Buying Your First Home in Montreal, the West Island and Vaudreuil-Soulanges
By Spyros Papachristou, Residential and Commercial Real Estate Broker, Royal LePage Village, Real Estate Agency · Updated October 2026
Buying your first home: the questions buyers actually ask
Buying in Quebec works differently from the rest of Canada. Here are straight answers to the questions first-time buyers ask most often.
Do I need a lawyer to buy a house in Quebec?
No. In Quebec, a notary handles the transfer of ownership and registers the deed of sale. The buyer usually chooses the notary and pays the notary’s fees. Your notary is also your best resource for questions about title, warranties and the legal side of the deed.
What is the “welcome tax”?
It’s the common name for Quebec’s property transfer duty, billed by your municipality after you buy and usually based on the purchase price. Many first-time buyers forget to budget for it because the bill arrives a few months after closing. Check the municipality’s website or ask your notary for current figures because rules and calculations vary from one municipality to another.
What other costs should I budget for besides the down payment?
Plan for:
- notary fees
- the welcome tax
- a pre-purchase inspection
- home insurance
- adjustments for municipal and school taxes
- moving costs
- a cushion for repairs in the first year
How is the broker paid?
Broker compensation is set out in the brokerage contract. Before you sign, your broker must explain how they are paid and what the contract covers. Ask questions; that’s what the explanation is for.
Should I skip the inspection to win a bidding war?
I always recommend a full pre-purchase inspection. Waiving it is your decision, and it depends on your tolerance for risk. An inspection is your chance to understand the condition of the home before you’re committed. Before waiving it, talk it through with your broker and understand exactly what you’re giving up.
An owner’s perspective for your first purchase
I’ve owned and managed investment properties for more than 20 years. I look at a home the way an owner does: what it will cost to keep, what needs attention, and what it will be worth when it’s time to move on. I also live in the West Island, and I work in English, French and Greek.
Ready to start?