Buying a Home in Montreal

Buying a condo, house, duplex or triplex in Montreal involves financing, inspections, negotiations and a closing with a notary. A missed step can mean delays, extra costs or a failed deal. With 20+ years in the market, Lev Golberg helps you set a clear budget, compare options and manage the legal details - so you can focus on the right home.

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Property Options in Montreal

Montreal’s real estate market offers a wide range of choices:

Single-family homes

Stability, privacy and outdoor space (yard). Ideal for families, but with higher taxes and full maintenance responsibility.

Condos

Affordable entry into homeownership with low maintenance. Require careful review of condo rules, reserve funds and monthly fees.

Duplexes & Triplexes

Attractive for rental income, but subject to strict tenant rights in Quebec and zoning restrictions.

Lev helps clients compare not only price but also long-term value, financing opportunities and neighborhood growth potential.

Popular districts for buyers: Plateau, Griffintown, Old Port, Mile-End, Verdun and West Island. Suburbs such as Laval and Longueuil also attract families seeking more space at lower cost.

Required Documents for Buyers

To successfully complete a property purchase in Montreal, buyers must prepare several essential documents. Each of them plays a specific role in ensuring the transaction is secure and efficient:

Government-issued ID or passport – confirms your identity and is required for all legal and financial verifications.
Mortgage pre-approval letter – shows sellers that your financing is already secured, making your offer stronger and more credible.
Proof of income or employment confirmation – reassures lenders and sellers of your financial stability and ability to repay the mortgage.
Deposit terms as written in the Promise to Purchase; the deposit is paid to a trust account and is separate from your down payment. Timing and amount are set in the offer (commonly 24–72h after acceptance).
Insurance confirmation before notary signing – ensures the property is protected and is a mandatory requirement before the final transfer of ownership.

By preparing these documents in advance, buyers avoid delays, build trust with sellers, and move toward a smooth, stress-free closing.

The Promise to Purchase (Offer)

In Quebec, every transaction is based on the Promise to Purchase. Once signed, it becomes legally binding. Key elements include:

Price, inclusions and exclusions

Timelines for financing, inspection and notary signing

Occupancy date

Clauses for renovations, repairs or seller obligations

Lev ensures the Promise to Purchase protects the buyer with the right conditions for financing, inspections and inclusions.

For new construction, the Civil Code requires a preliminary contract instead of the Promise to Purchase used in resales.

Legal and Financial Checks (Due Diligence)

Due diligence is critical to avoid hidden problems. Buyers should always review:

Title search and debt/encumbrance checks – confirm ownership and check for debts or liens
Property inspection – uncover structural or system issues before closing
Zoning compliance & use – critical for duplex/triplex and short-term rental expectations
Condos review: declaration of co-ownership, by-laws, minutes, financial statements, reserve fund, upcoming works, any special assessments (your broker ensures access before you make an offer). These help you assess the financial health of the condominium and anticipate possible future expenses.

Proper due diligence gives buyers leverage to renegotiate, request repairs or, if needed, walk away.

Financing and Mortgages

Most buyers rely on a mortgage. Key points to review include:

Interest rates and repayment terms

Penalties for early repayment

Insurance obligations required by lenders (e.g., proof of home insurance before signing)

Appraisal, administrative or hidden fees

Lev works with trusted banks and mortgage brokers to secure financing that matches both budget and long-term plans.

The Role of the Notary in Quebec

Every property purchase in Quebec must be finalized before a notary. Their responsibilities include:

Drafting and registering the Deed of Sale

Verifying title and coordinating fund transfers and discharges.

A Quebec notary is an impartial public officer; buyers typically choose the notary.

Lev ensures that all conditions and details are verified in advance, so closing day is smooth and secure.

Common Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

Signing an offer (Promise to Purchase) without protective conditions

Ignoring condo fees or upcoming assessments

Overlooking zoning restrictions/tenant-law impacts for plexes and other rental properties

Skipping a professional inspection

Avoiding these mistakes saves buyers time, money and stress.

Lev Golberg’s 10-Step Process

Needs & Goals

Purpose (home/investment/first home), budget, timelines; broker duties and transparency rules in Quebec; conflict-of-interest check.

Mandatory Paperwork

Contrat de courtage – Achat (buyer-broker agreement) + disclosure form; cooperation consent if needed.

Buyer Readiness

Mortgage pre-approval, overview of the end-to-end process, ownership types (condo/plex), condo rules & seller’s declaration basics.

Search & Market Scan

Personalized Centris search profile; area analysis; shortlist with pros/cons; early review of taxes/fees and condo/HOA context.

Showings

Scheduling and guided tours; red-flag spotting; reminding sellers’ Déclaration du vendeur (DV).

Offer (Promesse d’achat)

Pricing strategy; buyer-protective clauses (inspection, financing, condo docs, sale of current home, bank appraisal); negotiation of both price & terms.

Conditions (Due Diligence)

Organize inspection; analyze report; negotiate repairs/credits; provide docs to lender; review condo minutes/financials/reserve fund.

Deal Prep

Track all deadlines; build and send the file to the notary; clarify closing costs (notary, welcome tax).

Closing (Acte de vente)

Meet at the notary; verify title/figures; sign; keys/funds exchange.

Post-Close Support

Answer questions after move-in; help interpret condo docs and recurring costs.

Why Work with Lev Golberg

Lev Golberg is a four-lingual Montreal real estate broker with more than 20 years of experience. He:

Reviews all documents before signing
Negotiates with sellers for better terms
Coordinates with banks, inspectors and notaries
Anticipates risks and protects clients at every stage

His knowledge of the Montreal property market and legal process ensures that buyers make safe and informed decisions.

Client Stories

“As first-time buyers in Plateau, we were nervous about hidden condo fees. Lev reviewed the condo board’s documents and flagged potential increases. Thanks to that, we avoided a costly mistake and found a better unit in Mile-End.”

“I was looking for a triplex in Verdun as an investment. Lev handled the zoning checks, lease verifications and negotiation. Within 45 days, I closed on a property that generates stable rental income.”

Ready to Buy?

Want to know how much your property is worth today?

Contact Lev Golberg Today – schedule a consultation and start your property search with confidence.

Coming soon: PDF Buyer Checklist. Leave your contact to receive it on release.

FAQ: Buying a Home in Montreal

Do I need a realtor to buy a home in Montreal?

The process is complex, and a realtor ensures that contracts, financing and inspections are handled correctly.

How long does the buying process take?

Usually 30–60 days, depending on financing approval, inspections and seller conditions.

Can foreigners buy property in Montreal?

Canada currently prohibits most non-Canadians from buying residential property until January 1, 2027, with specific exemptions (e.g., certain work/study situations). Check eligibility before you search.

What are the closing costs for buyers?

Buyers usually pay notary fees, inspection fees, property transfer tax (welcome tax) and insurance; your lender may require proof of insurance before signing.

What if problems are found during inspection?

With a proper inspection clause, buyers can renegotiate the price, request repairs or walk away without penalties.