Buyer's Guide

Essential information to know before purchasing a property.

What You Should Know About Buying a Home

The Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ) has prepared this guide to assist you at every step of the process of purchasing a property.

In it you will find the main steps you need to follow before and during the purchase of your home as well as many useful tips to help you complete your real estate transaction in a satisfactory manner. For the steps of a sale, check the Seller’s Guide.

This guide is meant to serve as a quick reference guide, but it does not replace the advice of a real estate broker or agency. Its content applies exclusively to the purchase of a residential property. It includes some information about properties held in divided and undivided co-ownership, but this content is not thorough.

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Buying a Property, Step by Step

Are you ready to purchase a property? Whether it's your first buy or not, it's wise to be well-informed.

Before: How to Prepare Yourself

To effectively prepare for a purchase, it's crucial to first identify your needs. This will enable you to find a broker who can assist you in finding a property that fits your budget and aligns with your borrowing capacity.

Discover Step 1

During: You Are Interested in a Property

So, you've found a property that appeals to you? You're now ready for your broker to draft a promise to purchase. By signing it, you commit to buying the seller's property at the specified price and under the outlined conditions. If the seller accepts this agreement, he in turn commits to sell it to you, likely subject to certain conditions that both of you must meet (such as financing, inspection, etc.).

Discover Step 2

After: Steps After the Promise to Purchase

Once the promise to purchase is accepted, it's your responsibility to ensure that all stipulated conditions are met, such as the pre-purchase inspection, receiving all property-related documentation, and securing your mortgage financing. Subsequently, the deed of sale will be signed at the notary's office, before you can move into your new home or condominium.

Discover Step 3

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