Table of Contents
- Notary fees for buying a house in Quebec in summary
- Other closing costs to plan for
- The welcome tax, a separate cost to anticipate
- Who chooses and who pays the notary
- How to reduce the bill
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Notary fees for buying a house in Quebec in 2026 generally range between $1,500 and $3,500, taxes and disbursements included. On top of that come other closing costs, including the welcome tax, inspection, and insurance, which often add up to 1.5% to 3% of the purchase price.
A visit to the notary is mandatory for any real estate transaction. But many buyers underestimate this expense and the fees that come with it. This guide details every line item to budget for in 2026, from calculating the welcome tax to tips for reducing the bill, so nothing catches you by surprise on signing day.
Notary fees for buying a house in Quebec in summary
In Quebec, notary fees are not set by law. They have been unregulated since 1991 and simply need to be fair and reasonable under the Code of Ethics.
For a standard residential transaction, the total bill most often falls between $1,500 and $3,500, taxes and disbursements included. The amount rises if the file has particularities, such as an estate, co-ownership, or a simultaneous refinancing.
This bill covers two main categories: professional fees and disbursements. Add to that the applicable sales taxes, GST and QST, calculated on the fees.
Several factors cause the final amount to vary. The complexity of the file, the value and location of the property, the presence of a mortgage to be registered, and the notary’s volume of practice all come into play. For the same purchase price, two notaries can therefore present different estimates, which is why it’s worth comparing.
What the fees cover
The fees compensate the notary’s legal work. They notably include drafting the deed of sale and the mortgage deed, examining property titles, and managing funds in their trust account.
The notary also verifies the certificate of location, the absence of tax arrears, and the validity of the titles, then registers the deed with the Land Registry to formalize the transfer of ownership.
Disbursements and registration with the Land Registry
Disbursements are expenses the notary incurs on your behalf. These include searches at the Land Registry, obtaining copies of deeds, and registering documents.
Registration fees are set by regulation, at around $145 per entry. These amounts remain relatively stable, regardless of the property’s value.
Other closing costs to plan for
Beyond notary fees for buying a house, several other costs are added at the time of the transaction and should be included in your budget from the outset. According to Éducaloi, some are unavoidable, such as taxes and insurance, while others depend on your situation.
| Expense item | Typical amount in 2026 | Paid by |
| Notary fees and disbursements | $1,500 to $3,500 | Buyer |
| Welcome tax (transfer duties) | Varies by price | Buyer |
| Pre-purchase inspection | $650 to $800 | Buyer |
| Certified appraisal, if required by the lender | $300 to $500 | Buyer |
| Home insurance, annual premium | $800 to $2,000 | Buyer |
| Certificate of location | Provided by the seller, except in special cases | Seller |
If your down payment is less than 20%, mortgage loan insurance is added. The 9% provincial tax on this premium cannot be financed and is paid at the notary’s office, at the time of signing.
Shopping for a property? Ask for a written estimate of notary fees and closing costs from a broker who knows your area before making an offer, to budget without unpleasant surprises.
The welcome tax, a separate cost to anticipate
The welcome tax is added to notary fees for buying a house and is often the largest expense after the down payment. It is billed by the municipality and has nothing to do with the notary’s fees.
The bracket-based calculation in 2026
The tax is calculated in progressive brackets based on the tax base, meaning the higher of the price paid and the standardized value of the property. Here are the rates applicable for the 2026 fiscal year, according to the Government of Quebec.
| Tax base bracket | Rate |
| $0 to $62,900 | 0.5% |
| $62,900.01 to $315,000 | 1.0% |
| $315,000.01 and up | 1.5% |
A municipality can set a higher rate, up to 3%, on the portion above $500,000. Montreal applies even higher tiers.
For a house purchased for $600,000, the calculation gives $314.50 on the first bracket, $2,521 on the second, and $4,275 on the third, for a total of about $7,110.
When you’ll pay it
Unlike notary fees paid on signing day, the welcome tax is billed 3 to 6 months after the purchase. It is paid in a single installment and cannot be included in your mortgage loan. So set this amount aside after your move.
Who chooses and who pays the notary
Notary fees for buying a house are, by default, borne by the buyer, who also chooses the notary. The seller may, however, have to pay certain fees, notably those related to discharging their own mortgage.
The notary acts as an impartial advisor for both parties. You can consult them even before signing your offer to purchase, which is often a good idea for more complex files.
Before confirming a mandate, ask for a detailed written estimate. This estimate should specify the fees, disbursements, and taxes, with no hidden charges. To place these fees within the context of your overall project, also check out the guide to buying a house in the Laurentians.
How to reduce the bill
Reducing notary fees for buying a house is possible with a few simple steps.
- Ask for two or three written estimates before choosing a notary.
- Group your deeds, for example the deed of sale and the mortgage deed, with the same notary.
- Provide all your documents promptly to avoid additional billable searches.
- Check that the seller’s certificate of location is up to date, to avoid having to order a new one.
- Shop for your home insurance as soon as the offer to purchase is accepted.
Conclusion
Notary fees for buying a house in Quebec in 2026 generally fall between $1,500 and $3,500, but they represent only a portion of closing costs. Adding the welcome tax, inspection, appraisal, and insurance, plan for 1.5% to 3% of the purchase price.
Good planning of these amounts spares you unpleasant surprises and lets you approach the signing with peace of mind.
To get a full estimate of your transaction, ask an experienced broker for a detailed estimate.
FAQ
Who pays the notary fees for buying a house in Quebec?
Notary fees for buying a house are generally paid by the buyer, who also chooses their notary. The notary drafts the deed of sale, the mortgage deed, and registers the transaction with the Land Registry. The seller may, however, bear certain fees, such as discharging their mortgage or correcting titles. Clarify this split in the offer to purchase to avoid any misunderstanding at signing.
Is the welcome tax included in the notary fees?
No. The welcome tax, or transfer duties, is a municipal tax separate from the notary’s fees. It is billed by the municipality 3 to 6 months after the purchase, not on signing day. It is paid in a single installment and cannot be financed through your mortgage loan, so plan for this amount separately. It can amount to several thousand dollars.
Can notary fees be financed through the mortgage?
Generally, no. Notary fees and most closing costs must be paid in cash at signing. Some lenders even require proof that you have about 1.5% of the price available to cover these fees. The welcome tax, billed later, must also be settled separately, with no mortgage financing possible, in a single installment to your municipality. So plan for these amounts in cash.
