Gatineau real estate: frequently asked questions
The most common questions from our guides, each with a short answer and a link to the full guide. All guides
Buying
What is a promise to purchase?
It commits you to buy the property at the price and under the conditions in your offer. Acceptance commits the seller to sell, usually subject to conditions such as financing or inspection. The broker uses the mandatory OACIQ form for the property type; new builds from a developer or builder require a preliminary contract.
Making an offer: promise to purchase, counter-proposals and the notary
What is the FHSA?
The FHSA is the federal First home savings account, called CELIAPP in French. Contributions are generally deductible; transfers from RRSPs to an FHSA are not.
Is a pre-purchase inspection mandatory?
The source says the broker must recommend a pre-purchase inspection. This duty to recommend does not establish that the inspection itself is mandatory for the buyer. Confirm your situation with your broker or the OACIQ.
Pre-purchase inspection: broker duties and choosing an inspector
Can I take back a unit if I buy a plex?
A natural person can repossess to live in a unit or house a child, parent, more distant relative by blood or marriage whom they mainly support, or an ex-spouse they mainly support. The owner of a company that owns the building cannot; co-owners generally cannot unless they are spouses. Other eligibility conditions and tenant protections apply.
Is the carnet d’entretien mandatory?
Yes. Every divided co-ownership syndicate in Quebec must have a maintenance log established, as required by article 1070.2 of the Civil Code. Neither the board nor the owners’ meeting can opt out. The board updates it at least annually.
Do I need a permit for Airbnb in Quebec?
Provincial registration is required to rent tourist accommodation to tourists for payment for 31 days or less, including on Airbnb. Municipal zoning is separate: also check with the City of Gatineau that the use is permitted.
What does “without legal warranty, at the buyer’s risk” mean?
It is a clause that excludes the legal warranty of quality: the buyer is presumed to accept the risk of hidden defects. Without fraud by the seller, recourse is very limited.
How long is a certificate of location valid?
The law sets no expiry date. It stops reflecting reality when the property, regulations or lot number change; one dated 10 years or more is generally considered out of date.
What water tests should I do for a well?
Québec.ca recommends testing for E. coli, fecal coliforms or enterococci at least twice a year, and for uranium, barium, arsenic, nitrates/nitrites, iron, fluoride and manganese at least once, through a certified laboratory.
Are house prices going down in Gatineau in 2026?
Nobody can guarantee where prices go. In Q3 2026, the CMA single-family median price fell 3% year over year, while active listings rose 42%.
Selling
What does it cost to sell a house in Québec?
Plan for broker remuneration, evaluation if applicable, notary fees, any early repayment penalty, mortgage discharge, adjustment of applicable taxes and rent if you occupy after the sale. Other costs may include a certificate of location and preparation: systems verification, cleaning, painting, maintenance and repairs.
What are my options when I receive an offer?
You can accept the promise to purchase, refuse it or reply with a counter-proposal. Acceptance binds you to sell and binds both parties, subject to the conditions.
Receiving a promise to purchase: options, deadlines and conditions
What is the “Déclarations du vendeur” form?
The seller completes it with their broker. It describes the property’s condition and history, including construction year, easements, water damage, soil contamination, hazardous substances and renovations. It is an integral part of the brokerage contract and must be given to any interested buyer and their building inspector.
Do I pay tax when I sell my house in Quebec?
Not on the gain if it was your principal residence every year you owned it. You must still report the sale and designation for the CRA to allow the exemption.
How long does it take to sell a house in Gatineau?
In Q3 2026, single-family homes sold in 34 days on average in the Gatineau CMA, according to QPAREB. Timing varies with the property and price.
How much is a house worth in Aylmer?
In Q2 2026, the median single-family price in Aylmer was $572,750 according to QPAREB. Your home’s value is set by a comparative market analysis.
How much is a house worth in Hull?
In Q2 2026, the median single-family price in Hull was $514,500 according to QPAREB. A comparative market analysis can estimate your home.
Why would a seller sell without legal warranty?
According to the OACIQ, a total exclusion is meant for exceptional cases such as an estate, a repossession, a demolition or a change of use. It may lower the price.
Taxes and fees
Is my assessment my home’s value?
Municipal assessment reflects the market at a past date: July 1, 2022 for the 2024–2026 roll. Market value is the price a buyer and seller agree on today; a real estate agent estimates it through comparable sales.
How much is the welcome tax on a $500,000 house in Gatineau?
$5,610.50 in 2026 if the taxable base is $500,000. An eligible first-time buyer can get back about $5,152.63 through Revenu Québec’s credit.
Do first-time buyers get a rebate?
A Revenu Québec refundable tax credit can reach $5,875. The buyer and spouse must not have owned a home they lived in since January 1, 2022.
What are the 2026 Gatineau property tax due dates?
Four instalments: March 18, June 16, August 25 and November 13, 2026. The City does not send reminders for instalments 2 to 4.
Which closing costs are often forgotten?
The tax on the mortgage insurance premium, payable at closing, tax adjustments at the notary, septic, well or radon tests, and maintenance after the purchase.
Moving
Who can register?
According to the Quebec page updated April 15, 2024, you need a valid RAMQ card, no current family doctor or IPSPL, residence at the address on file with RAMQ, and Quebec residence with a postal code recognized by Canada Post. You can register at age 14 or older; someone aged 14 or older registers children under 14. Check quebec.ca for current rules.
Am I taxed twice if I live in Gatineau and work in Ottawa?
No. You pay provincial tax to Quebec if you live there on December 31; part of the Ontario tax withheld can be transferred to Quebec (lines 43800 and 454).
How long can I drive with my Ontario licence?
Six months after settling in Quebec. After that you need a Quebec licence; a valid Canadian licence can generally be exchanged without road tests for most classes.
What is the RAMQ waiting period?
When arriving from another province, coverage usually starts after a waiting period of at most three months from registration. You stay covered by your former province’s plan meanwhile.
Choosing a real estate agent
What is the right of withdrawal?
In some cases, whether buying or selling, it allows cancellation without reason or penalty within 3 days of receiving the signed contract. Send or deliver written notice to the broker or their agency, in person or by mail. The contract ends when the notice is sent or delivered. Confirm applicability with the OACIQ or your broker.
Brokerage contract: term, cancellation and the 3-day cooling-off right
How much does a real estate agent cost in Quebec?
Remuneration is not fixed by law. It is negotiated with the broker and must be written in the brokerage contract.
How do I check a real estate agent’s licence?
Search the OACIQ register of licence holders (“Find a broker”) on oaciq.com. It shows whether the licence is valid, the agency and any disciplinary decisions.
How do I choose a real estate agent?
First check the licence in the OACIQ public register. Then ask every agent the same questions: recent experience in your area, comparative market analysis, marketing, remuneration and contract.