When discussing notary fees at the sale, many confuse what the seller pays and what the buyer pays. In 2026, here is the exact breakdown of notary fees on the seller side in Quebec, with real prices observed.
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1. Total to budget — seller: $600 to $1,200
Seller-side notary fees
- Mortgage discharge: $400 to $700
- Lien removals (mortgage, lines of credit): $100 to $200
- Administrative fees and disbursements: ~$150
- Taxes (GST+QST): ~14.975% on total
- Estimated total: $600 to $1,200 incl. tax
These fees add to the brokerage commission (5% + taxes) and the prorated municipal/school taxes. See our dedicated article on the seller’s net proceeds.
2. Location certificate — at the seller’s expense
The Real Estate Brokerage Act requires the seller to provide an up-to-date location certificate. If yours is over 10 years old or if the property has been modified (shed, expansion, pool), a new certificate is required.
Standard house
$800-$1,200
Plex / commercial
$1,200-$1,800
Issuance time
15-30 days
3. Municipal and school tax adjustments
The notary calculates pro-rata taxes paid in advance by the seller. Example: if you paid $6,000 in annual taxes in January 2026 and sell on May 30, the buyer reimburses you 7/12 = ~$3,500via the notary. Conversely, if you still have an installment due, you pay the prorated portion up to the sale date.
4. Mortgage discharge — how it works
The discharge is the act that releases your house from the mortgage. The notary sends the balance owed to your lender on the signing day, receives the discharge and registers it at the Quebec Land Registry. Cost: $400 to $700 + lien removal fees (~$100).
If you also have a mortgage line of credit or 2nd mortgage, each claim requires its own removal (count +$100 per additional claim).
5. Choosing your own notary vs accepting buyer’s
The buyer usually chooses the main notary who drafts the deed of sale. The seller can either accept this notary (savings of ~$300-$500) or mandate their own notary for the seller-side signatures. For a sale without complications, accepting the buyer’s notary is generally enough. For estates, joint ownership or complex co-ownership, having your own notary offers more security.
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