What Are All the Costs of Buying a House in Montreal?

The main costs of buying a house in Montreal are your down payment, welcome tax, notary fees, inspection, mortgage/CMHC costs if applicable, adjustments, moving expenses, insurance and immediate repairs. Your purchase price is only part of the cash you need.

What costs should Montreal buyers budget for?

1. Down payment — your minimum depends on purchase price and mortgage rules.
2. Welcome tax — the Quebec transfer duty paid after purchase.
3. Notary fees — usually paid by the buyer for the deed of sale and mortgage registration.
4. Inspection — especially important for older Montreal and West Island homes.
5. Mortgage insurance — applies if your down payment is below 20%.
6. Property tax adjustments — reimburses the seller for prepaid municipal/school taxes.
7. Home insurance — required by lenders before closing.
8. Moving and utility setup — small costs, but they add up.
9. Immediate repairs or upgrades — locks, paint, appliances, electrical, plumbing or roof work.
10. Condo document review — if buying a condo, budget time and sometimes professional review.

What surprises Montreal buyers most?

Welcome tax and adjustments. Buyers often budget for the down payment but forget that closing costs are separate cash needs. Before you write an offer, you should know your full cash-to-close number.

Are costs different for condos and houses?

Yes. Condos can have different document-review risks, condo fees, reserve fund concerns and special assessments. Houses can carry larger inspection, repair, insurance and maintenance risk. If you are unsure, compare our guide to buying a condo vs house in Montreal.

How do market conditions affect your costs?

In a competitive market, you may need to move faster, but you should not skip the math. Read the latest Montreal real estate market report before deciding how aggressive your offer should be.

Where should first-time buyers start?

Start with pre-approval, then calculate down payment, closing costs and monthly ownership costs together. If you are comparing areas, review Pointe-Claire, DDO, Kirkland and Dorval.

Author expertise: Written by Logan Boyce, team leader of Montreal’s Elite Real Estate Group. Logan has helped buyers and sellers across Greater Montreal since 2009 and leads a 25+ broker team.

Next step: Before you make an offer, talk through the full cash-to-close estimate with a local broker through our buyer process.