More than 40 percent of home sales in Quebec occurred without a legal warranty in 2025, a significant increase driven by a competitive housing market and a dwindling supply of available properties, according to data released this week by the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (APCIQ).
The APCIQ reported that 43 percent of all residential sales in the province last year – representing 41,517 transactions out of a total of 97,161 – were completed without a legal warranty. This marks a substantial rise from the 12 percent recorded in 2011. The trend has been steadily increasing over the past decade, reflecting a growing willingness among buyers to accept greater risk in order to secure a home.
In Montreal, the proportion of sales without a legal warranty was even higher, with 34 percent of transactions – 5,917 out of 17,366 – closing without the protection offered by a warranty. “What we’re seeing in the market is that a lot of people are taking risks because they want a house. There are no more houses available, it’s the one they want, and they are willing to take that risk,” explained Nathalie Bégin, Director of Brokerage Practices at the APCIQ.
A legal warranty, also known as a statutory warranty, protects buyers against hidden defects – problems with a property that are not apparent during a standard home inspection. With a warranty in place, a buyer can require the seller to repair certain issues, potentially saving them tens of thousands of dollars. According to Bégin, disputes between buyers and sellers are more common than many realize. “It’s not uncommon for a situation to arise. You sell your house and, three years later, you receive a letter. So it’s a little scary,” she said.
Lorena Lopez Gonzalez, President of the Quebec Professional Notaries Association, noted that historically, sales without a legal warranty were typically limited to distressed properties or those owned by banks. Here’s no longer the case. She added that the absence of a warranty does not appear to be significantly impacting sale prices. “Over the past five years, the number of transactions without a warranty has been very, very high, abnormally high even, I would say,” Lopez Gonzalez stated.
The trend comes as Quebec’s housing market continues to favor sellers. Recent data indicates strong sales activity throughout the province. In January 2026, the APCIQ reported continued declines in the Montreal region, but noted a historical shortage of properties in the Quebec City area was continuing to constrain sales. The association also released its 2025 intentions survey, finding stable intentions to buy and sell, but increasingly complex pathways to homeownership for Quebecers.
Lopez Gonzalez advises buyers to opt for a legal warranty whenever possible. However, for those who choose to proceed without one, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications, conducting a thorough inspection, and carefully reviewing the seller’s declaration. “What does buying without a legal warranty mean? It means I can’t turn around and sue my seller if there’s a problem with the property,” she explained.
Experts anticipate that the number of homes sold without a legal warranty will continue to rise as the Quebec housing market remains competitive.
