Determining your home’s value involves analyzing comparable properties in your neighborhood, current market trends, and your home’s unique features. A professional real estate agent can provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that gives you an accurate estimate of your home’s market value. Online tools can provide an estimate, but they may not account for upgrades or local demand. We use advanced artificial intelligence, comparative market studies alongside other proprietary calculation methods and our in-depth local knowledge and data analysis to provide you with the most accurate valuation of your property. To know more about how you can get the most from selling your property and properly price, let us provide you with a no-obligation, free evaluation.

Selling a home in Quebec involves several costs that sellers should consider to avoid surprises. Here’s a breakdown of the key expenses:

1. Certificate of Location

A Certificate of Location is a mandatory document for selling a property in Quebec. You’ll need to produce a new one if your certificate is:

– More than 10 years old, or

– No longer accurate due to changes (e.g., renovations, new structures like a pool or fence),

Cost: Typically ranges from $700 to $1,500, depending on the property’s complexity.

2. Pre-Sale Inspection (Optional)

A pre-sale inspection is not mandatory but is recommended and considered to be a strategic move.

It identifies potential issues in advance, giving you time to address them before listing your property. This can boost buyers’ confidence.

Reduce the likelihood of price negotiations or deal cancellations due to inspection findings.

Cost: Typically ranges from $400 to $700, depending on the size and complexity of the property.

3. Repairs and Staging

– Repairs: Addressing minor or major issues (e.g., leaky faucets, paint touch-ups, or structural repairs) can enhance your property’s appeal.

– Staging: Professional staging creates a polished look and helps buyers visualize the property as their future home. Costs may include furniture rentals and decorative enhancements.

Cost: Repairs and staging expenses can range from $500 to $5,000+, depending on your home’s condition and needs.

4. Mortgage Penalties

If you break your mortgage before the term ends, penalties may apply:

– Fixed-rate mortgages: Typically, the greater of three months’ interest or the interest rate differential (IRD).

– Variable-rate mortgages: Usually three months’ interest.

Consult your lender for an exact calculation.

5. Sale Adjustments

Any unpaid municipality taxes, school taxes or condo fees must be settled upon signing the deed of sale with the buyer. The notary's office will do an exact calculation and remove your dues from the final sale price. Depending on when you are handing the property keys to the buyer, other adjustments might include the following:

- Utilities (water, electricity, gas).

- Condo fees (for condo properties).

- Heating oil/propane (remaining fuel adjustments).

- Rent or leases (if applicable).

- Prepaid services (e.g., snow removal, alarm systems).

- etc.

6. Moving Costs

Moving costs vary depending on several factors, such as the size of your move, the distance between locations, the type of service you choose, and the season. Here’s a breakdown of potential moving costs to help you plan:

Hourly Rates for Movers

1-bedroom apartment: $400–$700 (4–6 hours with two movers).

2-bedroom apartment: $600–$1,000 (6–8 hours with 2–3 movers).

3-bedroom house: $1,000–$1,800 (8–10 hours with 3–4 movers).

Rates Per Hour: $100–$150/hour: Includes 2–3 movers and a truck.

7. Capital Gains Tax (if it’s not your primary residence)

If the property is not your primary residence (e.g., a rental or investment property), you may be subject to capital gains tax on the profit from the sale.

Effective June 25th, 2024, capital gains tax in Canada for individuals will realize 50% of the value of any capital gains as taxable income for amounts up to $250,000. Any amount above $250,000 will realize capital gains of ⅔ or 66.67% as taxable income.

Calculate your capital gain taxes using our Capital Gain Calculator.

The time it takes to sell a home depends on:

Market Conditions: In a seller’s market, homes can sell in days or a couple of weeks; in a buyer’s market, it may take months.

Location and Price: Properly priced homes in desirable areas sell faster.

Preparation: Homes that are well-staged and marketed often attract offers sooner.

The value of your home is associated with its condition and if priced well, it should sell within 3 weeks.

Staging helps buyers visualize your property as their future home. It can:

Increase Sale Price: Staged homes often sell for more.

Attract Buyers Faster: Professional photos of staged homes stand out online. If staging isn’t feasible, focus on decluttering, deep cleaning, and neutralizing décor.

Yes, you can sell your home while still carrying a mortgage. At closing, the proceeds from the sale will pay off the remaining mortgage balance. However:

Check if your mortgage has prepayment penalties.

Ensure the sale price covers your mortgage and associated fees.

Not all repairs are necessary, but addressing visible issues (e.g., leaky faucets, cracked tiles) can:

Increase Appeal: Buyers appreciate move-in-ready homes.

Prevent Price Reductions: Minor issues can deter buyers or lower offers.

A home inspection is typically conducted by the buyer. The inspector examines the property’s structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Sellers should:

Address obvious issues beforehand.

Provide access to all areas, including the attic and basement.

Declutter: Remove personal items and excess furniture.

Clean Thoroughly: Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, and floors.

Maximize Light: Open curtains and turn on lights.

Neutralize Scents: Avoid strong fragrances or odors.

While spring and early summer are traditionally active periods, homes sell year-round. Factors to consider:

Seasonal Appeal: Gardens look better in spring, while cozy features stand out in winter.

Active vs. Competitive: High seasons are obviously more active but also more competitive.

Market Trends: Local demand may vary seasonally.

Generally speaking, 2-3 bedroom condos and houses tend to be more popular during the spring season. First-home buyers are active during this period, getting ready to move when their lease ends up end of May-June-July.

If the property you’re selling is not your primary residence (e.g., a rental or investment property), capital gains tax may apply on the profit.

What Was Initially Proposed (June 25, 2024)

The 2024 federal budget proposed increasing the capital gains inclusion rate from 50% to 66.67% (two-thirds) for individuals—but only on the portion of capital gains exceeding $250,000. The first $250,000 of gains per year would remain taxed at the standard 50% rate. 

This change was set to take effect June 25, 2024, with transitional rules for gains realized before and after that date. 

What Actually Happened

Facing strong opposition and legal challenges, the government deferred the implementation of this higher inclusion rate to January 1, 2026. Until then, the inclusion rate remains at 50%.

On March 21, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney officially cancelled the proposed hike altogether—the increased inclusion rate will not be implemented. 

Other Capital Gains Measures Still in Effect

The Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) was increased from $1,016,836 to $1.25 million, effective June 25, 2024, and will be indexed starting in 2026.

The Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive (CEI) remains slated to take effect in 2025, reducing the inclusion rate to one-third for eligible capital gains up to $2 million over an individual’s lifetime.

Example: 

If you sold a property purchased for $200,000 and sold after June 25, 2024, for $600,000, with $5,000 in legal fees and $10,000 in sale expenses:

Capital Gain = $600,000 − ($200,000 + $5,000 + $10,000) = $385,000

Inclusion Rate = 50% of the capital gain (no higher rate applies, since the proposed increase was cancelled)

Taxable Capital Gain = $385,000 × 0.50 = $192,500

Thus, you would include $192,500 as taxable income at your marginal tax rate.

To calculate your capital gain taxes, you can use our Capital Gain Calculator.

Important: It’s always wise to speak with an income tax specialist before filing your taxes, particularly in a year when you’ve realized capital gains.