Thomas Lymburner
Newcomers: buying a home in Gatineau in 2026
Updated: · By Thomas Lymburner, real estate agent (broker), RE/MAX Direct
Thomas Lymburner, bilingual real estate agent (broker) with RE/MAX Direct, helps newcomers buying in Gatineau, in English or French, at every step of the purchase.
In my experience, most of the buyers I work with are federal employees, newcomers and people looking for a different lifestyle from downtown.
Can you buy as a newcomer?
Canada's Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act restricts purchases of residential property by non-Canadians, and the federal government extended it to January 1, 2027. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are not affected. Some temporary residents may qualify for exceptions under conditions. Before making an offer, have a lawyer or notary verify your situation.
How buying works in Quebec
In Quebec, a purchase goes through a buyer brokerage contract regulated by the OACIQ, then a promise to purchase, a building inspection, mortgage financing and, finally, the notary who signs the deed of sale. It is the notary — not the broker — who makes the transaction official.
Buying your first home
If this is your first property, programs like the FHSA and the HBP and a welcome-tax credit may apply. Our first-time buyer guide for Gatineau explains each of them, and our calculator estimates the welcome tax on your future home.
First-time buyer guide · FHSA and Home Buyers’ Plan: federal first-home programs · Welcome tax calculator
Choosing a neighbourhood
Aylmer, Hull, the Plateau, the Gatineau sector, Buckingham and Masson-Angers, Chelsea and Cantley each have their own prices, schools and commute times. Our Gatineau neighbourhoods page compares them, and each sector has its own guide.
All Gatineau neighbourhoods · Finding a family doctor in Gatineau: GAMF
How Thomas helps newcomers
Thomas explains each step in English or French, arranges showings, analyses comparable sales, negotiates for you and refers you to trusted notaries and home inspectors.
Making an offer: promise to purchase, counter-proposals and the notary · Recommended notaries · Recommended home inspectors
FAQ: newcomers
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can buy without restriction. The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, extended to January 1, 2027, restricts purchases by non-Canadians, with possible exceptions for some temporary residents. Have a lawyer or notary verify your situation.
Yes. In Quebec, the notary signs the deed of sale and makes the transaction official. Thomas Lymburner can refer you to trusted notaries in Gatineau.
Yes. Thomas Lymburner is a bilingual real estate agent (broker) with RE/MAX Direct in Gatineau, and he works with buyers in English or French.
The FHSA, the HBP and a welcome-tax credit may apply to a first purchase. Our first-time buyer guide for Gatineau explains them in detail.