Blog · Sell
What selling a home in Québec really costs
Selling a home in Québec mainly costs the brokers' remuneration, generally 4% to 6% of the sale price, plus GST and QST. Depending on the case, add a new certificate of location, the mortgage discharge, a prepayment penalty and tax adjustments. The figure to watch is the net amount you are left with.
By Étienne Rheault, residential real estate broker · Updated October 2, 2026How much is the brokers' remuneration?
The remuneration is not set by any law: it is agreed between you and your broker, in the brokerage contract. In general, it falls between 4% and 6% of the sale price in total. That total pays two brokers, the seller's and the buyer's, generally 2% to 3% each.
GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) are added to the remuneration. It is payable only if the property sells, and it is paid at the notary's office, out of the proceeds of the sale.
What does a broker cost? The details
What does paying off the mortgage cost?
Two costs are possible. The first is the discharge: the deed that releases the property from your mortgage, prepared by the notary at your expense. The second is the prepayment penalty, if you pay off a closed mortgage before the end of its term.
According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, this penalty is generally the higher of two amounts: three months' interest on the balance, or the interest rate differential. An open mortgage can be paid off without a penalty. Ask your lender for the exact amount before setting your price: it may change your decision.
If you are buying another property, also ask your lender whether your mortgage can be transferred to the new one: that can reduce or avoid the penalty.
What are the other costs?
- The certificate of location, if it has to be redone by a land surveyor.
- Adjustments of municipal and school taxes, calculated by the notary as of the date of sale. Depending on what you have already paid, you receive or owe an amount.
- Work and repairs you choose to do before the sale, or agree to following the inspection.
- Moving and, sometimes, a few weeks of paying for two homes.
The transfer duties (the “welcome tax”) and the notary's fees for the deed of sale are paid by the buyer, not the seller.
Do you have to pay tax on the sale?
In general, no, if the property is your principal residence: the gain is then exempt. That is not the case for a cottage, a rental property or a property that was your principal residence only part of the time. In those situations, speak to an accountant before selling.
What does the net amount look like?
Here is a fictitious example, to show the calculation. The amounts are not rates: the remuneration is in the middle of the usual range and the mortgage balance is an assumption.
| Sale price | $400,000 |
|---|---|
| Brokers' total remuneration (5%) | $20,000 |
| GST and QST on the remuneration | $2,995 |
| Mortgage balance (assumption) | $180,000 |
| Net amount before other costs | $197,005 |
From that amount, you still need to subtract, depending on your situation, the discharge, the mortgage penalty, the certificate of location and the tax adjustments. Ask for this calculation for your property before signing a brokerage contract.
Sources: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (prepayment penalties); GST and QST rates in force as of October 2, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Does the seller pay the welcome tax?
No. The transfer duties, known as the “welcome tax,” are paid by the buyer to the municipality after the purchase.
Do GST and QST apply to the sale price of my home?
In general, no: the sale of a previously occupied residence is exempt. The taxes apply to the brokers' remuneration and to the fees of other professionals.
Can I find out my mortgage penalty before selling?
Yes. Your lender should be able to give you the amount of the prepayment penalty and explain how it is calculated. Ask for it before setting your sale price.
Is selling on your own cheaper?
You save the remuneration of the seller's broker, but you take on the pricing, the marketing, the showings, the negotiation and the forms. Compare the net amount obtained at the end, not just the fees.