Top 7 documents you need to sell your house
Last updated on February 4, 2026
Selling your home takes a lot of preparation. One of the most important things you need to do is get your hands on some important documents that will help you provide information to prospective buyers and finalize the transaction with the notary. Here are the top seven documents you’ll need. *But remember, this list isn’t exhaustive—you may need other documents, too.
Overview:
- Seller’s declaration
- Property tax statements and utility bills
- Declaration of co-ownership (if applicable)
- A copy of the purchase offer
- Location certificate
- Mortgage discharge
- Previous deed of sale or seller’s property title
1. Seller’s declaration
The seller’s declaration describes your home at the time of sale. It provides an overview of the condition and history of the property. The declaration is written to the best of the seller’s knowledge and is intended to provide key information to potential buyers. It contains everything that could affect the value of your property.
Download the document
Since July 1, 2012, the seller’s declaration has been mandatory for all sales of residential properties with fewer than five units. The form, which is officially called the Declarations by the Seller of the Immovable, is available on our website.
Since 1994, when the Civil Code of Québec came into effect, sellers have been required to report and disclose information about the current condition of their property to prospective buyers. This legal obligation was formalized on July 1, 2012, when the OACIQ made the seller’s declaration form mandatory for the sale of residential properties with fewer than five units. DuProprio provides the form to sellers so they can fulfill their legal obligation to prospective buyers.
2. Property tax statements and utility bills
When you’re selling your home, it’s important to have certain information on hand before putting your property on the market. Most buyers want to know the recurring monthly costs associated with the property, because those costs will affect their budget. This information can have a big effect on whether a prospective buyer decides to make an offer.
You should have:
- Your utility bills
- Your school and property tax statements
- Your rental agreements (including for the water heater)
- Statements for fixed expenses, like maintenance and the alarm system, if there is one
Making these documents available to prospective buyers helps build trust by giving them a clear picture of the expenses involved in owning the property.
3. Declaration of Co-ownership (if applicable)
A declaration of co-ownership has three parts:
- Constituting act of co-ownership
- Building by-laws
- Description of the fractions
The basic purpose of the declaration of co-ownership is to describe how a co-owned building is shared and administered. It also contains the cadastral description of the building’s private and common areas.
A declaration of co-ownership is mandatory for properties held in divided co-ownership and it’s a must when selling this type of property. Potential buyers will want to see it and go over the building’s bylaws before deciding whether to make an offer.
What about undivided co-ownerships?
An undivided co-ownership agreement is required for these types of properties. This agreement sets out the co-owners’ rights and duties, the rules for managing and using the property and rights to exclusive use. It governs the relationship between the co-owners, and it’s a valuable source of information for potential buyers about any special conditions that may apply to the property.
4. A copy of the purchase offer
When you’re selling your house, you’ll need a copy of the purchase offer, which is sometimes called a “promise to purchase.” It’s a contract in which the buyer formally agrees to purchase the property. It states that the seller agrees to sell the property if both parties agree to the terms of the contract. The notary will need this document in order to prepare the deed of sale.
Visit our website to download free PDF purchase offer templates for different types of properties.
Print a purchase offer template
5. Location certificate
A location certificate is prepared by a land surveyor and includes a plan and a report. It describes the property—including the lot, the main building and any outbuildings—and indicates its physical condition and legal status regarding the deed, the cadastre (Quebec’s land register) and current municipal laws and regulations.
A location certificate is essential for any real estate transaction in Quebec. It identifies irregularities, facilitates financing and work planning and certifies compliance for zoning, easements, restrictions and flood zoning. This is the document’s sole purpose, and it protects both the buyer and the seller by providing a professional opinion on the property’s current status.
Is your location certificate outdated?
Your location certificate must be less than 10 years old, even if your property hasn’t changed at all. Sometimes the notary may require a new location certificate if the current one doesn’t properly describe the current condition of the property. You can get a new location certificate by contacting a land surveyor in your area. Land surveyors are the only professionals authorized to produce them.
6. Mortgage discharge
If you took out a mortgage to buy your property, you’ll need to get a mortgage discharge when you sell it. It’s a document that confirms to the buyer that your mortgage has been fully repaid. It must be signed by your creditor and a notary, or in some cases a lawyer. This ensures that the title is clear and confirms that the lender has relinquished their rights to the property.
The creditor must discharge their rights and enter the discharge in the land register to ensure the property no longer serves as collateral for the seller’s debt. The mortgage discharge proves to the buyer that the property isn’t mortgaged and the title can be transferred without restriction.
7. Previous deed of sale or seller’s property title
The last document you need is the deed of sale. It’s prepared by the notary and officially seals the real estate transaction. It gives the buyer proof that they now hold the ownership rights.
Why is it important? In order to sell the property, the notary has to verify the chain of title to make sure you legitimately own the property and ensure it’s free of any encumbrances or restrictions. Basically, the deed of sale or property title is required to make sure you have the right to sell the property.
Use our checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything!
All of these documents will come in handy when you’re selling your home. You should also make copies of invoices for any major renovations or maintenance work done in recent years. They’ll show prospective buyers that your home has been well maintained and is in good condition. Plus, they’ll help justify the asking price.
Want to find out how DuProprio can help you sell your home? Call us at 1-866-387-7677 or watch our information videos to learn more about our services.
