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If you’ve been dreaming of buying your first home, the Quebec government just gave you some very good news.

As of January 1, 2026, first-time buyers can recover a significant portion of their welcome tax, through a new refundable tax credit. A concrete measure that directly reduces one of the most overlooked costs of homeownership.

What exactly is the welcome tax?

The welcome tax (or land transfer tax) is a one-time municipal tax paid at the time of purchase. It’s often forgotten in early budget calculations, yet it can add up to thousands of dollars.

For example, on a $400,000 property in Gatineau, the welcome tax is approximately $4,000. On a $500,000 property, it’s close to $5,500. These amounts come on top of your down payment, notary fees, and other closing costs.

What the government now reimburses

Thanks to the new refundable tax credit

• 100% of the first $5,000 in land transfer tax is reimbursed
• 25% of any amount paid beyond that threshold, up to a maximum of $5,875
• The measure is retroactive to January 1, 2026, if you purchased this year, you qualify
• The estimated average benefit is $3,700 per household
• Approximately 38,000 first-time buyers will benefit each year across Quebec

Do you qualify?

To take advantage of this rebate, you must:

• Be purchasing your first primary residence
• Not have owned a property in the last 4 years
• Purchase a property under $1,000,000 (the credit is gradually reduced between $750,000 and $1M)

What this means for you

For many first-time buyers, the welcome tax was a real barrier, an extra amount to come up with at the exact moment your wallet is already stretched. With this rebate, that obstacle is largely removed.

If you’ve been waiting until you had enough liquidity to take the leap, this could be exactly what makes your project possible right now.

Have a project in mind? Let’s talk.
Our team is here to help you understand all available programs, assess your buying power, and guide you from start to finish.

We look forward to assisting you,
Équipe Sirois Simard
Your trusted real estate team in Gatineau

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