Thomas Lymburner
How much does a real estate agent cost in Quebec?
In Quebec, a real estate agent's remuneration is not set by law: it is negotiated and written in the brokerage contract. It is usually a percentage of the sale price, sometimes a fixed amount, and it is normally paid at the notary's out of the sale proceeds.
Brokerage contract: term, cancellation and the 3-day cooling-off right
General information, not legal advice.
Negotiated, not set by law
No law sets the amount of a real estate agent's remuneration in Quebec. It is negotiated between the client and the broker, then written in the brokerage contract. Read that clause before signing and ask what it covers.
Percentage or fixed amount
Remuneration is usually a percentage of the sale price. It can sometimes be a fixed amount. The form and the amount are whatever the brokerage contract states.
When and how it is paid
Remuneration is normally paid at the notary's, at the time of the sale, out of the sale proceeds.
GST and QST
GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) apply to the broker's remuneration.
What about the buyer's broker?
How a buyer's broker is paid is set out in writing in the brokerage contract.
What forms can a broker's pay take?
According to the OACIQ, the law does not set the amount: it varies from one banner to another and even from one broker to another, and it is negotiated. It can be a percentage of the selling price (often called commission), a lump sum, an hourly rate (Annex RC - Remuneration and costs form), or a combination.
Where is the broker's pay written down?
In writing, in the brokerage contract. Further conditions can appear in the "Other declarations and conditions" section or in an annex, for example a reduction for designated persons.
Brokerage contract: term, cancellation and the 3-day cooling-off right
What must the seller's broker disclose?
A broker selling on behalf of a seller must disclose in writing the remuneration conditions, including any remuneration offered to collaborating agencies and brokers, and their consequences.
Can a buyer finance their broker's pay?
According to the OACIQ, a buyer can include this remuneration in the purchase price to be financed, using clause R2.5 of Annex R – Residential Immovable; this clause can only be used if the buyer has signed a brokerage contract for the purchase. Confirm the conditions with your lender.
What if there is a disagreement about pay?
The OACIQ usually does not intervene in disputes about remuneration, but it can act in case of a breach of ethics. You can also contact the broker's agency executive officer.
OACIQ public register
Before signing, anyone can verify a broker's licence on the OACIQ public register. registre.oaciq.com
Sources
- OACIQ, "How can I compensate my residential real estate broker?". OACIQ page last updated June 11, 2020; rules may have changed, confirm at oaciq.com. Consulted October 19, 2026.
And Thomas's fee?
My fee is never the same: it varies with each situation and is discussed in person or by phone. The valuation of your property is free.
FAQ: broker remuneration
No. A real estate broker's remuneration in Quebec is not set by law. It is negotiated and written in the brokerage contract.
It is usually a percentage of the sale price, sometimes a fixed amount, as written in the brokerage contract.
Remuneration is normally paid at the notary's, out of the sale proceeds.
Yes. GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) apply to the broker's remuneration.
According to the OACIQ, a buyer can include this remuneration in the purchase price to be financed using clause R2.5 of Annex R – Residential Immovable, only if the buyer has signed a brokerage contract for the purchase. Confirm the conditions with your lender.
The OACIQ usually does not intervene in disputes about remuneration, but it can act in case of a breach of ethics. You can also contact the broker's agency executive officer.
General information, not legal advice.