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Free property estimate →In Quebec, every real estate transaction must go through a notary. Unlike other Canadian provinces where lawyers handle closings, Quebec's civil law system requires a notary to authenticate the deed of sale. Understanding the notary's role and fees will help you budget properly and avoid surprises at closing.
⚖️ The Role of the Notary in Real Estate
A real estate notary in Quebec is a legal professional who acts as an impartial officer of the state. Their role goes far beyond simply signing papers — they ensure the entire transaction is legally sound and protect both buyer and seller.
✅ Title verification — Confirms the seller is the legal owner and the title is clear of liens
✅ Deed preparation — Drafts and authenticates the official deed of sale
✅ Land Registry — Registers the new ownership at the Quebec Land Registry
✅ Trust account — Holds funds in trust until all conditions are met
✅ Tax adjustments — Calculates prorated property taxes between buyer and seller
💡 Important distinction: in Quebec, the notary is chosen and paid by the buyer. The buyer's notary handles the deed of sale and title transfer. The seller may also need their own notary for the mortgage discharge.
💰 Notary Fees for Buyers: $1,200–$1,800
The buyer typically pays the notary for the closing. Fees range from $1,200 to $1,800, depending on the complexity of the transaction:
$1,200
Simple transaction (no mortgage)
$1,500
Standard transaction (with mortgage)
$1,800+
Complex (condo, multiple titles)
What's included in buyer notary fees
📝 Title search and examination
📝 Deed of sale preparation
📝 Mortgage deed registration (if applicable)
📝 Land Registry registration fees
📝 Copies and certifications
📝 Trust account management
⚠️ Budget extra: in addition to notary fees, the buyer also pays the welcome tax (transfer duties), which varies by municipality and property value. This can add $3,000–$8,000+ to your closing costs.
💳 Notary Fees for Sellers: $800–$1,200
Sellers in Quebec also have notary costs, though typically lower than buyers. The main expense is the mortgage discharge (radiation):
Mortgage discharge
Fee: $800–$1,200
Removes the lender's charge from the title
Additional costs
Power of attorney: ~$150–$300
If seller cannot attend closing
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Sell with a broker →🔍 How to Choose the Right Notary
Choosing the right notary can make your closing smooth and stress-free. Here's what to look for:
1. 🏢 Real estate specialization — Choose a notary who regularly handles real estate transactions
2. 💬 Ask your broker — Real estate brokers work with notaries daily and can recommend trusted professionals
3. 💰 Compare fees — Get quotes from 2–3 notaries to ensure fair pricing
4. 📅 Availability — Confirm they can meet your target closing date
5. ✅ Chambre membership — Verify they are a member of the Chambre des notaires du Québec
💡 Tip: don't choose a notary solely based on the lowest fee. An experienced notary can catch title issues that could save you significant legal headaches down the road.
📋 Documents Needed for Closing
Gather these documents before your closing appointment to ensure everything goes smoothly:
👤 Buyer documents
Valid government-issued ID
Proof of down payment
Mortgage pre-approval letter
Home insurance certificate
Void cheque (for mortgage)
🏠 Property documents
Certificate of location
Seller's declaration
Property tax statements
Home inspection report
Condo documents (if applicable)
⚠️ Certificate of location: this document is typically required to be less than 10 years old. If the seller's certificate has expired, a new one must be ordered from a land surveyor (cost: $1,500–$2,500). The seller usually pays for this.
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