Updated: April 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

First-Time Home Buyer Guide — Longueuil Quebec 2025

Longueuil is an attractive destination for first-time buyers on Montreal's South Shore. With metro access, a range of housing types, and prices generally below island Montreal, Longueuil offers a realistic entry point for many buyers taking their first step into homeownership. This guide covers everything Longueuil first-time buyers need to know in 2025.

Affordability in Longueuil

Longueuil condominiums start around $250,000, making them among the most accessible entry points in the greater Montreal area with metro access. Townhouses range from $380,000 to $500,000. Single-family homes generally start above $480,000 in most boroughs. First-time buyers most commonly target condos and townhouses to get into the market within a practical budget.

Minimum Down Payment Rules

Federal rules apply across Canada including Quebec:

• Properties under $500,000: minimum 5% down
• Properties $500,000–$999,999: 5% on first $500K, 10% on balance
• Properties $1M+: minimum 20% down (no CMHC insurance available)

For a $280,000 Longueuil condo, the minimum down payment is $14,000 (5%). You would also pay CMHC insurance of 4% on the insured amount, added to your mortgage.

Savings Programs

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

The FHSA is the most powerful tool available to first-time buyers. Contribute up to $8,000/year (max $40,000 lifetime) with a full tax deduction for contributions and zero tax on qualifying withdrawals. Open one immediately to start accumulating room.

RRSP Home Buyers Plan

Withdraw up to $35,000 per person ($70,000 per couple) from RRSPs tax-free for a first home. Must be repaid over 15 years starting the second year after withdrawal.

Federal First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit

A $100 eligible amount translating to up to $1,500 in federal tax savings for qualifying purchases.

Welcome Tax in Longueuil

When you take ownership, you owe Quebec's droits de mutation (welcome tax) at the notary. Longueuil has no municipal surtax:

• 0.5% on first $52,800 = $264
• 1.0% on $52,800–$264,000 = $2,112
• 1.5% above $264,000

On a $280,000 condo: ~$2,640. On a $420,000 townhouse: ~$4,740. Budget for this on top of your down payment.

Quebec-Specific Buying Process

Quebec real estate operates under a civil law system with notaries (not lawyers) handling property transfers. Key differences from other provinces:

• All title transfers require a notary (notaire)
• The offer document is called a promesse d'achat (promise to purchase)
• Condo buyers receive a mandatory declaration de copropriété and must review syndicate financials
• Pre-sale disclosure is handled through a vendor declaration

Finding Properties in Longueuil

Centris.ca is the main MLS-equivalent listing platform in Quebec. All Quebec real estate agents use Centris for listings. Work with a courtier immobilier (real estate broker) who knows your target neighbourhood and price range. Buyer's broker services are typically paid by the seller in Quebec, so using a buyer's agent usually does not cost you anything directly.

Total Cost Checklist for First-Time Buyers in Longueuil

• Down payment: 5–20% of purchase price
• CMHC insurance: 2.8–4.0% on insured portion (if less than 20% down)
• Welcome tax: calculated on purchase price
• Notary fees: $1,200–$2,000
• Home inspection: $400–$600
• Moving: $1,000–$2,500
• Immediate move-in costs: variable