Since January 1, 2026, eligible first-time buyers in Quebec can recover up to $5,875 of their welcome tax (land transfer tax) as a refundable tax credit, announced by Premier Christine Fréchette on April 17, 2026. The measure applies to properties under $1,000,000, with a gradual phaseout between $750,000 and $1,000,000. You pay the tax at closing, then claim the refund through Revenu Québec — advance payments are expected as early as fall 2026.
Key Facts
- Maximum refund: $5,875 per real estate transaction
- Retroactive to January 1, 2026 for any purchase made since that date
- Approximately 40,000 Quebec families will benefit from this program each year
- Average estimated refund: $3,700 (per La Presse and Radio-Canada, April 2026)
- Credit gradually phased out between $750,000 and $1,000,000 — zero at $1,000,000 and above
- Both buyers on title must each meet the first-time buyer condition
Key Takeaways
Since January 1, 2026, the Government of Quebec refunds up to $5,875 of the welcome tax (land transfer tax) for first-time buyers.
The program applies to properties under $1,000,000 — with a gradual phaseout between $750,000 and $1,000,000.
In Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, where the median detached home price sits at $783,500, you fall within the phaseout range. The refund is real but will be less than the maximum cap. For condominiums at $479,750, the full $5,875 cap applies.
The refund takes the form of a tax credit: you pay the welcome tax at closing, then claim your refund through Revenu Québec, with advance payments expected starting fall 2026.
- If you are buying a plex to live in, duplexes and triplexes are listed as eligible properties in the Government of Quebec's official document. Consult your notary for the applicable calculation rules.
- Spouse previously a homeowner: if your spouse owned a home you lived in during the past 4 years, you are not eligible as a couple. Both buyers must individually meet the first-time buyer condition.
Are you planning to buy your first home in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, on the South Shore, or in Montreal — and have you heard about the welcome tax refund announced on April 17, 2026?
You may be wondering: Am I eligible? How much will I get back? How do I claim the refund on the welcome tax I paid? Is it tax-deductible? What form does the refund take, and when does it kick in? Does it apply across all of Quebec? What about buying a duplex?
Retroactive to January 1, 2026, the Government of Quebec is offering a refundable tax credit to first-time buyers of houses and condominiums to offset a portion of their land transfer duties — commonly known as the welcome tax. The maximum refund is $5,875. The program was announced by Premier Christine Fréchette on April 17, 2026.
In this article, I answer all of these questions with verified figures, current market data for Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville and the South Shore, and details you won't find in government press releases.
What you'll find here:
- What the welcome tax is and how it is calculated in Quebec
- The Fréchette government's new program in detail
- Who is eligible — and the nuances nobody mentions
- The calculation table by city, including Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
- How you will receive your refund
- What this means concretely for the Saint-Bruno market today
- The limits of the program and what to verify with your notary
Calculate your welcome tax in 30 secondsEnter your purchase price and municipality — get the exact amount before making your offer.
Calculate my transfer tax →What Is the Welcome Tax in Quebec?
Before discussing the refund, it is important to understand what the welcome tax is, how it is calculated, and what it represents in your home-buying budget.
Definition
The welcome tax is the popular name given to land transfer duties (droits de mutation immobilière) in Quebec. The name comes from Minister Jean Bienvenue, who introduced the tax in 1976.
Land transfer duties are fees collected by municipalities in Quebec each time a property changes ownership. They are mandatory and unavoidable on every purchase of a house, condo, or income property. They must be budgeted for. You have 30 days to pay them after signing the deed of sale. Rare exceptions apply, such as upon inheritance or in the case of a separation.
In practical terms, this is an additional expense you must absolutely account for when buying a house, condo, or plex — on top of your down payment, notary fees, home inspection fees, and other closing costs.
How Is the Welcome Tax Calculated in Quebec?
The welcome tax is calculated by applying a progressive rate schedule to the purchase price of the property. The higher the property value, the higher the rate applied on each additional bracket.
2026 Provincial Brackets — minimum base applicable to all municipalities in Quebec:
| Value Bracket | Applicable Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 to $62,900 | 0.5% |
| $62,900.01 to $315,000 | 1.0% |
| Over $315,000 | 1.5% |
| Over $500,000 (municipal rate — varies by municipality) | Up to 3% |
Source: Government of Quebec — quebec.ca/en/government/municipal-management/municipal-finance-taxation/land-transfer-duties
Important note: The base brackets are the same across all Quebec municipalities, but the law allows each municipality to adopt a higher rate — up to 3% — on the portion exceeding $500,000. Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Laval, and several other cities have exercised this right. Montreal operates under a special regime allowing even higher rates. It is therefore essential to use the rate specific to your municipality — not the generic provincial table — when calculating your actual welcome tax.
Welcome Tax Calculation Example — Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
Let's take the example of a detached home in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville at $783,500:
| Bracket | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| $0 to $62,900 | $62,900 × 0.5% | $315 |
| $62,900.01 to $315,000 | $252,100 × 1.0% | $2,521 |
| $315,000.01 to $500,000 | $185,000 × 1.5% | $2,775 |
| Over $500,000 (Saint-Bruno rate: 3%) | $283,500 × 3.0% | $8,505 |
| Total welcome tax in Saint-Bruno | — | $14,116 |
Actual median price in Q1 2026, based on APCIQ data — Sector 45
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville applies a 3% rate on the portion exceeding $500,000, under municipal by-law 2020-19 in effect since January 1, 2021. This rate is higher than the 1.5% provincial base bracket.
Sources: Government of Quebec (2026 base brackets) — quebec.ca · By-law 2020-19, Ville de Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville (3% rate > $500,000) — stbruno.ca/ville/reglements/reglements-generaux/taux-droit-mutation/
The buyer pays the welcome tax — not the seller.
What Is the Welcome Tax Refund Announced by Premier Christine Fréchette?
On April 17, 2026, Quebec's Premier announced the creation of a refund in the form of a tax credit to allow first-time buyers to recover a significant portion of the welcome tax they paid. The measure is retroactive to January 1, 2026.
Since January 1, 2026, eligible first-time buyers can recover up to $5,875 of the total welcome tax paid, in the form of a provincial income tax credit on their annual tax return.
According to statistics published by La Presse and Radio-Canada at the time of the announcement, approximately 40,000 Quebec families will benefit from this program each year, with an average refund of $3,700.
How Is the Refund Calculated?
The refund is calculated as follows:
- The first $5,000 of welcome tax paid is refunded at 100%.
- 25% of the amount exceeding $5,000 is refunded, up to a maximum of $875.
- Therefore, the maximum total refund per real estate transaction is $5,875.
An important nuance absent from most articles:
The tax credit will be adjusted based on the value of the property. It will begin to phase out gradually when the property value exceeds $750,000 and will become zero for homes or condominiums valued at $1,000,000 or more. (Sources: Le Devoir and L'Étoile du Lac, April 17–20, 2026)
In plain terms: the $5,875 cap applies in full for properties up to approximately $750,000. Between $750,000 and $1,000,000, the credit is progressively reduced. At $1,000,000 and above: zero refund.
Estimated Refund by Purchase Price
| Purchase Price | Estimated Tax (provincial base) | Refund | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | ~$3,400 | Up to $3,400 (100%) | $3,400 |
| $420,000 | ~$4,800 | Up to $4,800 | $4,800 |
| $480,000 | ~$5,500 | $5,875 (cap) | $5,875 |
| $600,000 | ~$7,200 | $5,875 (cap) | $5,875 |
| $783,500 | ~$11,400* | Gradually phased out | < $5,875 |
| $850,000 | ~$12,700* | Gradually phased out | < $5,875 |
| $1,000,000 and above | Variable | Not eligible | $0 |
Welcome tax estimated using the 2026 provincial base brackets. Municipalities applying a rate above 3% (including Saint-Bruno) will have a higher actual tax than these estimates.
* For the $783,500 and $850,000 rows, the estimate reflects the 3% municipal rate above $500,000 applicable in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville and several other South Shore cities.
These estimates are provided for reference only. Your notary will calculate the exact amount applicable to your transaction.
What is your exact refund?Calculate the welcome tax applicable to your property and estimate your refund amount.
Access the calculator →Who Is Eligible for the Welcome Tax Refund?
To be eligible for the welcome tax refund, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Eligibility Conditions:
- Be a first-time buyer: You must never have owned property before.
- Purchase your principal residence: The home or condo you are buying must be where you intend to live — not a pure investment property.
- Purchase price under $1,000,000: The refund does not apply to properties valued at $1,000,000 or more.
- Have purchased your property on or after January 1, 2026: The program is retroactive even though it was announced in April 2026. All purchases made in 2026 are therefore eligible.
- Be a Quebec resident.
To guide you through every step of your first home purchase, consult the First-Time Buyer's Guide prepared by Dania Fawaz.
The Nuances Most Articles Don't Explain
Are you purchasing with a spouse or partner who has previously owned a home?
If your spouse owned a home you lived in during the year of purchase or the four preceding years, you are not eligible for the refund. Both buyers must individually meet the first-time buyer condition. There is no "50/50 rule" in this program.
Are you planning to buy a duplex or triplex to live in?
Duplexes and triplexes are listed as eligible properties in the Government of Quebec's official document. For the calculation rules when you only occupy part of the building, the specific application details have not yet been published. Consult your notary or Revenu Québec to confirm your eligibility and the calculation applicable to your situation.
What is clearly excluded:
- Properties valued at $1,000,000 and above
- Income properties purchased purely as investments, without the buyer residing there
- Buyers who have previously owned property (subject to the nuance above regarding a spouse who is a first-time buyer)
How You Will Receive the Refund
This is important information that many buyers misunderstand — and it can significantly affect your financial planning at closing.
The refund amount is not automatically deducted from your welcome tax invoice. You will still need to pay the full amount billed within 30 days of signing your deed of sale, as usual. The refund comes afterward.
The refund will take the form of a new refundable tax credit for property access, with payments beginning as early as fall 2026. This means buyers who purchased in 2026 will not have to wait until spring 2027 to be reimbursed.
In practical terms: you still need to have the cash available to pay your welcome tax at closing, and you must be able to wait for the refund to arrive with your next provincial tax return.
What This Means Concretely in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
Q1 2026 Market Data — APCIQ
APCIQ Data — Sector 45 (Boucherville / Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville), First Quarter 2026
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville is one of the most dynamic markets on the South Shore. The Q1 2026 figures confirm it:
- Median price for detached homes: $783,500 (+8% vs. Q1 2025)
- Average days on market: 33 days (−7 days vs. Q1 2025)
- Active listings (detached): down 19% — inventory is tightening
- Median condominium price: $479,750 (+5%)
- Market conditions: seller's market — across all price segments below $1.18M
These figures mean two things for first-time buyers in Saint-Bruno.
First: with a median detached home price of $783,500, you fall within the phaseout range of the credit (between $750,000 and $1,000,000). The refund is real but will be less than the $5,875 maximum cap. Consult your notary or tax advisor for the exact calculation based on your purchase price.
Second: the market moves fast. An average of 33 days on market and shrinking inventory means you are in a competitive environment. The Fréchette program may help you decide to act now rather than wait — knowing it applies retroactively since January 1, 2026.
Condominiums and Townhouses in Saint-Bruno: Entry at $479,750
For first-time buyers looking at condominiums in Saint-Bruno, the Q1 2026 median price of $479,750 represents a welcome tax of approximately $5,200 (using provincial base brackets, the condo stays below the $500,000 threshold). This amount is fully covered by the $5,875 cap. For this buyer profile, the program is particularly advantageous.
The South Shore at a Glance — Brossard, Vieux-Longueuil, Chambly
Sector 42 — Brossard / Saint-Lambert (Q1 2026)
Median detached home price: $820,000 (+12%). Within the phaseout range of the credit. Median condominium price: $415,500 (−2%) — fully covered by the cap. Verify the municipal rates applicable in Brossard above $500,000 with your notary.
Sector 43 — Vieux-Longueuil (Q1 2026)
Median detached home price: $600,000 (+2%) — maximum cap of $5,875 applies using the base brackets. Condominium: $388,000 — fully covered. Verify Longueuil's municipal rates.
Sector 48 — Chambly (Q1 2026)
Median detached home price: $689,950 (+4%) — maximum cap applies using base brackets. One of the most active markets on the South Shore with sales up +16% and only 36 average days on market.
Summary Table — Program Impact by City
| City / Area | Median Detached Price (Q1 2026) | Estimated Welcome Tax | Estimated Refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville | $783,500 | ~$14,116 * | Gradually phased out (> $750K) |
| Brossard / Saint-Lambert | $820,000 | To verify * | Gradually phased out (> $750K) |
| Vieux-Longueuil | $600,000 | ~$7,600 | $5,875 (cap) ✓ |
| Chambly | $689,950 | ~$8,800 | $5,875 (cap) ✓ |
| Montreal — condo (median) | $476,000 | ~$5,400 | $5,875 (cap) ✓ |
| Montreal — detached (median) | $815,000 | Montreal regime | Gradually phased out (> $750K) |
Important: the welcome tax figures in this table are estimates. The actual amount depends on each municipality's rate above $500,000. Consult your notary.
* Saint-Bruno applies a 3% rate above $500,000 (by-law 2020-19 — stbruno.ca). Brossard is part of the Longueuil agglomeration: verify the applicable rate with your notary.
Sources: APCIQ, FSMI Residential Barometer, Q1 2026. Provincial base brackets: Government of Quebec (quebec.ca). Saint-Bruno rate: stbruno.ca.
What This Program Changes — and What It Does Not
What It Changes
The welcome tax has long been described as "the straw that breaks the camel's back" — that is precisely the expression Premier Christine Fréchette used at the announcement (La Presse, April 17, 2026). For many first-time buyers, it was not the home price blocking the project — it was the accumulation of closing costs: down payment, notary fees, home inspection, moving costs, and on top of it all, $6,000 to $14,000 in welcome tax due within 30 days of signing.
The program does not refund everything, but it concretely reduces the liquidity pressure at the most financially stretched moment of a transaction.
What It Does Not Change
It does not lower property prices. It does not change mortgage qualification rules. It does not exempt you from building a solid down payment.
When questioned about potential inflationary effects of this announcement, Premier Fréchette stated that this would not be the case, since approximately 15% of the real estate market is affected. (Source: Radio-Canada, April 17, 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
I bought my home before April 17, 2026 — can I still get the welcome tax refund?
Yes. The refund is retroactive to January 1, 2026. If you meet the eligibility conditions, you qualify even though the program was announced in April 2026.
How will I receive the welcome tax refund?
Through a refundable tax credit from Revenu Québec. You first pay the tax to your municipality within 30 days of signing your deed of sale, then file your claim. Advance payments will be available starting fall 2026.
My spouse was previously a homeowner — am I eligible?
No. If your spouse owned a home you lived in during the past 4 years, you are not eligible. Both buyers must individually meet the first-time buyer condition. (Source: Radio-Canada, April 17, 2026 · Official Government of Quebec document, April 17, 2026)
I'm buying a duplex in Saint-Bruno to live in and rent the other unit — am I eligible?
Duplexes and triplexes are listed as eligible properties in the Government of Quebec's official document. For the calculation rules when you only occupy part of the building, consult your notary or Revenu Québec — the specific application details have not yet been published.
Does the refund apply to new construction?
Yes. The program applies to the welcome tax paid on any purchase of a condo, house, or townhouse under $1,000,000, provided all eligibility conditions are met.
Calculate your welcome tax nowFree tool — instant result based on your municipality and purchase price.
Calculate for free →Would you like to assess your personal situation and verify your eligibility before moving forward? Contact Dania Fawaz for a personalized consultation.
Sources
- 1. Radio-Canada · Quebec will pay land transfer duties for first-time buyers up to $5,875 (April 17, 2026) — ici.radio-canada.ca
- 2. La Presse · First-time buyers — Quebec to refund a portion of land transfer duties (April 17, 2026) — lapresse.ca
- 3. Le Devoir · Quebec to refund up to $5,875 of welcome tax, Fréchette details (April 17, 2026) — ledevoir.com
- 4. L'Étoile du Lac · Quebec to refund a portion of the welcome tax (April 20, 2026) — letoiledulac.com
- 5. Government of Quebec · Official explanatory document — Refundable tax credit for property access (April 17, 2026) — cdn-contenu.quebec.ca
- 6. Government of Quebec · Land transfer duties — 2026 provincial brackets — quebec.ca
- 7. Revenu Québec · Refundable tax credit for property access (April 21, 2026) — revenuquebec.ca
- 8. Ville de Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville · Land transfer duties — 3% municipal rate above $500,000 (By-law 2020-19) — stbruno.ca
- 9. APCIQ / Centris · FSMI Residential Barometer — Q1 2026, Sector 45 Boucherville/Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville — apciq.ca
