Quebec Real Estate: Investment & Finance Essentials

Surviving Municipal Rental Bans: What to Do If Your Zone Changes Rules

A sudden municipal by-law change in Quebec can effectively shut down your short-term rental investment overnight, regardless of your provincial registration. Proving “acquired rights” is your strongest legal defense, but it requires a meticulously prepared defensive file with historical evidence….

Undivided Co-Ownership in Quebec: Why a 20% Down Payment is Mandatory

Contrary to belief, the mandatory 20% down payment for undivided co-ownership isn’t an arbitrary rule; it’s a fundamental requirement because lenders view it as a high-risk, non-insurable business partnership, not a standard home loan. You co-own the entire building, not…

Incorporating Your Quebec Rentals: When Is a Corporation Permit Truly Necessary?

Incorporating a Quebec rental portfolio is a powerful strategic move, but its primary value lies in long-term tax deferral and liability containment, not the immediate tax savings many assume. The Small Business Deduction (SBD) generally does not apply to passive…

Calculating Quebec’s Welcome Tax: How to Budget for Transfer Duties on Your Closing Day

For home buyers in Quebec, the property transfer duty, or “welcome tax,” is a significant and often confusing closing cost. Misunderstanding its calculation, deadlines, or the specific rules that apply to different municipalities can lead to unexpected and substantial bills….

The Real Cost of Notarial Acts in Quebec: What Buyers Pay Beyond the Purchase Price

The notary’s final bill is not a single fee, but a detailed map of the legal protections ensuring your property ownership is secure and undisputed. Professional fees are for the notary’s expert service, while disbursements are non-negotiable, third-party costs passed…

Investing in Montreal Plexes: Calculating True ROI Beyond the Listing Price

The pro-forma ROI on a Montreal plex listing is a financial fantasy; true profit is found by ruthlessly accounting for Quebec-specific liabilities that brokers ignore. Aging brick facades are not a “maintenance” item but a multi-thousand-dollar structural liability that decimates…