Buying in Québec · from abroad
Buying in Québec, even from far away
You live outside Québec and want to buy here: a home to come back to, a cottage, a plex or a piece of land. Here are the rules to check before you start, and how the process works remotely.
- The federal rule on non-Canadian buyers, in plain terms
- Costs to plan for at purchase
- Search, live virtual visits and follow-up to the notary
Tell me about your project
Personal reply from Patrick · no obligation
Received. Thank you!
Patrick replies personally, usually within one business day (Québec time). In a hurry? +1 (450) 525-9651.
1. Can you buy? The federal rule
A federal law prohibits non-Canadians from buying residential property in Canada. It is in force until January 1, 2027.
Who it covers
Non-Canadians. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are not covered, even if they live abroad.
Where it applies
To residential property located in a census metropolitan area or census agglomeration. Granby and Cowansville are census agglomerations. Outside those areas, a purchase is not covered.
Main exceptions
Some work-permit holders, some students, refugees, diplomats, and the spouse or common-law partner of an eligible person, subject to conditions.
Penalties
A fine of up to $10,000, and a court may order the property sold.
As of July 2026, the federal government had not announced whether it would extend the law beyond January 1, 2027. Before signing anything, have your situation confirmed by a lawyer or notary. This is general information: Patrick Lussier is neither a lawyer nor a tax advisor.
2. Costs to plan for
Property transfer duties ("welcome tax"). The municipality collects them from every new owner, whether or not you live here. 2026 base rates: 0.5% on the first $62,900, 1% from $62,900 to $315,000, and 1.5% above that. Some municipalities apply higher rates on the upper brackets: check with the municipality concerned.
Notary. In Québec, the deed of sale is executed before a notary. Ask early what signing options you have if you won't be in Québec on the closing date.
Inspection and financing. Lending terms for people who don't live in Canada vary from lender to lender. Talk to a lender or mortgage broker before making an offer.
If you sell later. A non-resident seller must follow section 116 of the Income Tax Act (certificate of compliance). Without it, the buyer must withhold part of the price. See a tax advisor before buying if you plan to resell while living abroad.
3. How it works remotely
Most of the search can be done remotely. The signing happens before a notary.
Video call
We clarify your project, budget, timing and area, and go over the parts of the federal rule that apply to you.
Financing
You get pre-approved by a lender. Without it, an offer is fragile.
Visits
Live virtual visits where you ask questions in real time. An in-person visit is still recommended before buying.
Offer and notary
Promise to purchase, conditions (inspection, financing), then coordination with the notary through to signing.
What if your project is outside Québec?
Patrick Lussier's licence applies in Québec only. For a purchase in your own country or another province, he connects you with a broker licensed there, and stays your contact for the Québec side of your plans.
Market figures by town (in French)
Sources
- CMHC: Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (scope, exceptions, penalties, extension to January 1, 2027)
- BLG, July 2026: no decision announced on the law's future
- Statistics Canada: Granby (census agglomeration) · Cowansville (census agglomeration)
- Government of Québec: property transfer duties (2026 rates, in French)
- Income Tax Act, section 116
Information checked on September 20, 2026. Rules change: confirm them with a professional before any commitment.
Planning to buy in Québec?
Let's talk