rent a home in Quebec?
Every new residential lease must use the mandatory form of the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL), whether it is for a room, an apartment, a condo or a house. If the lease is verbal, the landlord must give the tenant a mandatory written notice within ten days. The landlord must also state the lowest rent paid for the dwelling in the previous 12 months.
Source: Tribunal administratif du logement · Tribunal administratif du logement
Can a landlord ask for a deposit?
No. A landlord cannot require a security or key deposit, more than one month’s rent in advance, or post-dated cheques. Only the first month’s rent can be required in advance. At renewal, the landlord may propose a rent increase by written notice, which the tenant can accept or refuse; disagreements go to the TAL.
Source: Tribunal administratif du logement · Tribunal administratif du logement
Working With Us
Working with the team
Which languages do you work in?
We work in English, French and Chinese, and this website is available in all three. You can choose your preferred language on any of our forms. Every message reaches a broker on the team, and you can also call us at (514) 585-4360, every day from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Which areas do you serve?
The team works across the island of Montreal, from downtown Ville-Marie to Côte-Saint-Luc, LaSalle and the West Island, as well as in Laval and on the South Shore, including Candiac and Brossard. Our office is at 5250 rue Ferrier, Suite 801, in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.
How does the 3D Montreal map work?
The Montreal map shows the properties the team represents on an interactive 3D map of the city. Tilt and zoom to explore, then open any listing for its photos, price and details. Landmarks are modelled to help you find your bearings. It works on a phone as well as on a computer.
How do I start working with the team?
Choose the form that fits: send your search criteria from the Buy page, plan a sale from the Sell page, ask for a free evaluation, or write to us from the Contact page. We reply within one business day. Prefer to talk it through? Call (514) 585-4360 and ask for Frank or Moshé.
Buy · Sell · Free Home Evaluation · Contact
Still Have a Question?
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These answers are general information, not legal or financial advice. Tell us about your situation and a broker on the team will answer you.
Last reviewed: October 1, 2026