🎯 Calculate all your buying costs in 2 minutes
Free estimate: welcome tax, notary, CMHC and more
Buyer calculator →You have found your dream property and you know the purchase price. But how much do you really need to plan for on top of that? Between the welcome tax, notary fees, inspection and CMHC insurance, the bill can easily exceed $20,000. Here is the full breakdown for 2026, based on QPAREB median prices: condos at $428,000, single-family homes at $615,000 and plexes at $841,800.
1. Welcome tax (transfer duties)
The welcome tax is the largest expense after the down payment. It is calculated using progressive brackets on the higher value between the purchase price and the municipal assessment:
| Bracket | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 to $58,900 | 0.5% |
| $58,900 to $294,600 | 1.0% |
| $294,600 to $500,000 | 1.5% |
| $500,000 and above | 2.0% |
| Montreal: $2,000,000 and above | 3.0% |
Example: condo at $428,000
- $0 to $58,900 × 0.5% = $294.50
- $58,900 to $294,600 × 1.0% = $2,357.00
- $294,600 to $428,000 × 1.5% = $2,001.00
Total welcome tax (condo $428,000): approximately $4,653
Example: single-family home at $615,000
- $0 to $58,900 × 0.5% = $294.50
- $58,900 to $294,600 × 1.0% = $2,357.00
- $294,600 to $500,000 × 1.5% = $3,081.00
- $500,000 to $615,000 × 2.0% = $2,300.00
Total welcome tax (house $615,000): approximately $8,033
For a detailed calculation with Montreal brackets, see our article Welcome tax in Quebec 2026.
2. Notary fees
A notary is mandatory for any real estate transaction in Quebec. Expect between $1,500 and $2,500 depending on the complexity of the file. This amount includes:
- Title search and legal verifications
- Discharge of the seller’s existing mortgage
- Registration of the deed of sale at the land registry
- Certificate of location: if the seller does not provide one, the buyer must obtain a new one ($500 to $1,500)
Tip: Get quotes from 2 or 3 notaries. Fees are not regulated and can vary significantly from one firm to another.
3. Pre-purchase inspection
A pre-purchase inspection costs between $500 and $800 for a single-family home. For a plex, expect up to $1,000. While not legally mandatory, it is strongly recommended to detect hidden defects.
The inspector checks the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, insulation and signs of water infiltration. The report can save you from costly repairs worth thousands of dollars.
4. CMHC insurance (mortgage loan)
If your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price, you must take out mortgage loan insurance (CMHC, Sagen or Canada Guaranty). The premium ranges from 2.8% to 4% of the borrowed amount and is added directly to your mortgage balance.
| Down payment | CMHC premium | Example (house $615,000) |
|---|---|---|
| 5% ($30,750) | 4.00% | $23,370 |
| 10% ($61,500) | 3.10% | $17,158 |
| 15% ($92,250) | 2.80% | $14,637 |
| 20% and above | 0% (none) | $0 |
Note: The CMHC premium is added to your mortgage and does not require an immediate disbursement, but it increases your monthly payments.
5. Other costs to plan for
Moving
Expect between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on distance and volume. A local move with 2 movers costs about $1,200, while a long-distance move can exceed $3,000.
Property and school tax adjustments
The notary calculates a prorated adjustment between the seller and the buyer for taxes already paid or due. This amount varies depending on the closing date and can represent several hundred dollars.
Home insurance
Required to obtain a mortgage loan. The first annual premium ($800 to $2,000 depending on the property) must be paid before taking possession.
Utility connections
Opening a Hydro-Quebec account, transferring Energir (gas), Internet hookup. Some connections incur fees of $50 to $200.
6. Total budget: summary table
Here is an estimate of total costs for the three most common property types in Quebec, in addition to the purchase price (excluding CMHC insurance):
| Expense item | Condo $428K | House $615K | Plex $841K |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome tax | $4,653 | $8,033 | $12,568 |
| Notary fees | $1,500 | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Pre-purchase inspection | $500 | $650 | $900 |
| Certificate of location | $0* | $800 | $1,000 |
| Moving | $1,000 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Tax adjustments | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Home insurance | $800 | $1,200 | $1,500 |
| Connections / miscellaneous | $200 | $300 | $300 |
| Estimated total | ~$9,153 | ~$15,283 | ~$21,468 |
* Condos generally have a recent certificate of location provided by the association. Amounts are estimates for 2026.
✅ Key takeaways
- Plan for 3 to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs
- The welcome tax is the largest item (~$8,500 for $615K)
- CMHC insurance (if down payment < 20%) is added to the mortgage
- Ask your notary for a detailed estimate before signing
- Do not forget tax adjustments and moving costs in your budget
Calculate your buying costs in seconds
Our calculator estimates the welcome tax, notary fees, CMHC insurance and all costs associated with your purchase.
Buyer calculator →Related articles
Laval Real Estate Market 2026
Prices by neighbourhood, condo and house trends, REM impact and Laval vs Montreal comparison.
Mortgage Rates February 2026
Current 5-year fixed, variable and HELOC rates — what to expect when locking in your mortgage.
Mortgage Renewal 2026
How to renegotiate your mortgage at renewal, when to switch lenders and what payment shock to expect.
Restez informé du marché immobilier
Recevez nos analyses et conseils chaque semaine, directement dans votre boîte courriel.
Ready to buy?
Find an OACIQ-certified real estate broker to guide you through your purchase.