Thomas Lymburner
Selling your home in Gatineau: the 2026 guide
Updated: · By Thomas Lymburner, residential real estate broker, RE/MAX Direct
In Q2 2026, a single-family home sold in an average of 27 days in the Gatineau area, and the market for houses and plexes still favours sellers, according to QPAREB. Thomas Lymburner, residential real estate broker with RE/MAX Direct, sums up the steps, documents, costs and tax rules to know before listing your property in Quebec.
The market for sellers in Gatineau (Q2 2026)
According to QPAREB, growing supply and more moderate demand have eased the market: sellers retain the advantage for single-family homes and plexes, while the condominium market is moving closer to balance. See prices by sector on our Neighbourhoods page.
| Indicator | Gatineau CMA |
|---|---|
| Residential sales | 1,310 (−15% year over year) |
| Active listings | 2,007 (+30%) |
| Median single-family price | $523,500 (+2%) |
| Average selling time, single-family home | 27 days (stable) |
| Average selling time, plex | 32 days (−7 days) |
| Average selling time, condominium | 40 days (+4 days) |
The steps in a Quebec sale
- Have the property valued: a comparative market analysis compares your property with recent sales in the area.
- Sign the exclusive brokerage contract – sale with your broker (a mandatory OACIQ form) and complete the Declarations by the seller of the immovable.
- Order the certificate of location if a new one is needed: the land surveyor may take several weeks.
- Marketing and showings.
- Receive promises to purchase: accept, refuse or make a counter-proposal before the deadline.
- Follow the fulfilment of the buyer's conditions (inspection and financing).
- Sign the deed of sale with the notary chosen by the buyer, who repays your mortgage and gives you the balance.
- Report the sale on your income tax returns, even if it is your principal residence.
The brokerage contract
The broker must use one of OACIQ's exclusive brokerage contract – sale forms, which cannot be modified. The term is negotiable; without an expiry date, the contract ends 30 days after it is signed. The amount and terms of the broker's compensation must be written into the contract: the law does not set the amount, which is negotiated (percentage, flat fee or other). For a residential property with fewer than 5 dwellings or a condominium, you have 3 days after receiving your copy to cancel the contract in writing.
Declarations by the seller and the legal warranty
For the sale by an individual of a residential immovable with fewer than 5 dwellings, OACIQ's Declarations by the seller of the immovable form is mandatory. You answer to the best of your knowledge about the year of construction, water damage, roof, plumbing, heating, renovations and other matters; the form is attached to the promise to purchase, informs the buyer and protects you. In Quebec, the buyer benefits from the legal warranty against hidden defects, even if the seller did not know about the defect. A sale “without legal warranty, at the buyer's risk and peril” is possible for a non-professional seller if it is disclosed before signing, but it never protects against fraud.
The certificate of location
Only a land surveyor can prepare a certificate of location. The seller usually provides and pays for it unless the promise to purchase says otherwise. No law makes it expire, but notaries and brokers generally ask for a certificate less than 10 years old, and a new one is needed after changes such as an addition, garage, pool, shed or fence. Order it early: it can take several weeks.
Costs for the seller
| Item | Who pays | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Broker compensation | Seller | Negotiated and written into the brokerage contract |
| Certificate of location (if a new one is required) | Seller, unless agreed otherwise | Prepared by a land surveyor |
| Discharge and removal of the mortgage | Seller | Notary fees; no mandatory rate, fees must be fair and reasonable |
| Mortgage prepayment penalty | Seller, if applicable | Often the higher of 3 months' interest or the interest rate differential; a portable mortgage may avoid it |
| Deed of sale and publication | Buyer | The buyer chooses the notary |
| Welcome tax | Buyer | Paid by the new owner |
Municipal and school taxes paid in advance are apportioned by the notary: the buyer reimburses you for their share. Sources: Chambre des notaires; FCAC; Ville de Gatineau.
Taxes: principal residence and quick resale
Since 2016, the sale of a principal residence must be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency (Schedule 3 and form T2091(IND)), even if the gain is exempt; failing to report it can result in a penalty of up to $8,000. In Quebec, it must also be reported to Revenu Québec (form TP-274 and Schedule G). In addition, since January 1, 2023, profit on a housing unit held for fewer than 365 consecutive days is taxed as business income, with no principal residence exemption, except for life-event exceptions (including death, a household addition, separation, disability or serious illness, involuntary job loss and an eligible move of 40 km or more). Consult an accountant about your situation.
What Thomas Lymburner does for sellers
Thomas Lymburner, residential real estate broker with RE/MAX Direct, provides a comparative market analysis, markets your property, negotiates promises to purchase and follows the transaction through signing at the notary, in English or French, in Gatineau and across the Outaouais. Services
Frequently asked questions
In Q2 2026, a single-family home sold in an average of 27 days in the Gatineau CMA, a plex in 32 days and a condo in 40 days (QPAREB).
The law doesn't set the broker's compensation: it's negotiated (percentage, flat fee or other) and must be written in the brokerage contract.
Usually yes: the seller provides and pays for it unless agreed otherwise. Notaries and brokers generally ask for a certificate less than 10 years old that reflects the property's current state.
The buyer chooses the notary and pays for the deed of sale and its publication. The seller pays the costs of discharging and removing their mortgage.
Yes. Even if the gain is exempt, the sale must be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency (Schedule 3 and form T2091) and to Revenu Québec (form TP-274).
For residential property with fewer than 5 dwellings or a condo, you have 3 days after receiving your copy to cancel it in writing. After that, the Civil Code lets you end the contract, but you may owe costs incurred or damages.
Sources
QPAREB · OACIQ, brokerage contract · OACIQ, compensation · OACIQ, 3-day cancellation · OACIQ, seller declarations · OACIQ, promise to purchase · OACIQ, counter-proposal · Éducaloi, hidden defects · Éducaloi, without legal warranty · OAGQ, selling · OAGQ, certificate duration · Chambre des notaires · FCAC · CRA, principal residence · CRA, property flipping · Revenu Québec · Ville de Gatineau
This guide summarizes public rules and doesn't replace advice from a financial advisor, lender or notary.