Yes, in many cases. But since Quebec amended its Charter of the French Language in 2022 (Bill 96), French is the starting point for most real estate documents, and English is an option you choose, not a default. Here is how it works for a condo or house purchase in Montreal.
Working with an English-speaking broker is fine
Your conversations with your broker, emails, visits, negotiation strategy and explanations can all happen in English. The OACIQ (Quebec's real estate regulator) asks brokers to inform clients of the language rules and to give extra support to clients who are less comfortable in French. That is part of the job.
What the law regulates is the language of certain written contracts and documents, not the language you speak with your broker.
The promise to purchase and the deed of sale
For the sale of a residential property of fewer than five dwellings, including a condo unit, the promise to purchase, any preliminary contract and the deed of sale must be drafted in French. They can be drafted in English only if the parties expressly wish it. The OACIQ describes this as a unanimous choice: the buyer and the seller both have to agree.
In practice:
- The OACIQ promise to purchase form includes a clause where the parties can state that they want the form and related documents in English only.
- If the seller does not agree, the promise is made in French. Your broker can walk you through each clause in English.
- The OACIQ states that its brokerage forms are not contracts of adhesion, so the "French first" rule below does not apply to them in the same way.
The notarial deed and the land register
A notary can still draft a deed in English when all parties consent, according to the Chambre des notaires du Québec. The catch is publication: since September 1, 2022, documents filed in the Quebec land register must be in French or accompanied by an authenticated translation. Because a deed of sale is always published, an English-only deed can add translation time and cost. Many notaries therefore work in French or in a bilingual format. Ask your notary early how they handle this and whether there is an extra fee.
Mortgage documents: French first, then your choice
Standard bank loan and mortgage documents are generally contracts of adhesion: you do not negotiate their wording. Since June 1, 2023, the lender must first give you the French version. After you have received it, you can expressly choose to be bound by an English version. A signed English-language clause alone is no longer enough.
Some lenders now provide bilingual mortgage deeds. The CNQ has told notaries to make sure both versions match and to explain the clauses to each party in the language they prefer.
Condo documents
Expect the declaration of co-ownership, meeting minutes and most syndicate documents to be in French. You can ask the syndicate or the seller whether English copies exist, but the French version is the reference. Budget time for review, and use your broker, your notary or a translator for anything unclear.
Quick summary
| Document | Default | English possible? |
|---|---|---|
| Talks and emails with your broker | Your choice | Yes |
| Promise to purchase (OACIQ form) | French | Yes, if buyer and seller both expressly agree |
| Deed of sale (notary) | French | Possible with everyone's consent, but publication requires French or a certified translation |
| Mortgage documents | French version first | Yes, after you receive the French and expressly choose English |
| Declaration of co-ownership, syndicate documents | French | Unofficial English copies at most |
Common questions
Can the seller refuse to sign an English promise to purchase?
Yes. English requires both parties to agree. If one party does not, the French form is used.
Will I understand what I sign?
You should. Ask your broker to explain each clause, and ask your notary to review the deed with you in English before signing.
Is an English-only deed invalid?
Not in itself. The issue is publication in the land register, which requires French or a certified translation.
Does this apply to rentals too?
Leases follow their own rules. This page covers purchases only.
Buying in Montreal and more comfortable in English?
Book a 30-minute call with an English-speaking broker. We will go over your search, the documents you will see and how to plan around the language rules. Book a 30-minute buyer call
Download the first-time homebuyer kit
Related guides
Delaram Farzin, Residential Real Estate Broker (Courtière immobilière résidentielle), Groupe Sutton Centre-Ouest, real estate agency. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
Sources: OACIQ (1) · OACIQ (2) · Chambre des notaires du Québec (1) · Chambre des notaires du Québec (2) · LégisQuébec
