🎯 Know the true value before negotiating
Free estimate based on recent comparables in your area
Estimate a property →According to the APCIQ, residential sales in Quebec dropped by 15% in January 2026 compared to the previous year. The median price of a single-family home stands at $615,000 (+4%), condos at $428,000 (+2%) and plexes at $841,800 (+8%). Despite rising prices, the drop in transaction volume creates a more balanced market — and more room to negotiate. With a policy rate at 2.25% and 5-year fixed rates around 3.69%, here is how to take advantage of this context.
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📊 Strategy 1 — Use recent comparables
Comparables are recent sales of similar properties (same type, same area, comparable size) over the past 6 months. This is the strongest and most objective argument to justify an offer below the asking price.
✅ Search for 3 to 5 recent sales within a 1 km radius
✅ Compare prices per square foot ($/sq ft)
✅ Present this data in your offer to support your price
💡 Tip: use CourtiConnect’s free estimator to get comparables in your area in seconds. Try the estimator →
🏛️ Strategy 2 — Compare price vs. municipal assessment
The municipal assessment is a public indicator of a property’s value. If the asking price significantly exceeds the municipal assessment (for example by 30% or more), it is a signal to negotiate.
⚠️ Caution: the municipal assessment does not always reflect the current market. It is updated every 3 years and may lag behind reality. Use it as one indicator among others, not as your sole reference.
⏳ Strategy 3 — Analyze time on Centris
The number of days a property has been on Centris is a key indicator of the seller’s motivation. The longer a property sits, the more likely the seller is to accept a lower offer.
30 d
Normal timeframe — little room
60+ d
Good negotiating leverage
90+ d
Strong leverage — motivated seller
💡 Did you know? With -15% in sales in January 2026, the average listing time is increasing. More and more properties exceed 60 days on Centris, which favors buyers.
🔍 Strategy 4 — The inspection as leverage
The pre-purchase inspection reveals defects that the seller may not always be aware of. Each identified defect is a factual lever for negotiation. The key: quantify the cost of repairs and request a credit or an equivalent price reduction.
✅ Roof replacement needed — $15,000 to $25,000 in leverage
✅ Cracked foundation — $5,000 to $15,000 in leverage
✅ Outdated plumbing — $3,000 to $10,000 in leverage
✅ Water infiltration — $5,000 to $20,000 in leverage
💡 Advice: check out our complete guide on pre-purchase inspections to know exactly what to look for. Pre-purchase inspection guide →
🤝 Strategy 5 — Offer flexible conditions
Price is not the only negotiable element. Favorable conditions for the seller can offset a lower price offer.
✅ Flexible possession date — Adapt to the seller’s schedule
✅ Offer subject to inspection only — Fewer conditions = more attractive offer
✅ Short financing deadline — Show that you are pre-approved
✅ Higher deposit — Signal of seriousness for the seller
⚠️ Caution: never waive the inspection condition to “win” a negotiation. Hidden defects can cost far more than the negotiated price difference.
📋 Strategy 6 — Defects disclosed by the seller
In Quebec, the seller must complete a seller’s declaration (mandatory form) that lists the known defects of the property. Each disclosed defect is a source of valuable information — and a legitimate negotiating lever.
✅ Read carefully each section of the declaration
✅ Quantify the cost of correcting each disclosed defect
✅ Include these amounts in your offer to justify a lower price
💡 Example: if the seller declares a moisture problem in the basement and the repair costs $8,000, you can legitimately ask for $8,000 less on the price or a credit at closing.
🛑 Strategy 7 — When NOT to negotiate
Knowing when not to negotiate is as important as knowing how to do it. In some situations, an aggressive offer risks losing you the property.
❌ Multiple offers — If several buyers are competing, negotiating downward eliminates you
❌ Seller’s market — When demand exceeds supply, the balance of power is reversed
❌ Recent and well-priced property — If comparables confirm the asking price, negotiating is not justified
❌ Rare dream home — If the property is unique and perfectly matches your criteria, the risk of losing it is too great
⚠️ Golden rule: negotiating aggressively in a multiple-offer situation can cost you the property. A competitive offer with good conditions is better than a low offer that will be rejected.
Estimate the real value before negotiating
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