Real estate law

Buying a property in Laval with a notary

Has your offer to purchase been accepted, or are you about to sign one? The notary takes over from there: verifying title, preparing the deed of sale and making sure the transaction is registered and settled properly. We guide you from the first call to the signing.

The notary's role in a property purchase

The notary is a public officer. In a purchase, the notary examines the seller's title, checks the rights and charges affecting the property (hypothecs, servitudes and so on), drafts and receives the deed of sale, then registers it at the Québec land register.

When the purchase is financed, the notary also coordinates with your lender: preparing the mortgage deed, following the lender's instructions and releasing the funds. The notary also prepares the adjustments (property taxes, for example) and the disbursements of the transaction.

When should you contact us?

  • Ideally as soon as your offer to purchase is accepted, so there is enough time to examine title before the possession date.
  • Before signing an offer to purchase, if you would like to understand what lies ahead.
  • For new construction, vacant land, an income property or a commercial building: each involves checks of its own.

The main steps of a purchase

  1. First contact

    You send us the accepted offer to purchase and the contact details of those involved.

  2. Title examination

    We verify the seller's title and the charges affecting the property.

  3. Preparing the deeds

    Drafting the deed of sale and, where applicable, the mortgage deed.

  4. Signing

    Signing appointment: the deeds are read with you and your questions answered.

  5. Registration and follow-up

    Registration at the land register and settlement of funds according to instructions.

The exact sequence may vary depending on your file.

What to prepare

  • Valid identification, such as a passport or a driver’s licence.
  • A copy of the accepted offer to purchase and any schedules.
  • Contact details for your real estate broker and your mortgage lender.
  • Details of your financing (for example the lender’s commitment letter).
  • The complete list of documents to provide is sent to you when your appointment is confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions

When should I choose my notary?

You can do so as soon as your offer to purchase is accepted. The earlier you contact us, the more time there is for the title examination.

Does the notary represent the buyer or the seller?

The notary acts as an impartial public officer: advising the parties and making sure the deed reflects their agreement, without taking one side against the other.

What is the difference between the offer to purchase and the deed of sale?

The offer to purchase is the preliminary agreement, often prepared with a real estate broker. The deed of sale is the notarial document that records the transfer of ownership.

How much time should I allow before the possession date?

It depends on the file, your lender and the agreed possession date. Contact us as early as possible so we can plan the signing with you.

What happens at the signing?

We read the deeds with you, answer your questions, then you sign them before the notary. We then take care of registration at the land register.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. As each situation is unique, it is recommended that you consult a professional to obtain advice tailored to your particular situation.

Related services

Your notary in Laval

Groupe Synergie Notaires is located at 67 boulevard Samson, in Laval (Sainte-Dorothée). The firm is led by Me Mirabela Petrulian, notary.

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