Notary Fees and Closing Costs in Gatineau
Beyond the purchase price and the down payment, you need to plan for closing costs. CMHC estimates them at 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price. Here's what they include in Gatineau.
Notary fees
In Quebec, a notary completes the sale. The notary checks the titles, prepares the deed of sale and the hypothec, registers the sale in the land register and handles the municipal and school tax adjustments. In my files, for a standard transaction, I often see fees of $1,800 to $2,500. The amount varies by notary and by how complex the file is: get a written quote from two notaries.
The welcome tax (transfer duties)
It's paid once, after the purchase. Since February 25, 2026, the City of Gatineau's grid is:
- 0.5% on the first $62,900
- 1% from $62,900 to $315,000
- from $315,000 to $500,000: 1.5%
- 3% above $500,000
It's calculated on the highest of three amounts: the price paid (excluding sales taxes), the amount stated in the deed, or the municipal assessment multiplied by the comparative factor. That factor is 1.02 in 2026.
Example: for a $425,000 home, the welcome tax is $4,485. For $600,000, it reaches $8,610, including $3,000 for the portion above $500,000.
For first-time buyers, Quebec created a refundable home ownership access tax credit in 2026. It can refund up to $5,875 of welcome tax for a first home acquired after December 31, 2025. The conditions are on the Finances Québec website.
The pre-purchase inspection
It isn't mandatory, but I recommend it. CMHC gives a ballpark of about $500. The price goes up for a large home or a plex. See the article on pre-purchase inspection in Gatineau.
The certificate of location
As a rule, the seller provides a certificate that reflects the property's current state. If a new one is needed, CMHC puts it at $1,000 to $2,000. Who pays depends on what's written in the promise to purchase.
Title insurance
It protects against certain title defects. Your notary can tell you whether it's useful in your file and what it costs.
My advice
Plan for these costs as soon as you're pre-approved. Before your first showing, I'll give you a list of the costs for your target price, welcome tax included.
FAQ
Who pays the notary fees, the buyer or the seller?
Each pays their share. The promise to purchase sets out who pays what. Without an agreement, the buyer pays the transaction fees to the notary they chose. The seller pays for the checks on their own titles and for discharging their mortgage.
How much does a notary cost to buy a house in Gatineau?
In my files, for a standard purchase, I often see fees of $1,800 to $2,500. The Chambre des notaires doesn't set fees, so the amount varies with the notary and how complex the file is.
Who chooses the notary?
It's agreed between the parties and written into the promise to purchase. Most often, the buyer chooses, since they pay for the transaction. If the buyer still owes a balance to the seller after the sale, the seller can choose the notary. Sources: City of Gatineau, tax base for property transfer duties (2026). Finances Québec, information bulletin 2026-2. CMHC, costs of buying a home. Read also: Pre-Purchase Inspection in Gatineau · 10 Tips for Your First Purchase