Acheter sa première maison au Québec

Buying your first home is an important step. For many, it’s also a process filled with questions.

Many first-time buyers wonder:

• How much should I have as a down payment?
• Can I qualify for a mortgage?
• Where to start when buying a home?
• What programs are available for first-time buyers in Quebec?

The first step in buying a property is almost always the same: mortgage prequalification.

As a residential mortgage broker, I support first-time buyers in Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Drummondville and surrounding areas to turn their purchase project into a concrete plan.

Why do mortgage prequalification before visiting

Prequalification helps determine how much you can realistically borrow before you even start house hunting.

It analyzes, among other things:

• your income
• your debts
• your credit history
• your available down payment

This step provides:

✔️ a realistic budget ✔️ greater credibility with sellers ✔️ a smoother purchasing process

Without prequalification, it’s difficult to know if a property truly fits your financial capacity.

What down payment for a first-time buyer?

In Quebec, the minimum down payment depends on the property price.

Generally:

• 5% minimum for a property under $500,000
• 10% on the portion between $500,000 and $1,000,000

The down payment can come from several sources:

• personal savings
• TFSA (CELIAPP)
• RRSP (RRSP – Home Buyer’s Plan)
• family gift

An adapted strategy often helps optimize your down payment and financing.

Programs for first-time buyers in Quebec

Several programs can help you buy your first property.

CELIAPP

The Tax-Free Savings Account for the Purchase of a First Property enables saving while benefiting from tax advantages.

RRSP (RRSP)

It is possible to withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP for the purchase of a first home.

Municipal programs

Some cities also offer financial assistance programs for first-time buyers.

A mortgage broker can help you identify the programs you are eligible for.

Steps to buying your first home

Here are the typical steps of a real estate purchase:

1. Mortgage prequalification

Assessment of your borrowing capacity.

2. Property search

Visits with a real estate broker.

3. Purchase offer

Official offer made to the seller.

4. Inspection and financing

Property inspection and final bank approval.

5. Signing at the notary

Finalization of the purchase and handing over the keys.

Costs to expect when buying for the first time

In addition to the down payment, certain costs should be planned:

• land transfer tax
• notary fees
• property inspection
• municipal tax adjustments

These costs typically represent 1.5% to 3% of the property price.

Proper planning helps avoid surprises.

Your mortgage broker for first-time buyers

I support first-time buyers in:

• Montreal
• Saint-Hyacinthe
• Drummondville
• Beloeil
• Boucherville
• Longueuil
• Wickham

My role is to make the mortgage process simple, clear, and strategic, so that your first purchase goes with confidence.

Free consultation for first-time buyers

If you’re thinking about buying your first home and want to know:

• how much you can borrow
• what down payment is required
• what financing options are available

a discussion can quickly clarify your project.

👉 Plan a free mortgage prequalification. 

FAQ – First-time buyer in Quebec

How much money is needed to buy a first home?

The minimum down payment is generally 5% of the property price, but other costs should also be considered.

Is it difficult to obtain a mortgage for a first purchase?

With good preparation and a mortgage analysis, many first-time buyers can qualify more easily than they think.

When should you start the steps to buy a house?

Ideally 3 to 4 months before the purchase, to complete the prequalification and plan visits.