Selling Without a Realtor in Quebec: The Complete 2026 Guide
Quebec has the highest rate of private home sales in Canada — FSBO (known as vente sans courtier in French) is a well-established tradition in the province. DuProprio, Quebec's largest FSBO platform, has facilitated hundreds of thousands of private sales over the past 25 years.
That said, Quebec's real estate law is distinct from the rest of Canada. It operates under the Civil Code of Quebec rather than common law, and uses a notary (not a lawyer) for all property transfers. Here's what you need to know.
Is It Legal to Sell Without a Realtor in Quebec?
Yes — and it's extremely common. The Real Estate Brokerage Act governs licensed brokers in Quebec but does not require property owners to use one. Quebec has one of the most active private-sale cultures in Canada, with an estimated 15–20% of residential sales occurring without a broker.
Mandatory Disclosure: Déclaration du Vendeur
Quebec law requires sellers to complete a Déclaration du vendeur (Seller's Declaration), which discloses known defects and material information about the property. This is not optional — it is a legal obligation under the Civil Code.
The declaration must disclose:
- Water infiltration or flooding history
- Known structural defects (foundation, roof, framing)
- Presence of pyrite, radon, asbestos, or other environmental issues
- History of oil tank removal or contamination
- Unapproved or non-compliant renovations
- Disputes with neighbours or co-owners
- Any legal proceedings affecting the property
- Condominium-related issues (for co-ownership properties)
The Notary — Quebec's Required Legal Professional
In Quebec, a notary (notaire) — not a lawyer — is required for all property transfers. The notary prepares the deed of sale, conducts the title search, handles the mortgage payout, and registers the transfer at the Registre foncier du Québec (land registry).
Key difference from other provinces
In BC and Ontario, either a lawyer or notary can handle the closing. In Quebec, only a notary can prepare the deed of sale and register it. Budget $1,200–$2,000 for Quebec notary fees on a standard residential transaction.
Typically, the buyer's notary handles the closing — but as the seller, you have the right to choose your own notary for any work related to your interests (mortgage payout, reviewing documents). Having your own notary review documents before signing is strongly recommended for FSBO sellers.
Welcome Tax (Droits de Mutation)
The Welcome Tax is paid by the buyer, not the seller. However, being familiar with it helps you answer buyer questions — especially buyers relocating from other provinces who may not know about it:
| Property Value | Welcome Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| First $58,900 | 0.5% |
| $58,901 – $294,600 | 1.0% |
| $294,601 – $552,300 | 1.5% |
| Over $552,300 | 2.0% |
| Over $1,104,700 (Montreal) | 3.0% (Montreal only) |
Some Quebec municipalities add their own surtax above the provincial rates — Montreal applies 3% on the portion above $1,104,700.
Co-Ownership (Condominium) Sales in Quebec
For divided co-ownership (condominiums), you must provide the buyer with:
- Declaration of co-ownership (acte constitutif de copropriété)
- Current co-ownership budget and financial statements
- Contingency fund (fonds de prévoyance) balance
- Meeting minutes from the last 3 years
- Any pending special assessments
- Building inspection report (if the co-ownership has one)
The buyer typically has a 10-day rescission period after signing the promise to purchase for condominiums, during which they can review co-ownership documents and withdraw without penalty.
Language Requirements
Quebec's Charter of the French Language (Bill 101) requires that all contracts and documents related to real estate transactions in Quebec be available in French. Your purchase contract (promesse d'achat), deed of sale, and disclosure documents should all be in French — or bilingual with a French version.
Your notary will ensure all closing documents comply. For your listing and marketing materials, French is standard in Quebec, though bilingual listings are common in Montreal and the Eastern Townships.
Quebec FSBO Seller Checklist
Before Listing
- Complete Déclaration du vendeur (Seller's Declaration)
- Gather co-ownership documents (if applicable)
- Confirm zoning compliance and any municipal notices
- Obtain a pre-listing home inspection (optional but builds buyer confidence)
- Book professional photographer
- Research comparable sales on Centris, Zolo, or local real estate sites
- Engage a Quebec notary before listing
Receiving Offers
- Use a standard promesse d'achat (promise to purchase) form — your notary can provide one
- Have your notary review all documents before signing
- Confirm deposit held in trust (typically by buyer's notary or brokerage)
- Be aware of rescission periods for co-ownership sales
At Closing
- Buyer's notary prepares the deed of sale (acte de vente)
- Deed registered at the Registre foncier du Québec
- Mortgage payout handled through notary trust
- Welcome Tax paid by buyer at closing
- Keys and possession on agreed date
How to Get MLS®/Centris Exposure Without a Broker in Quebec
In Quebec, the main real estate search platform is Centris.ca (controlled by the QPAREB — Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers). Full Centris access typically requires using a licensed broker.
FSBO sellers in Quebec have a few options:
- DuProprio — Quebec's established FSBO platform with its own buyer search audience
- Flat-fee broker listing — hire a broker at a flat fee just for Centris access while managing the sale yourself
- OwnerListed — national MLS® exposure including Realtor.ca, which syndicates across Canada and reaches buyers outside Quebec
For maximum exposure in Quebec, combining a local platform like DuProprio with national MLS® coverage reaches the broadest possible buyer pool.
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