Moving to Montreal Guide 2024
Montreal is one of North America's most livable cities: affordable, bilingual, culturally rich, and home to a world-renowned food scene. Whether you are relocating from another Canadian city or from abroad, this guide covers everything you need to know about buying or renting in Montreal and settling in.
⚠️ Quebec has NO first-time buyer rebate on droits de mutation.
Unlike Ontario (up to $4,000 rebate) or some other provinces, Quebec offers zero provincial refund on the welcome tax for first-time buyers. Every buyer pays the full amount — plan accordingly.
Why Move to Montreal?
- One of Canada's most affordable major cities for housing
- Vibrant arts, music, and festival scene (Jazz Fest, Just for Laughs, Osheaga)
- World-class universities (McGill, Concordia, UdeM, UQAM)
- Bilingual environment — French is dominant but English is widely spoken
- Hydro-Québec electricity rates are among the lowest in North America
- Extensive metro and STM bus network
Buying vs. Renting in Montreal
Montreal has historically had among Canada's highest rental rates — a large portion of Montrealers rent. Condos in Plateau or NDG rent for $1,500–$2,800/month. If you plan to stay 5+ years, buying usually makes financial sense given the droits de mutation cost at entry.
The Buying Process for Newcomers to Quebec
If you are moving from Ontario or another common-law province, note that Quebec operates under a civil law system. Key differences:
- Closings are handled by a notary, not a real estate lawyer
- Your real estate broker must be licensed by the OACIQ
- Offers are called promesse d'achat and have specific Quebec clauses
- Droits de mutation (welcome tax) is paid post-closing via a city invoice
No First-Time Buyer Rebate
If you are moving from Ontario where you benefited from a $4,000 land transfer tax rebate, be aware: Quebec has no equivalent rebate. Budget for the full droits de mutation. Use our Quebec land transfer tax calculator to estimate your cost.
Setting Up in Montreal
- Language: French is the official language. Bill 96 strengthens French requirements. Learn basic French — it will help with permits, renovations, and community integration
- Driver's licence: Exchange your province's licence within 90 days at SAAQ
- Health card: Apply for RAMQ (provincial health insurance) — 3-month wait period for new Quebec residents from other provinces
- Schools: English public schools are available but require eligibility under Quebec's language laws
Montreal Neighbourhoods for Newcomers
- From Ontario/English Canada: NDG, Westmount, Côte-Saint-Luc, Pointe-Claire
- Young professionals: Mile End, Griffintown, Plateau, Verdun
- Families with children: Rosemont, Villeray, Saint-Laurent, Beaconsfield
- Tech workers: Mile-Ex, Saint-Laurent, Laval (tech corridor)
Montreal Moving Day: July 1st
Quebec's unique lease renewal tradition means most residential leases end June 30. July 1st is the busiest moving day in North America. Book movers 2–3 months in advance if closing in June or July. Truck rental prices triple during this period.
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Key Tips for Moving to Montreal
- Budget for droits de mutation — no rebate exists in Quebec
- Apply for RAMQ immediately upon establishing Quebec residency
- Avoid closing in late June due to July 1st moving chaos
- Check that your chosen neighbourhood has adequate French or English schools
- Hydro-Québec heating costs are low; switching from gas to electric is often worthwhile