Real estate sale in Quebec: how does the process work at the notary?

Selling a Property in Quebec: What Happens at the Notary’s Office?

Selling a property in Quebec? Whether it’s a condo, a house, a duplex or even a piece of land, your transaction will end at a notary’s office — that’s the law.

But what does that process actually look like? And how can you avoid last-minute surprises?

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you know exactly what to expect.

1. The Offer to Purchase is Accepted

Everything starts when you (the seller) accept an offer to purchase. This document includes:

• The sale price
• The conditions (financing, inspection, etc.)
• The scheduled notary appointment date
• The buyer’s possession date

The notary is typically chosen by the buyer, but both parties can agree on the choice together.

2. The File Is Sent to the Notary

Once the offer is signed, the buyer’s broker or lender sends the documents to the notary:

• Offer to purchase
• Contact information for both parties
• Mortgage details
• Bank instructions (if the buyer is financing the purchase)

With Notairo, this entire step is centralized and digital — no scattered emails, no delays.

3. Title Search and Due Diligence

The notary performs a full legal review:

• Confirms your ownership of the property
• Searches the Québec Land Register
• Checks for existing mortgages, easements, or legal encumbrances
• Verifies municipal and school tax balances

If something’s off — like an old mortgage that was never officially discharged — the notary will contact you to fix it before closing.

4. Preparation of the Deed of Sale

The notary then prepares:

• The deed of sale
• The adjustment statement (condo fees, taxes, etc.)
• Any documents for mortgage discharge, if needed
• Any required annexes

With Notairo, you can preview certain sections of the deed ahead of time through your personal dashboard.

5. In-Person Signing

The big day arrives: you go to the notary’s office (or another authorized location) to sign.

• The buyer and seller sign separately
• If you're selling as a couple, both of you must sign
  Under Quebec law, deeds of sale must be signed in person before a notary. Virtual signing isn’t yet allowed.

6. Transfer of Funds and Registration

Once everything is signed:

• The notary transfers the sale proceeds to you (usually via bank transfer)
• Registers the deed in the Québec Land Register
• Coordinates key handover, either directly or through the brokers

That’s it — your property is officially sold.

What Notairo Does Differently

Typical Timelines for a Notarized Sale

The key: submit all required documents quickly to avoid last-minute delays.

In Summary

Ready to sell stress-free?

With Notairo, you stay in control, enjoy full transparency, and get personalized support every step of the way.