- The notary examines the titles, drafts the deed of sale and the deed of loan, and registers the transaction in the land register.
- Notary fees are paid by the buyer; fees are not regulated, ask for an estimate.
- The welcome tax arrives by mail after the transaction; eligible first-time buyers then claim it from Québec.
What the notary does
In Québec, the sale of a property must go through a notary. They are impartial: they represent neither you nor the seller, they make sure the transaction is valid. They examine the titles to check that the seller is indeed the owner, that they have the right to sell, that their spouse consents if required, that the lot measurements are accurate and that no right of way has been forgotten.
They then draft the deed of sale and, if you are borrowing, the deed of mortgage loan. Once signed, they register everything in the land register: your ownership right becomes public, and your lender's too. In the promise to purchase, notary fees are the buyer's responsibility.
What you bring, and what gets adjusted
A few days before signing, the notary sends you the exact amount to deposit in their trust account: the balance of your down payment (the deposit already paid is deducted), their fees, the 9% tax on the loan insurance premium, and the adjustments. That amount is paid by bank draft or wire transfer, never in cash.
The adjustments are the apportionments provided in the promise: the municipal and school taxes the seller already paid for the period when you will be the owner, sometimes fuel or condo fees. You reimburse them pro rata. The notary calculates everything and shows you the detail.
Notary fees are not regulated: each notary sets their own rates. For a standard residential transaction, the ranges posted by Québec notaries in 2026 generally run from $1,500 to $3,000, registration fees included. Ask two or three notaries for a written estimate, and choose yours as soon as the promise is accepted.
The keys, and the weeks that follow
On signing day, bring a piece of ID and your proof of home insurance. The notary reads you the deed, answers your questions, you sign, and the keys are handed over on the occupancy date set in the promise, often the same day.
In the following weeks, the Ville de Gatineau sends you the transfer duties bill, the welcome tax. It is paid in full, within the stated deadline. If you are eligible as a first-time buyer, you then claim it on your Québec tax return: the refundable home ownership tax credit covers the first $5,000 in full and 25% of the rest, up to $5,875. Keep the bill and the receipt.
And then, it is yours. Address change, Hydro-Québec in your name, a reserve for the unexpected: CMHC recommends setting aside an amount each month for maintenance. The house starts working for you from the first payment.
Frequently asked questions
Who chooses the notary, the buyer or the seller?
The buyer, in the vast majority of cases, since they pay the deed of sale fees. The seller covers the repayment and discharge fees of their own mortgage.
Choose the notary early, bring the balance by draft or wire, have your proof of home insurance, and keep the welcome tax bill: eligible first-time buyers recover it from Québec, up to $5,875.
- Ask two or three notaries for a written estimate and choose one.
- Send the notary the accepted promise, your proof of insurance and the lender's contact details.
- Prepare the bank draft for the final amount a few days ahead.
- Plan the address change, Hydro-Québec and the move for the occupancy date.
Sources : OACIQ, Buyer's guide (your appointment at the notary's) · Ville de Gatineau, transfer duties · Revenu Québec, home ownership tax credit (2026) · Chambre des notaires du Québec
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