Is Private Sale (FSBO) Legal in Quebec?
Yes. Private sale ("vente sans courtier") is legal and common in Quebec. In fact, Quebec has the most developed private sale culture in Canada, largely because of DuProprio, a major platform built specifically for FSBO sellers. Unlike other provinces, Quebec uses civil law (the Civil Code of Quebec) rather than common law, and a notary ("notaire") is legally required to complete the ownership transfer and handle any mortgage. You cannot close a Quebec real estate transaction without a notary.
Quebec Disclosure Requirements
Quebec sellers are governed by the Civil Code of Quebec, which requires disclosure of latent defects. A latent defect is a hidden defect that existed at the time of sale, that you knew about (or should have known about), and that the buyer could not have discovered through a reasonable inspection.
If you sell with a legal warranty ("garantie légale de qualité"), you are responsible for latent defects that existed at the time of sale, even if you did not know about them. Many private sellers in Quebec sell without a legal warranty ("sans garantie légale, aux risques et périls de l'acheteur") to limit post-sale liability, though this will affect the price buyers are willing to pay.
Quebec sellers should also be aware of:
- The Declaration of Co-ownership (Déclaration de copropriété) if selling a condo
- Obligations to disclose pyrite in the foundations (common in certain Montreal-area suburbs)
- Known water infiltration or mold issues
- Whether the property is in a flood zone
The Organisme d'autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ) provides seller disclosure resources, and your notary can advise you on what to put in writing before the sale.
How to List Your Home in Quebec
Quebec has the strongest FSBO infrastructure in Canada:
- DuProprio (duproprio.com) is the leading FSBO platform in Quebec. Millions of Quebec buyers use it directly. DuProprio packages include professional photos, yard sign, and a listing on their heavily trafficked website. Packages start around $800-$2,000 depending on the level of service.
- DuProprio can also list your property on Realtor.ca through their premium packages, giving you access to agent-represented buyers as well.
- Proprio Direct is another Quebec-based FSBO service.
- Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace supplement your reach.
If you want to list on Realtor.ca directly without DuProprio, flat-fee MLS brokers serve Quebec as well. Offering a buyer's agent commission of 2-2.5% on your listing is standard if you want to attract buyers represented by agents.
Quebec Purchase Agreement
In Quebec, the purchase agreement ("promesse d'achat") is a legally binding document governed by the Civil Code. The standard form published by OACIQ is widely used and legally recognized. For a private sale, you can use that form or have your notary prepare one.
Key elements of a Quebec purchase agreement:
- Conditions: Financing, inspection, review of co-ownership documents (for condos)
- Legal warranty status: With or without legal warranty
- Inclusions and exclusions: Appliances, light fixtures, window coverings
- Notarial deed date: The date the notary will register the transfer
- Deposit (typically held by the buyer's notary or a trust account)
Quebec uses a notarial deed of sale ("acte de vente notarié") rather than a simple land transfer form. The notary prepares this deed, and it is a legal requirement, not optional.
Closing in Quebec
A notary ("notaire") is legally required to handle the closing of any real estate transaction in Quebec. The notary drafts and executes the deed of sale, ensures the title is clear, discharges the existing mortgage, registers the transfer with the Quebec Land Registry (Registre foncier), and disburses funds.
Either the buyer's or seller's notary can handle the file. In practice, the buyer often chooses the notary, and that notary acts for both parties (allowed under Quebec law when there is no conflict). You can also retain your own notary.
Welcome Tax (Taxe de bienvenue): This is the municipal land transfer tax in Quebec. The rate is tiered and varies by municipality, but is roughly 1.5% of the purchase price for most mid-range properties. On a $500,000 home in Montreal, the Welcome Tax is approximately $6,500-$8,000. The Welcome Tax is the buyer's obligation.
Notary fees for a residential sale in Quebec typically run $1,000-$1,800 for the buyer's side. As a seller, you may pay separately for your own legal advice if you want it.
How Much Can You Save?
Quebec's median home price is approximately $500,000 (2025-2026 provincial average).
On a $500,000 sale:
- Typical total commission at 4%: $20,000
- Listing agent portion (2%): $10,000
- Buyer agent portion (2%): $10,000
DuProprio sellers who sell to unrepresented buyers save the full $20,000. If you use DuProprio and offer 2% to a buyer's agent, you still save $10,000 on the listing side. After DuProprio and notary fees, net savings typically run $7,000-$9,000 on the listing side.
In Montreal, where median prices exceed $600,000-$700,000 in many areas, the savings are proportionally larger.
Bottom line
Quebec is arguably the easiest province in Canada to sell privately, thanks to DuProprio's reach and Quebec buyers' familiarity with the private sale process. Use DuProprio for your listing, understand your warranty options, and let a notary handle the closing. The civil law process is well-established and the private sale ecosystem here is mature.
Start your Quebec private sale with the Complete FSBO Toolkit.