Question 1

What are the costs of buying a house in Quebec?

Accepted Answer

The main costs include: down payment (5% to 20%+), transfer tax (welcome tax), notary fees ($1,500 to $3,000), pre-purchase inspection ($500 to $800), CMHC insurance (if down payment is less than 20%), and tax adjustments. Budget approximately 3% to 5% of the price in additional fees.

Question 2

How to calculate the welcome tax in Quebec?

Accepted Answer

Transfer duties (welcome tax) are calculated in brackets. In 2026: 0.5% on the first $62,900, 1% from $62,900 to $315,000, then 1.5% above. Several cities apply a higher rate above $500,000; in Montreal, the 1.5% rate runs to $552,300, then 2%, 2.5%, 3.5% and 4% in steps. For a $500,000 purchase, the duties are $5,610.50. Since 2026, a first-time buyer can recover up to $5,875 through a Quebec refundable tax credit.

Question 3

What is CMHC insurance and how much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) insurance is mandatory if your down payment is less than 20%. The cost ranges from 2.8% to 4% of the loan amount depending on your down payment. It is added to your mortgage balance.

Question 4

How much down payment to buy a house?

Accepted Answer

The minimum down payment is 5% for properties under $500,000, 10% on the portion between $500,000 and $999,999, and 20% for $1 million and above. A 20%+ down payment avoids CMHC insurance and reduces your monthly payments.

Question 5

How much are notary fees for a real estate purchase?

Accepted Answer

Notary fees for a real estate purchase in Quebec typically range from $1,500 to $3,000, including the notary's fees, disbursements (title searches, registration) and taxes. The exact amount depends on the complexity of the transaction.

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