Last week, during a home tour, my clients were about to submit an offer on their dream home when they noticed the certificate of location was over 10 years old. They turned to me and asked,
“Pete, is this something we should be concerned about?”
The answer? Absolutely.
A certificate of location is not just another document in your real estate paperwork—it’s a critical tool that provides a legal snapshot of your property. Without an up-to-date certificate, buyers and sellers risk delays, financial surprises, or even deal cancellations.
A certificate of location is a legal document prepared by a licensed land surveyor (Ordre des arpenteurs-géomètres du Québec). It consists of:
Your certificate of location provides crucial insights, such as:
✅ Exact property boundaries – Avoid future disputes with neighbors.
✅ Location of structures – Ensure buildings, fences, and driveways comply with zoning laws.
✅ Rights of passage or servitudes – Identify any shared access or usage restrictions.
✅ Environmental risks – Determine if the property is in a flood zone or landslide-prone area.
✅ Municipal compliance – Confirm if buildings and modifications meet local regulations.
Your certificate of location expires when:
If any of these apply to your property, you’ll need a new certificate before selling or refinancing.
As of 2023, the cost of obtaining a new certificate of location is:
🏡 $1,500 for a single-family home in an urban area.
🏠 $2,705 for a semi-detached home.
While it’s a significant investment, an updated certificate prevents costly surprises during closing.
💰 Typically, the seller is responsible for providing an up-to-date certificate.
Exception: If a buyer requests a new certificate without any changes to the property, they may have to cover the cost.
⏳ 4-6 weeks – That’s how long it takes to prepare a new certificate.
📅 Plan ahead: The certificate must be submitted to the notary at least 20 days before closing.
Not quite! While title insurance offers protection, it does not replace the need for a certificate of location.
🔍 Title insurance does NOT cover:
🚫 Fences, hedges, or small boundary structures.
🚫 Violations of environmental protection laws.
🚫 Issues that an updated certificate would reveal.
📍 Related: Is a certificate of location mandatory to sell in Québec
✅ If you’re selling: Check the date of your certificate. If it’s close to 10 years old or your property has changed, start the process of getting a new one ASAP.
✅ If you’re buying: Always request a current certificate before finalizing your offer. Don’t accept an expired one, even in a competitive market.
Every home has the right buyer—sometimes, it’s just about making the right adjustments.
If you have questions about why your home isn’t selling or want an expert’s opinion on market conditions in Quebec, reach out today!
📞 Call Peter Thompson: (438) 500-8344
📩 Email: peter@peterthompson.ca
Peter Thompson is a Quebec real estate expert specializing in helping homeowners navigate complex market conditions. Contact him today for a personalized home sale strategy.
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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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