In Quebec, a real estate broker’s commission is generally around 4% to 5% of the sale price, plus taxes (GST and QST), and it is entirely negotiable: there is no fixed rate imposed by law or by the OACIQ. But the percentage is only half the story. What really matters is the price you get in the end.
How is the commission calculated?
The commission is a percentage of the final sale price, not the asking price. It is agreed upon in advance in the listing agreement you sign with your broker, and it is collected only once, at the closing of the transaction at the notary’s office, directly from the sale proceeds. Therefore, you do not have to pay anything out of pocket along the way.
Sales taxes (5% GST and 9.975% QST) are added to the amounts, calculated on the commission itself. Your broker must always present the amount clearly, including taxes, before you sign anything.
One commission, two brokers: why sharing is strategic
A crucial point that few sellers understand: the compensation is negotiated between you and your broker—the listing broker—but it is used to pay two brokers, yours and the buyer’s. In other words, it is you, the seller, who pays the fees for both.
In the brokerage contract you sign, the listing broker must declare the percentage they are offering to the buyer’s broker (the collaborating broker). Do not take this split lightly: it is a strategic decision, not a mere formality.
In Quebec, the compensation offered to the buyer’s broker is normally around 2% of the sale price. This percentage sends a message to the market. Offering a competitive share tells buyer’s brokers: “Your work is valued; bring me your clients, and you will be paid accordingly—provided, of course, that you bring me an acceptable offer.” Conversely, offering less than the norm can discourage brokers from showing your property to their buyers, thereby reducing the number of qualified buyers who visit it.
This is exactly the kind of leverage a good listing broker discusses openly with you: the split is not just a cost; it is a tool to maximize your property’s exposure to the right buyers.
The commission is negotiable
Contrary to popular belief, there is no “official rate.” The percentage, structure, and what is included are negotiable. However, beware of the reflex to choose only the lowest rate: a slightly higher commission accompanied by a better pricing and marketing strategy can earn you thousands of dollars more upon sale.
What does the commission include?
A full commission covers much more than just a listing. It funds the valuation and pricing strategy, preparation and home staging, professional photos and video, distribution on Centris and portals, coordination of viewings, buyer screening, negotiation of offers and conditions, document management, and follow-up until the notary’s office. It is a full-time job for the entire duration of the mandate.
Why the price obtained matters more than the percentage
Here is the calculation that few people make. If a broker gets you a few percentage points more on your sale price, or sells your property faster (meaning fewer mortgage payments, taxes, and less stress), they have already “paid back” their commission. At Endurance, our sellers obtain an average of 99% of the asking price and an average timeframe of 29 days—a market we follow closely thanks to our Indice Tardif, our residential market indicator for the Island of Montreal.
In other words: the real question is not “how much does the broker cost,” but “how much more do they earn me than they cost me.” To find out for your property, get a free, no-obligation valuation.
FAQ
Who pays the commission, the buyer or the seller?
Traditionally, it is the seller who pays it, and it compensates both their broker and the buyer’s broker. We explain everything in our article “Who pays the broker’s commission.”
How much does the buyer’s broker receive?
In Quebec, the share offered to the buyer’s broker is normally around 2% of the sale price. The listing broker must declare it in the brokerage contract. This is a strategic choice: a competitive share encourages buyer’s brokers to present your property to their clients.
Can the commission be negotiated?
Yes. The rate and structure are flexible. The important thing is to compare the value offered, not just the percentage.
Are there fees if my house doesn’t sell?
With a standard mandate, the commission is only due upon sale. Always check the clauses in your brokerage contract.
Does the commission include taxes?
No, GST and QST are added to the agreed percentage. Your broker must indicate the amount including taxes.
About the Author — David Tardif
Residential and commercial real estate broker (OACIQ, license E2815), founder of Endurance Real Estate Group by Tardif and creator of the Tardif Index. Over 20 years of experience, #1 award-winning team in Canada (Royal LePage 2024-2025), 375+ Google reviews 4.9/5. Learn more about David.