Amos is a city of approximately 13,000 people situated in the Harricana Regional County Municipality of Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Unlike its Abitibi neighbours Rouyn-Noranda and Val-d'Or which are built around hard-rock mining, Amos has a stronger agricultural identity — the fertile clay belt that characterizes much of Abitibi supports dairy farming, grain production, and mixed agriculture. Amos is often called the "capital of agricultural Abitibi."
The city is also a regional service centre for healthcare, education, and government services. The Centre hospitalier Hôtel-Dieu d'Amos is the regional hospital. The city has a strong religious heritage reflected in its cathedral and historic architecture.
Forest products, mining services, and transportation round out the economy. Real estate is extremely affordable: single-family homes typically range from $120,000 to $260,000, making Amos one of the most accessible housing markets in Quebec. The combination of low property prices and solid regional wages creates good conditions for first-time buyers.
The Caisse Desjardins d'Amos is the primary financial institution for most residents. Its cooperative model aligns well with the agricultural and community-focused character of the city. Desjardins has served Amos farmers and families for generations.
National Bank has a branch in Amos serving commercial and retail clients. It is a good alternative for residents who prefer a chartered bank structure or need specialized investment products.
BMO provides standard retail banking in Amos. Its national network is useful for residents who travel frequently or have family in other cities.
KOHO is available to all Amos residents online. Zero fees, instant account opening, and free e-transfers make it an excellent everyday spending account.
Amos applies Quebec's standard welcome tax formula:
For a typical Amos home at $175,000, the welcome tax is approximately: $264 + $1,222 = $1,486. This is quite low and should pose no obstacle for most buyers. Remember it arrives as a municipal notice 3–6 months after closing.
Amos is Quebec's agricultural heartland in the north, and Desjardins has unique expertise in farm financing that chartered banks cannot match in this region. Agricultural producers should be aware of:
Young farmers looking to take over family operations should consult both Desjardins and FADQ early in the process, as programs often have age and experience requirements that benefit from advance planning.
Amos's extremely affordable housing market makes homeownership accessible for most working families. A household income of $60,000 can comfortably qualify for a mortgage on a typical Amos home. The stress test requires qualification at the contract rate plus 2%, but given local prices, the payment burden remains very manageable.
First-time buyers should explore the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), which allows up to $8,000 per year in tax-deductible contributions. Combined with the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan (up to $35,000 per person), a couple can assemble a substantial down payment with meaningful tax advantages.
KOHO is available everywhere in Quebec. No monthly fees, no minimum balance. Use code 45ET55JSYA for a bonus when you open your free account.
Open KOHO Free — Code 45ET55JSYA