Buying property à Montréal with a dedicated expert

The following purchase price benchmarks are based on data from the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB/APCIQ) and Centris, covering the Montréal Census Metropolitan Area (CMA).

• Single-family homes (detached and semi-detached): Median price in the Montréal CMA reached CAD 625,000 in July 2025 (+7% year-on-year) (source: APCIQ, August 2025). On the Island of Montréal specifically, the average price in Q1 2025 was CAD 952,991 (+4% vs. Q1 2024) (source: Centris/QPAREB, Q1 2025). By February 2026, the median stood at CAD 639,000 across the CMA (source: Elite Real Estate Group, February 2026).
• Condominiums (apartments): Median price in the Montréal CMA was approximately CAD 430,000 in February 2026 (source: Elite Real Estate Group). The island-wide average in Q1 2025 was CAD 544,197 (+4% vs. Q1 2024) (source: Centris/QPAREB). In September 2025, the median on the island reached CAD 479,250 (+4% year-on-year) (source: QPAREB via Équipe LS).
• Plexes (2 to 5 units): The most distinctive property type in Montréal. Median price in the CMA was approximately CAD 850,000 in February 2026 (source: Elite Real Estate Group). On the island, the median reached CAD 885,000 in September 2025 (+5% year-on-year) (source: QPAREB via Équipe LS). Plexes have shown the strongest price growth among all segments.

Prices vary considerably by borough and neighbourhood. Entry-level condominiums in peripheral areas of the island can be found below CAD 350,000, while luxury properties in Outremont, Westmount, or Mont-Royal regularly exceed CAD 2,000,000.

When purchasing property in Montréal, the purchase price is only one component of the total budget. Buyers must account for several additional costs that typically add 3% to 5% of the purchase price on top of the agreed sale price.

• Property Transfer Duties ("Welcome Tax" / Droits de mutation): Montréal applies a progressive bracket system. As of 2025, the rates are: 0.5% on the first portion of the tax base, 1% on the next bracket, 1.5% on amounts up to a certain threshold, then higher rates — up to 3% or more — on amounts exceeding higher brackets. For a property with a tax base of CAD 700,000, the City of Montréal example calculation yields approximately CAD 9,349 in transfer duties. Always verify current brackets with your notary, as rates are updated annually by the City of Montréal (source: Ville de Montréal, 2025).
• Notary fees: In Québec, a notary is legally required to handle the deed of sale and mortgage registration. Fees generally range from CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,500 depending on the complexity of the transaction (source: livabl.com, 2024).
• Home inspection fee: Typically CAD 400 to CAD 800 for a standard residential property.
• Mortgage insurance (CMHC): If the down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) mortgage loan insurance is mandatory. The premium ranges from 2.8% to 4% of the insured mortgage amount and is usually added to the mortgage.
• Property tax adjustment: At closing, the buyer reimburses the seller for any prepaid municipal and school taxes on a pro-rata basis.
• GST/QST: New construction properties are subject to GST (5%) and QST (9.975%). Resale properties are generally exempt, though partial rebates may apply for new builds.

There is no additional municipal surcharge or speculation tax specific to non-residents purchasing in Montréal, unlike Toronto or Vancouver. Capital gains on the sale of a principal residence are exempt from Canadian income tax; gains on investment properties are taxable at the applicable rate.

Due diligence is a critical phase of any property purchase in Montréal. Buyers should conduct the following verifications before waiving conditions:

Technical verifications

• Pre-purchase building inspection: Mandatory in practice. As of October 1, 2024, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) issues certificates to residential building inspectors. Full mandatory certification for all inspectors takes effect October 1, 2027 (source: RBQ, 2024). The inspection covers structure, roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, insulation, and visible defects.
• Environmental assessment: For older properties or those on former industrial land, a Phase I environmental site assessment may be advisable to identify soil contamination risks.
• Pyrite and pyrrhotite testing: Relevant for properties built in certain periods and regions of Québec; a specialist test may be warranted depending on the property's age and location.

Legal and administrative verifications

• Title search (Registre foncier): The notary searches the Québec Land Register to confirm the seller's ownership, identify any hypothecs (mortgages), servitudes, or other encumbrances on the title.
• Certificate of Location (Certificat de localisation): Confirms the property's boundaries, the location of buildings, and compliance with municipal zoning. If the existing certificate is outdated, the seller may be required to provide a current one.
• Municipal zoning and compliance: Verify that the property and any improvements comply with Montréal's zoning bylaws. The municipality can reveal notices of non-compliance or required works (source: Miller Thomson, commercial due diligence guide).
• Condominium syndicate documents: For condo purchases, review the declaration of co-ownership, recent general meeting minutes, financial statements, contingency fund study, and any pending special assessments.
• Seller's disclosure: In Québec, sellers are legally required to disclose known defects. Review the seller's declaration carefully and cross-reference with the inspection report.
• Heritage and historic designations: Some Montréal properties are subject to heritage protection rules that restrict renovations. Verify with the borough before purchasing.

Negotiating a property purchase in Montréal requires a clear understanding of current market conditions, which have favoured sellers across most segments in recent years.

Market context: Montréal remains a seller's market with fewer than 8 months of inventory across most property types (QPAREB definition). In July 2025, approximately 11% of sellers obtained a price at least 5% above the original listing price, a figure consistent with the previous year (source: APCIQ, August 2025). Multiple-offer situations are common, particularly for well-priced single-family homes and plexes in sought-after neighbourhoods.

Key negotiation strategies for buyers:

• Obtain mortgage pre-approval before making an offer: A pre-approval letter demonstrates financial credibility and can strengthen your position in a competitive situation.
• Limit or waive conditions strategically: In a competitive market, offers with fewer conditions (e.g., a shorter inspection period or a pre-offer inspection) are more attractive to sellers. However, waiving the inspection entirely carries significant risk and should be approached with caution.
• Set a firm maximum price: Emotional overbidding is a documented risk in Montréal's competitive market. Establish your ceiling before viewing properties and adhere to it.
• Act quickly: Properties in desirable areas sell fast. Average days on market for single-family homes dropped to approximately 41 days in Q1 2026 (source: APCIQ, April 2026).
• Condo segment offers more room: The condominium segment is approaching balanced conditions with approximately 20% more listings than the previous year, giving condo buyers stronger negotiating leverage (source: Elite Real Estate Group, February 2026).
• Use a local broker: An experienced Montréal broker with access to Centris data can advise on realistic offer prices relative to comparable recent sales.