Purchasing a condo: everything you need to know before you buy

Condos, or condominiums, are a popular type of property in Quebec. Generally more accessible than single-family homes, they appeal to first-time buyers and anyone looking for a simpler lifestyle.

However, buying a condo isn’t the same as buying a house: some rules and specific features are worth considering first. Condo fees, the role of the syndicate of co-owners, the declaration of co-ownership and individual legal obligations: this complete guide covers everything you should know before investing in a divided co-ownership.

What is a condo?

A condo, also called a divided co-ownership , is a type of dwelling that combines a private portion and common portions. In concrete terms, you own a private portion—for example, your apartment and parking space—and a percentage of the common portions. These include the entryway, yard, rooftop terrace or pool, which you share with the other co-owners.

Each private portion has its own lot number and municipal and school tax accounts. The common portions belong to all co-owners and are managed collectively. This is why a syndicate of co-owners runs the building, handles maintenance and makes sure that the rules in the declaration of co-ownership are followed.

How is an undivided co-ownership different?

In an undivided co-ownership , often referred to as an undivided condo, there is no distinction between private and common portions. All owners jointly own the building and share the acquisition and operating expenses.

Since the building has only one lot number (cadastre), municipal and school taxes are divided between all co-owners based on their respective share.

A classic example: a couple buys a property and becomes undivided co-owners of the entire building. The same principle applies to friends who buy a triplex together. The portions are generally equal, unless the deed of sale specifies otherwise.

To find out more, see our article Divided vs. undivided co-ownership: what’s the difference?

How is a single-family home different?

Owning a single-family home involves acquiring both the building and the land, and shouldering all the costs and responsibilities: maintenance, repairs, municipal and school taxes, etc.

By contrast, one of the great advantages of buying a condo is owning your own unit while sharing the expenses related to common portions with the other co-owners. These costs are grouped together as co-ownership fees, which cover things like maintenance work.

Tips and tricks Buying a condo in an in-demand area, such as a large city or working-class neighbourhood, can be a worthwhile investment. Since this type of home appeals to many buyers, its value is likely to increase over time. However, condo fees and the state of the contingency fund should be taken into account, since these factors directly influence the profitability of your investment.

Understanding how condos work before you buy

Co-ownership involves well-defined legal standards that establish both your rights and responsibilities. The declaration of co-ownership, the role of the syndicate of co-owners and managing condo fees: everything is regulated to ensure the building is properly run.

With the new Bill 16 , the rules surrounding the maintenance log and contingency fund are even stricter. Before becoming a co-owner, it is essential to understand these mechanisms to avoid any unpleasant surprises and choose a condo that truly suits your lifestyle.

What is a declaration of ownership?

The divided co-ownership is created when the declaration of co-ownership is published in the registry office. From this point on, all the co-owners form a legal entity called the syndicate of co-owners. If the building is new, the developer usually prepares this declaration.

The declaration has three parts:

• Constituting act of co-ownership: it defines the private and common portions and the rights and obligations of each co-owner.
• Co-ownership by-laws: they set the rules of living in the building (pets, smoking ban, short-term rentals, etc.).
• Description of the fractions: identifies each unit and specifies its relative value, which is used to calculate the distribution of common expenses and condo fees.

These by-laws may be amended at a meeting of co-owners, but this requires majority approval (51%) .

What is the role of the syndicate of co-owners?

The syndicate of co-owners, or co-ownership association , includes all the owners of a divided co-ownership building. Its mission is to collect the fees to cover the common expenses, manage the contingency fund, administer and maintain the common portions, and protect each person’s rights.

The syndicate of co-owners is governed by law and by a declaration of co-ownership. It is made up of two bodies:

• The board of directors, which is responsible for day-to-day management.
• The meeting of co-owners, which is held at least once a year and where each co-owner can vote based on their share.

What is the purpose of condo fees?

Condo fees are monthly payments that are not included in your mortgage. They cover the daily maintenance of the building (cleaning common portions, minor repairs, snow removal, etc.), as well as planned major expenses under the contingency fund study and the maintenance log, which are paid for by the contingency fund . Without this, your financial institution may refuse to give you a mortgage.

Part of the condo fees is also dedicated to general and civil liability insurance and the self-insurance fund , which pays the deductible in the event of a loss. Condo fees may also include certain common services, such as a training room or swimming pool, or utilities like heat and hot water.

What are each person’s legal obligations?

In addition to the rules specific to each building, the law imposes certain individual legal obligations on co-owners:

• Respect the intended use of the building: for example, a residential condo cannot be used as a commercial office, unless indicated otherwise.
• Do not disturb other co-owners: this includes respecting peace and quiet, pets, smoking or vaping, limiting odours and the normal use of common portions.
• Maintain your private portion: each co-owner must maintain their unit to preserve the value of the building.
• Contribute to common expenses: paying condo fees is a legal obligation, since it guarantees that the building is properly run and maintained.
• Comply with the decisions of the meeting of co-owners: whether they concern work to be carried out or by-laws to be amended, the decisions adopted by the majority apply to everyone.

The meeting of co-owners therefore has the power to amend the declaration of co-ownership, including the building’s by-laws. For its part, the board of directors has a duty to ensure compliance with the established by-laws. If they are not followed, the board may issue a formal notice, a penalty or an injunction or terminate the lease in the case of a tenant.

Can work be carried out in private portions?

As a co-owner, you are free to do minor work inside your unit, like painting the walls or changing the cabinets. However, work that affects the structure, plumbing or electricity of the building may need to be authorized by the syndicate of co-owners. This is to ensure the safety, uniformity and purpose of the building are respected.

Tips and tricks Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) condominium buyer’s guide is a useful resource for knowing what to ask before buying a condo.

Costs to expect when purchasing a condo

Buying a condo involves additional costs on top of the purchase price . See the main ones here:

Tips and tricks Check out our home ownership programs blog post to learn how to optimize your financing and make it easier to buy your condo.

Essential documents to read before buying a condo

Before signing, take the time to read certain documents carefully. They will give you an accurate picture of the condo and spare you from any nasty surprises.

• Certificate attesting to the condition of the co-ownership : this provides a financial overview of the building, major works to be carried out, past losses, insurance, disputes and changes to the declaration of co-ownership over the past three years. The syndicate must provide it to you within 15 days of your request .
• Declaration of co-ownership: this sets out your rights and obligations as a co-owner, as well as the rules of living in the building.
• Co-ownership by-laws: these are the rules relating to the use and maintenance of private portions, common portions for restricted use and common portions (pets, noise, short-term rentals, etc.).
• Meetings minutes: these reveal how the co-ownership is managed, complaints, past or future work and decisions made by the co-owners.
• Syndicate’s financial statements: these show the financial health of the condominium and enable you to check whether its income is enough to cover its expenses.
• Proof of insurance from the syndicate: essential protection to ensure the building is covered in the event of a loss.
• Study of the contingency fund and maintenance log: this confirms that the syndicate of co-owners has a contingency fund for major repairs and that maintenance is planned.
• Self-insurance fund: mandatory since April 15, 2022, this is used to pay the insurance deductible in the event of a claim.
• Absence of legal proceedings: an ongoing case could result in major expenses for all co-owners.

For an off-plan condo

Planning to buy a condo that hasn’t been built yet? Here are a couple of things to consider before buying an off-plan condo :

• The preliminary contract is similar to a promise to purchase in that it commits you to acquire the co-ownership under certain conditions. It must include certain mandatory clauses, such as the right of withdrawal, refund of the deposit and the terms of tax payments.
• The information note entered in the land register contains the names of the developers and builders, the plan for the entire project, a summary of the work to be carried out, a provisional budget detailing the condo costs for the current year, and a copy of the declaration of co-ownership and the building by-laws.

If you are purchasing a new build , ensure that the building is protected by a warranty plan and find out about what it contains and what is covered, including the complaints handling and dispute resolution mechanism.

Also, remember to check that your down payment is protected. The law requires that the down payment is protected by one or more of the following means: a warranty plan, insurance, a surety bond or a deposit in a trust account of a member of a professional order (Barreau du Québec, Chambre des notaires du Québec, Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec or Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec).

Tips and tricks Before taking possession of the condo, inspect not only your unit, but the building as a whole. This will give you a clear picture of the construction quality and an opportunity to ask for the necessary corrections to be made.

Buying a condo: what to keep in mind

Buying a condo can be a great option, both to simplify your lifestyle and invest in a growing sector. For your project to be successful, it is essential to understand the condo costs, the role of the co-owners’ association and the legal obligations that accompany divided co-ownership.

To explore opportunities on the market, check the condos for sale at Centris.ca . And remember: each transaction has its own unique features. A real estate broker can help you navigate documents, clearly explain their implications and, most importantly, protect your interests throughout the buying process. To find a professional to team up with, see the Find your real estate broker section of Centris.ca.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. What are the monthly fees for a condo in Quebec?

The average cost of condo fees is between 1% and 3% of the value of the condominium. In 2023, a Léger survey indicated that the average cost was $280 per month, an increase from previous years. However, this amount varies depending on the region, construction year and services offered.

2. What does Bill 16 cover for condominiums?

Bill 16, which has been in effect since August 14, 2025, requires more transparent and responsible management by syndicates of divided co-ownerships. It strengthens financial protections for co-owners, improves the governance by syndicates and ensures that buildings are viable over the long term.

Now, every syndicate must produce a contingency fund study and keep a maintenance log to plan major works for the next 25 to 30 years. These documents must be produced by a professional member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, the Ordre des évaluateurs agréés du Québec, the Ordre des architectes du Québec or the Ordre des technologues professionnels du Québec. The maintenance log must be updated every five years, or every ten years for buildings of eight units or fewer.

3. What is the average price of a condo?

According to real estate statistics published on the Centris.ca website , the median price of a condominium was $399,900 in Q2 of 2025. Over the past four quarters, the median price was $389,475. Of course, this amount varies depending on the location, the year the building was constructed, and the characteristics of the unit.

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See also:

A comprehensive 12-step guide to buying a home

Divided vs. undivided co-ownership: what’s the difference?

Pros and cons of renting a condo in Quebec