Your first home.
Your starting checklist.

A practical guide to buying in Gatineau, Hull, Aylmer, Cantley, Val-des-Monts, Buckingham, Chelsea or Masson-Angers. Move forward at your own pace, one step at a time.

01 / Review your budget

• Work out your available net income and monthly household expenses.
• List your debts and required payments.
• Choose a comfortable monthly payment rather than relying only on a lender’s maximum.
• Keep an emergency fund separate from your buying budget.

02 / Prepare your financing

• Gather the income and employment documents requested by your mortgage professional.
• Prepare statements showing the source of your down payment.
• Review your Equifax and TransUnion reports and report any errors.
• Ask your mortgage professional which pre-approval options suit your situation.
• Confirm eligibility for the FHSA and HBP with a professional before using them.

03 / Plan for initial costs

• Down payment and, if applicable, tax on the mortgage default insurance premium.
• Inspection, notary and property transfer tax.
• Tax adjustments, condo fees or other costs at closing.
• Moving, utility connections, insurance and initial repairs.

04 / Clarify your criteria

• Areas, commute times and essential services.
• Property type, bedrooms, parking and future needs.
• Three must-haves and three preferences you can be flexible about.
• A realistic timeline and, if applicable, a lease end date to confirm.

05 / Visit and verify

• Compare properties using the same total budget, including fees and maintenance.
• Read the seller’s documents and ask questions.
• For a condo: review the documents, fees and expected work with the appropriate professionals.
• Discuss financing and inspection conditions and deadlines with your broker before submitting a promise to purchase.

06 / Prepare to take possession

• Meet the agreed conditions and deadlines.
• Confirm financing, insurance and the required funds with the professionals involved.
• Arrange the notary appointment and your move.
• Plan address changes and utility transfers.

General information document prepared on October 23, 2026. Rules, deadlines and conditions must be confirmed with the appropriate professionals for your situation.