Un quartier résidentiel typique de Magog.
1. The rental market
Magog's rental market is tight. Many properties are secondary residences rather than year-round homes.
Budget on average $950 to $1,300 per month for a 4½ (a two-bedroom apartment).
1bis. Housing prices by type
Here are the typical Magog ranges in 2026, rental and purchase combined. Prices vary mainly with lake proximity and season.
The market has been hot since 2020 — many Montreal buyers of secondary residences have pushed prices significantly. Expect intense competition for desirable properties, especially with lake views.
| Housing type | Typical price (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4½ rental | $950 to $1,300/month | Tight market |
| Single-family home | $350,000 to $550,000 | Depends on sector |
| Waterfront home | $800,000+ | Lake view or access |
| Suburban home | $280,000 to $400,000 | Outardes, Sainte-Catherine |
| Downtown condo | $200,000 to $350,000 | Smaller |
2. The standard Quebec lease
In Quebec, all leases use the official form from the Tribunal administratif du logement.
The standard rental period runs July 1 to June 30. Never sign without an in-person visit.
3. Beware of disguised seasonal rentals
In Magog, many owners rent their cottage by the week in summer or for the ski season. If you are looking for a year-round rental, make sure the lease covers 12 months.
The official TAL form is your best protection.
4. Where to look
The most-used sites are Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, RentBoard, and local Facebook groups.
Beware of listings that ask for a deposit before the visit — that is a common scam.
5. Essential utilities
Essential utilities and typical costs (2026):
- Electricity (Hydro-Québec): sole provider
- 4½: $100 to $200/month depending on season
- Heating: natural gas is rare — usually electric or oil
- Oil: $1,200 to $2,500/winter for a standard home
- Wood fireplace for backup heat: common, useful for cold nights
- Internet: Vidéotron, Bell, Cogeco, Maskatel — $50 to $90/month depending on speed
- Cable: works well downtown
- Rural sectors: can be slower
6. Tips for vacation rentals vs year-round leases
In Magog, distinguishing a year-round rental from a seasonal rental is crucial.
Pre-signing checks:
- Lease uses the official TAL form — refuse if not
- Duration: 12 months minimum — not a disguised seasonal lease
- Owner doesn't rent the property to tourists in summer
- Residentially-zoned address, not commercial tourist
Red flags:
- Suspiciously low off-season prices: may hide a drastic high-season increase
- Property active on Airbnb: risk that the owner asks you to leave during tourist weeks
Ask explicitly: « Is the property on Airbnb or another tourist platform? »
7. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions on Magog housing: median home price, signing a lease remotely, and peak demand season.
What's the median home price in Magog?
In 2026, median single-family home price in Magog: $350,000 to $550,000 depending on sector and proximity to lake/mountain.
Variations:
- Lake view or waterfront: $800,000+
- Suburban sectors (Outardes, Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley): $280,000 to $400,000
- Condo near downtown: $200,000 to $350,000
Market hot since 2020 — Montreal buyers of secondary residences have pushed prices significantly.
Intense competition for desirable properties.
Can I sign a lease in Magog remotely?
Strongly discouraged.
Magog has many photogenic properties that hide significant problems (insulation, mould, noise, parking).
Always visit in person OR have a trusted local friend visit and report back.
If you MUST sign remotely (international newcomer):
- Use the SANC Sherbrooke or a similar service
- Real-estate inspector: $300 to $500 for a pre-rental inspection
- Skype/FaceTime tour: demand that the landlord walks the entire unit — refuse if they decline
The official TAL form is your minimum protection but does not replace the visit.
What's the peak demand season for housing in Magog?
Two peaks:
- April-June: for July 1 (Quebec standard)
- November-December: ski-season rentals (some owners switch to seasonal here)
Off-peak (January-March, August-October): more flexibility, negotiations possible.
As a newcomer seeking a year-round rental: March-April is optimal:
- Less competition with seasonal renters
- Time to evaluate properties properly
- Softer prices than peak
Avoid signing in mid-summer (July-August) unless absolutely necessary — high prices and tourist activity make evaluation harder.
8. See also
To go further on settling in Magog:
- Read signing a lease in Quebec to break down every clause of the official form before signing.
- See first steps in Magog for the library, the 311 line and municipal services.
- Prepare your commute with getting around Magog to combine car, bike and shuttle to Sherbrooke.
9. Official sources
Author's Note: Search early — ideally March or April for a July move-in — to avoid competition with cottage buyers.
