Acheter une maison au Québec — long parcours, immense satisfaction.
1. The down payment
Minimum down payment:
- Under $500,000: 5% minimum
- $500,000 to $1.5M: 5% on the first $500K, 10% on the rest
- Over $1.5M: 20% minimum
- < 20% down: mortgage default insurance is mandatory (CMHC/Sagen)
2. The mortgage and pre-approval
Mortgage pre-approval:
- Before you shop for a home
- Tells you how much you can borrow
- Locks the rate for 90 to 120 days
- Strengthens your offer to sellers
3. The hidden costs
Hidden fees (3-5% of the price):
- Notary: $1,500 to $3,000
- Inspection: $500 to $800 (essential!)
- Appraisal: $300 to $500
- Welcome Tax: 1 to 3% of price
- Moving + adjustments
4. The real estate broker
The real estate broker:
- Free for the buyer (the seller pays via the commission)
- Represents you in negotiation
- Handles complex paperwork
- Recommended especially for a first purchase
5. First-time buyer programs
Four main programs help first-time buyers in Quebec, from RRSP withdrawal without penalty up to the brand-new FHSA.
| Program | Benefit | Cap / value |
|---|---|---|
| HBP (Home Buyers' Plan) | RRSP withdrawal without penalty | Up to $60,000 |
| Federal first-time buyer tax credit | Federal tax reduction | Up to $1,500 |
| Quebec provincial first-time buyer credit | Quebec tax reduction | Similar to federal |
| FHSA | Dedicated home-purchase savings account | New since 2023 |
6. Your action list
Follow these steps to buy your first home in Quebec. Check each box as you go: your progress is saved if you are signed in.
- Save the down payment (minimum 5%)
- Get mortgage pre-approval
- Find a buyer real estate broker
- Visit several properties in person
- Make an offer to purchase conditional on inspection
- Schedule the inspection with a certified inspector
- Finalize the mortgage with your lender
- Sign at the notary (official deed of sale)
- Receive the keys + take out home insurance
7. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions on buying a home in Quebec: timeline from offer to keys, buying without Canadian credit history, condo vs single-family, what happens if inspection fails, and annual municipal taxes.
How long between accepted offer and getting the keys?
Typically 45 to 90 days. Breakdown:
- 1 to 2 weeks for inspection + financing approval
- 2 to 4 weeks for the mortgage to be finalized
- 1 to 2 weeks for the notary to prepare documents
- Then the closing date you agree on with the seller
A cash buyer with pre-approved financing can close in 30 days; first-time buyers needing CMHC mortgage insurance and a full inspection cycle usually take 60 to 75 days.
Can I buy without Canadian credit history?
Yes, but it is harder. Newcomers under 5 years can qualify for the « New to Canada Program » offered by major Canadian banks:
- Typical down payment of 20 to 35% instead of 5 to 10%
- Proof of income and good credit from your country of origin (when verifiable)
Alternative: rent for 12 to 18 months while building Canadian credit, then apply with a standard 5-10% down payment. CMHC and Sagen (private insurers) both offer newcomer mortgage programs.
Single-family or condo: which to choose?
Condos are:
- 30% cheaper to buy than an equivalent single-family
- No exterior maintenance (snow, lawn, roof handled by the syndicate)
- But with monthly fees ($200 to $600+) and subject to building decisions that you do not fully control
Single-family homes offer:
- Total control + larger yard
- But YOU bear all maintenance + 100% of property taxes
Newcomers often start with a condo for predictability, then move to single-family as the family grows.
What happens if inspection reveals problems?
With a well-drafted conditional offer, you have three options:
- Ask the seller to repair before closing
- Renegotiate the price downward by the repair amount (often the best route — typically $500 to $10,000 reductions)
- Withdraw the offer without penalty
The inspection report is your leverage. Major red flags: foundation cracks, roof past lifespan, electrical issues (knob-and-tube wiring), or basement pyrite (common in certain Quebec regions — $30,000+ to remediate).
How much are annual municipal and school taxes?
Combined property tax in Quebec is typically 0.8 to 1.4% of municipal assessment value per year.
- A $400,000 home in Montreal: ~$4,500/year
- Same home in Lévis or Trois-Rivières: ~$3,500/year
Includes municipal services (garbage collection, snow clearing, parks) + a small school tax (~$200 to $400/year).
Taxes payable in 2 or 4 instalments. Most owners include them in the monthly mortgage payment via the « taxes en garde ».
8. Official sources
For official information:
9. See also
These related guides may be useful:
- Build your Canadian credit in Quebec — the score that determines your mortgage rate and how much you can borrow.
- Signing a lease in Quebec — the alternative path for the first years before you have enough down payment + credit history.
- Home insurance in Quebec — mandatory as soon as you take possession of the home; required by the mortgage.
Author's Note: Take your time. Buying a home is the biggest financial decision of your life. A month of waiting is better than a lifetime of regret.
