Here's the answers to all questions about buying real estate and the steps to purchase, from searching for your dream home to submitting an offer.
The role of a notary in real estate transactions
In Quebec, all real estate transactions have to go through a notary. The buyer usually chooses which one to go to.
-
5 things to check before planning a home visitWould you like to go on an open house? Before visiting the site, it's best to confirm certain information with the owner.
-
How to calculate the Welcome Tax: Practical GuideFind out how to calculate the property transfer tax, better known as the “welcome tax,” in a few simple steps.
-
Buying a farm: What you need to know beforehandBefore buying a farm, it’s critical to understand the unique challenges involved in this lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know!
-
5 ways to prepare financially for your home-buying projectFind out in 5 steps how to prepare financially for your home-buying project and get closer to your goal.
-
Should you live in a city or the country?Should you live in the country or in the city? Here’s what you need to know to choose between these two living environments, which each have their advantages and disadvantages.
-
What is a preliminary contract?The preliminary contract defines the mutual commitments between the two parties when buying a new build or a property under construction. Find out more!
-
Buying in a flood-prone area: What you need to knowBuying a home in a flood zone is no small matter. Here's everything you need to know before buying a waterfront property.
-
Everything you need to know about the new-home guaranteeThe new-home guarantee, also known as the residential building guarantee, offers protection from construction defects and flaws.
-
Buying off plan: How to protect yourselfBuying off plan is a common practice that has several advantages, provided that you know how it works and all that is involved!
-
A complete guide to mobile homesBuying a mobile home is a creative way to acquire property in today’s real estate market. Here’s everything you need to know.
-
Everything you need to know about buying landBefore buying a parcel of land, it’s important to look over several documents to carefully assess its potential and make an informed decision.
-
Buying a duplex: Knowing the ropesBuying a duplex is an investment that offers many advantages, whether it’s to live with loved ones or rent it out.
-
How credit rating impacts a property purchaseWhether your credit rating is good, average or poor, find out what impact it has on a potential property purchase and what solutions are available to improve your score.
-
Common-law partners: What you need to know about buying a propertyLet’s take a look at the different scenarios for purchasing property as common-law partners, and for transferring or buying back a share. Get some practical tips for living together harmoniously.
-
Hidden defects: How to identify and prevent them and what to do about themTo avoid trouble down the line, it’s important to identify, prevent and respond to hidden defects when you decide to buy real estate.
-
How to decide whether you should buy a home or rentIt it better to buy or rent a property in Quebec? The answer: It depends! Read our short guide to learn the questions to ask yourself and the factors to weigh to make an informed decision.
-
Understanding the Canadian ban on non-Canadians buying real estateThe Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act has been extended until January 1st, 2027. Let’s look at the implications of the Act for buyers and sellers in the country.
-
The DuProprio app is backDuProprio is back with an all-new, revamped and improved mobile application. Download it now on your phone!
-
Making sense of mortgage foreclosures and bankruptcyDo you really know how mortgage foreclosure or bankruptcy works? Let’s look at the question together.
-
Property prices: Ranking of cities with the highest growth since 2020Since 2020, all residential property types gained in value, but single-family homes were most affected, experiencing a price hike of 41% on average in the province. It’s a good time to rank the cities in Quebec that experienced the strongest growth since then.
-
What are the expenses involved in buying a home?Whether or not you’re buying your first home, it’s important to understand what costs await, to avoid being caught short. Here are 15 expenses to consider when buying a house in Quebec.
-
3 things to think about before buying a cottagePurchasing a cottage requires as much forethought and preparation as buying a home. Here are three key points to consider before making the leap.
-
Buying a multigenerational homeMultigenerational homes, which have long been part of the Quebec real estate landscape, continue to draw interest. For those wanting to buy a house this year, here are the pros and cons of owning a multigenerational home.
-
Bill 5 on Real Estate Brokerage: The End of Double RepresentationThe Bill 5 is a means of regaining control of the market.It includes two significant amendments to the Real Estate Brokerage Act. Discover them!
-
Buying a home : Four shortcuts to avoidHomebuyers often feel both excited and worried. It's important to take some prudent steps to help prevent certain financial consequences and successfully wrap up the home-buying process.
-
How to buy a home in 2025With the right strategy, a buyer can realistically acquire their dream property in 2025. The key to a successful purchase, is get ready, get interested and be persistent!
-
4 tips for an energy-efficient homeNew homeowners often focus on redecorating as their first step toward settling in. But it’s important to start paying attention to energy efficiency as soon as you move in, so you can start enjoying the benefits immediately.
-
Buying a house in an overbidding contextBuying a house in a market where properties are selling like hot cakes is not always easy. Buyers—who may need to make offers on several properties before one is accepted—will have to arm themselves with patience.
-
Making the most of an open housePlanning on going to or organizing an open house soon? Read our team’s tips and make the most of this big event.
-
A 3D virtual tour lets you feel like you’re thereA 3D virtual tour is an ideal way to view a property, especially when you can’t go in person. This tool lets you continue your plans to buy or sell, while respecting the social distancing measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
-
Offer to purchase: the 72-hour clause explainedFind out what your options are if the conditions of an offer to purchase are not forthcoming. In some cases, the seller can continue to look for a new buyer.
-
The legal warranty: Protection against hidden defectsThe legal warranty in real estate offers the buyer protection in the event of hidden defects. Find out more in our article!
-
The difference between a seller’s and a buyer’s marketLearn the key differences between a buyer's and seller's market and adapt your approach to each situation.
-
The offer to purchase: A complete guide to a successful real estate purchaseThe offer to purchase: explore our options and take the first step towards home ownership. Before you submit an offer, find out what's involved!
-
Who are the real estate professionals?Buying or selling a home is a wonderful venture, but it requires a little help along the way. There are several industry professionals who will help make sure your real estate project is a success.
-
Understanding the terminology used in mortgagesAbout to buy your first property? You’ll soon be talking about mortgages with financial advisers from various banks. Here’s a glossary to familiarize you with the terms and conditions you’ll be negotiating in your mortgage contract.
-
20 questions to ask when buying a houseFind out if a house really meets your needs and if it is in good condition with these 20 questions to ask during the tour.
-
Going from renter to homeowner: How much does it cost?Have you outgrown your apartment? Becoming a homeowner might be the solution. But you should be aware that this change will require a certain investment.
-
Buying a new or existing home: Which is right for you?New or previously owned? When it's time to buy, this is a question that comes up. Each choice has its own pros and cons.
-
Planning on buying a home? Get a mortgage prequalificationLooking for your first home but don’t know where to start? Knowing your borrowing capacity is the first step toward making your dream of owning a home a reality.
-
What is the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)?Good financial planning is important when you’re preparing to buy a house, since you need a down payment of 5% or more. Many first-time home buyers take advantage of the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to get there.
-
How to back out of an offer to purchaseFind out what you need to do if you want to back out of a home purchase offer. It is very difficult, but not impossible. Here are your options.
-
A building inspection: The best precautionUsing the services of a building inspector is probably the best precautionary measure you can take before buying a property. Although it’s not mandatory, a pre-purchase inspection will give the buyer peace of mind.
-
What if an inspection report reveals problems?Find out what to do as a buyer if an inspection report reveals defects. Withdrawal of the offer to purchase, negotiation: learn more!
-
A sale without legal warranty: What does it involve?Learn what a property sold “without legal warranty” means, often used in the sale of foreclosed homes or properties sold by the owner’s estate.
-
4 secrets to evaluate a home’s potential during a visitYou just visited a home and, at first glance, you just didn’t like it: the yard was neglected, the decor was straight out of a previous decade and the owner has put up heavy curtains that block all the light.
-
5 ways to know whether you’re an informed buyerWant to buy a house but are waiting for that golden opportunity? That’s great, but telling a great deal from a lemon requires at least a basic understanding of real estate.
-
Getting ready to apply for a mortgageHas the time come for you to meet a financial advisor or mortgage broker to apply for a mortgage? If so, you’ll need to provide certain information so they can assess your credit file and learn more about your financial situation.
-
Divided vs. undivided co-ownership: all the differencesDiscover the differences between divided and undivided co-ownership. Find the information you need and make the right buying decision with our guide!
-
Make an offer to purchase in 10 easy stepsYou’ve found your dream home and you’re ready to buy! Here’s how to make a formal offer to purchase to the owner in a few simple steps.
-
What you need to know about the declaration of co-ownershipThe Declaration of Co-ownership lists all the regulations governing the building of a divided co-ownership. Learn more about this document.
-
Buying a property in Quebec in 5 stepsThe steps to becoming a homeowner are not the same everywhere you go. Just within Canadian borders, these steps vary from one province to the next.
-
5 tips for visiting a home efficientlyVisiting a home is a natural step in the process of buying a property. Not only do you have to check whether it’s in good condition, but you also have to determine whether it meets your needs.
-
Plan your move like an expertThe best way to make your next move a painless experience is to be well prepared. Turn a difficult day into a productive one with these tips, which will help you work more efficiently, so you can enjoy your new home as quickly as possible.
-
Who pays for what at the notary’s?If you’re getting ready to go to the notary’s office, you are in the final stage of your real estate transaction. But who will have to pay the notary’s invoice? Whether you’re about to buy or sell a property, it’s better to be well-informed to avoid unpleasant surprises.
-
4 points to negotiate when buying a homeWhen preparing to write the Offer to Purchase for a home, the buyer must talk with the owner and reach an agreement on various points.
-
Which should come first: Selling your home or buying a new one?When planning to move, many owners wonder: is it better to sell your current home before looking for a new one, or to find a new place before selling? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
-
Top 4 Tips for Buying a CondoWithout a doubt, condos have taken on a new popularity in Quebec. Condominiums are quickly surpassing the traditional family home for first-time buyers.