Notary fees in Quebec in 2025: what to expect

Notary fees in Quebec in 2025: what to expect

Buying or refinancing a property is a big moment. But it's also a process filled with paperwork, signatures... and fees .

Among the unavoidable fees in Quebec are those of the notary . And unlike an inspection or an appraisal, going before a notary is not an option: it's the law.

So, how much does it cost? Why? And what is (or isn't) included in the bill?

We explain everything to you.

Notary Fees 101: Fees vs. Disbursements

When we talk about “notary fees”, we are actually talking about two distinct categories :

1. Fees

This is the amount the notary charges for his professional work :

• Drafting and signing of the deed of sale

• Analysis of property titles

• Communication with parties (bank, seller, broker)

• Distribution of funds

Typical range in 2025 :
$1,500 to $3,000 for a standard residential transaction.

2. Disbursements

These are the fees that the notary pays for you , and which he then re-invoices at cost price:

• Certificate of location (if required)

• Land registry registration fees

• Official copies, stamps, postage

• Tax and mortgage audits

Typical range :
$500 to $800 , depending on the type of transaction.

Concrete example: buying a house in Montreal

Who pays what? Buyer or seller?

In Quebec:

• The buyer pays the majority of the costs, particularly for the deed of sale.

• The seller may have to provide certain documents (e.g., up-to-date location certificate), but does not have to pay the buyer's notary.

If you sell a house without buying back, your costs are often lower than those of a buyer.

What about refinancing?

Same principle: you must go to the notary to formalize the new loan with your financial institution.

• Fees: $900 to $1,500

• Outlays: generally simpler than for a sale

What can cause costs to vary

• Complexity of the file (e.g.: easement, joint ownership, agricultural land, etc.)

• Delays or missing documents

• Notary in high demand or in a large urban center

• Need to make multiple signatures (e.g. separation, joint ownership)

How Notairo makes it simple (and predictable)

At Notairo, we have set ourselves a mission: to demystify the notarial process in Quebec.

• Clear online submission in just a few clicks

• List of documents to provide from the start

• No surprises at the end : everything is detailed from the moment you make the appointment

• Access to your notary and our support team

In summary