Home Buying Guide
in Québec
Whether you’re buying your first home or are already familiar with the process, this guide walks you through every step, from pre-qualification to receiving the keys.
Buying a property in Québec is an exciting project, but the process can feel overwhelming when you’ve never done it before.How much can you borrow? What happens during a viewing? What is a promise to purchase?This guide answers all of these questions, step by step. And if you’d rather have personal support along the way, our brokers are here to help.
Step 1 : Define Your Budget and Get Pre-Approved
Before visiting any properties, you need to know how much you can afford to borrow. Mortgage pre-approval gives you a clear picture of your purchasing power and strengthens your credibility with sellers.
What you should prepare:
What you should prepare:
- Your proof of income (pay stubs, notices of assessment)
- Your down payment (minimum 5% in Québec for a property under $500,000)
- An overview of your existing debts (car loan, credit card, student loan)
Step 2 : Find the Right Property
Neighborhood, property type, number of bedrooms, proximity to public transit… your criteria are unique. Our search platform gives you access to all the agency’s listings, and your broker can further refine the selection based on your needs.
What your broker does for you:
What your broker does for you:
- Identifies properties that truly match your criteria (not just your filters)
- Alerts you as soon as a new listing comes on the market so you don’t miss opportunities
- Carefully reviews all key property documents to ensure there are no major issues and to avoid unnecessary visits
- Organizes viewings according to your schedule and the availability of the sellers and their broker
Step 3 : Make an Offer to Purchase
Once you’ve found the right property, your broker prepares a complete file that includes the offer to purchase. This legal document outlines the proposed price, the conditions, and the timelines. It is the most strategic step in the process.
Common conditions include:
Common conditions include:
- Obtaining mortgage financing
- A satisfactory pre-purchase inspection
- Review of the condominium documents and full documentation of the building’s management, if it is a condo
- Analyzes comparable properties to propose a fair price and help you avoid overpaying
- Drafts the conditions that protect you and ensure your legal protection
- Negotiates with the seller’s broker on your behalf
Step 4 : Inspection and Financing
Once the offer to purchase is accepted, two things happen in parallel: the inspector thoroughly examines the property, while your mortgage broker finalizes your mortgage financing.
The pre-purchase inspection covers:
The pre-purchase inspection covers:
- Structure and foundations
- Roofing, plumbing, and electrical systems
- Insulation and ventilation
- Signs of water infiltration or mold
Step 5 : Closing with the Notary and Getting the Keys
The notary verifies the property title, ensures there are no outstanding liens or hidden mortgages, and completes the legal transfer. Once the documents are signed, you receive the keys.
What to bring to the notary:
What to bring to the notary:
- Photo ID
- Proof of home insurance (required before signing)
- The remaining balance of your down payment (certified cheque or bank transfer)
- Notary fees: approximately $1,500 to $2,500
- Transfer tax (welcome tax): varies depending on the purchase price and municipality. You can estimate it with our Mortgage Calculator
- Municipal and school tax adjustments
Why Buy with a Guy Hoquet Broker?
An established network since 1994. A straightforward, people-first approach.
You can buy a property without a broker. But you would be navigating the process on your own, where every detail matters: the price (without access to recently sold comparables), the conditions, the timelines, and potential hidden issues (such as inaccurate square footage). A Guy Hoquet broker is there to protect your interests at every step.
What sets us apart:
All our brokers are certified by the OACIQ and follow its professional code of ethics.
What sets us apart:
- End-to-end guidance: from pre-qualification to getting the keys, with a single point of contact who knows your file. And even after the transaction, you can continue to rely on us.
- The expertise of the Guy Hoquet network: more than 30 years of real estate experience. Our methods have been proven through thousands of transactions.
- Local market expertise: our brokers know the neighborhoods, schools, shops, public transit, and pricing trends in your area.
- Transparency as a standard: no hidden fees, no pressure. You make the decisions, we handle the execution.
All our brokers are certified by the OACIQ and follow its professional code of ethics.
More Than a Transaction.
A Life Milestone.
FAQ
Does it cost anything to work with a broker when buying a property?
No. The buyer’s broker commission is paid by the seller. Our guidance and support come at no cost to you.