So basically, what happened last week during a home tour really got me thinking about certificates of location. My clients were about to make an offer on their dream home when they noticed the certificate of location was over 10 years old. They asked me, “Pete, is this something we should be concerned about?” The answer? Absolutely.
Here’s the thing about certificates of location in Quebec – they’re not just another piece of paperwork to add to your growing pile of real estate documents. They’re actually one of the most crucial elements of any property transaction, providing a comprehensive snapshot of your property’s legal status and compliance with various regulations.
Think of it as your property’s medical record. Just like you wouldn’t want to make important health decisions without up-to-date medical information, you shouldn’t make property decisions without a current certificate of location.
A certificate of location is prepared by a qualified land surveyor (member of the Ordre des arpenteurs-géomètres du Québec) and includes both a detailed written report and a property plan. Here’s what it tells you:
Your certificate of location becomes invalid when:
Let me break down the practical side of things. As of 2023, expect to pay around $1,500 for a certificate of location for a single-family home in an urban area. For semi-detached houses, that number jumps to about $2,705. Yes, it’s a significant investment, but here’s why it’s worth every penny:
Typically, the seller is responsible for providing an up-to-date certificate of location. However, there’s an important exception: if a buyer requests a new certificate when no changes have occurred to the property, they’ll be the ones footing the bill.
Here’s something crucial to keep in mind – it takes 4-6 weeks to prepare a certificate of location, and it must be submitted to the notary at least 20 days before signing the deed of sale. This timing is non-negotiable, so plan accordingly!
Some people ask me if title insurance can replace a certificate of location. While title insurance is valuable, it has important limitations:
Remember, in Quebec real estate, cutting corners on documentation can lead to major headaches down the road. If you have questions about certificates of location or need help understanding what your current certificate means, don’t be shy to reach out. My team and I are here to help you navigate the Quebec real estate market with confidence.
At Peter Thompson Real Estate, we believe that every real estate journey should be as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your current property, or just have questions about certificates of location, our team brings local expertise and genuine care to every client relationship.
Have questions about certificates of location or any other aspect of buying or selling in Quebec? Don’t be shy to reach out:
Sarah is happiest when she is forming genuine relationships with the people around her and when she makes a positive impact on their lives. Knowing her strengths, she has combined her honesty, reliability and her drive to be able to offer her clients a caring, comprehensive and stress-free real estate service.
Her Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Marketing, her years of experience in customer service, and in the municipal sector have made Sarah an outstanding communicator, dedicated to putting her clients and their expectations first.
Sarah grew up in the West Island and has settled down in the beautiful city of Saint-Lazare after falling in love with the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region. When she is not working, you will find her at home with a good book and a coffee, or walking around or snowshoeing through the trails in Rigaud and Saint-Lazare.
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