Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) is a residential neighbourhood west of Westmount, with tree-lined streets, two metro stations and a large stock of older plexes. For a first-time buyer at $400,000 to $450,000, most condos here are units in converted duplexes, triplexes and small low-rise buildings. That brings character and space, and also a specific set of checks.
What NDG is like for a first-time buyer
NDG is part of the Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, bounded roughly by Claremont Avenue to the east, Côte-Saint-Luc Road to the north, Brock Avenue to the west and Highway 20 to the south.
- Metro: two Orange line stations on the east side, Vendôme and Villa-Maria. Vendôme also connects to exo commuter trains and, by tunnel, to the MUHC Glen site.
- Bus: Sherbrooke Street West, Monkland Avenue and other corridors are served by STM routes, including the 105 (Sherbrooke), 103 (Monkland), 102 and 104 at Vendôme, and 162 (Westminster) at Villa-Maria.
- Access: the Décarie Expressway and Highway 20 are close; downtown is a short metro ride.
- Services: Sherbrooke Street West is the main commercial street, with Monkland Village and Somerled Avenue as smaller hubs. Parks include NDG Park (Girouard), Loyola Park and Trenholme Park. The Loyola campus of Concordia University anchors the west end.
Building types you will see
| Type | What it is | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Divided co-ownership in a converted plex | 2 to 6 units in a former duplex or triplex, each unit with its own title | Most common at this price. Small syndicate, often self-managed by the owners |
| Small low-rise building | Walk-up or small elevator building, often older | Larger syndicate than a plex, sometimes professionally managed |
| Undivided co-ownership (indivision) | Owners share one title for the whole building | Lenders generally require at least 20% down; financing often limited to one lender for all owners |
What $400,000 to $450,000 typically buys: it depends on the building type more than the street. A plex conversion and a unit in a larger low-rise at the same price can differ a lot in space, fees and the state of the contingency fund. I can send you recent NDG sales for the type of unit you are considering.
What to check in this area
1. Divided or undivided. The listing may simply say "condo". Confirm with the listing broker and the certificate of location. Undivided co-ownership usually needs a larger down payment and a strong co-ownership agreement (convention d'indivision). Your mortgage professional should confirm financing before you offer.
2. Small, self-managed syndicates. In a three-unit building, the "syndicate" may be three neighbours. Ask for the declaration of co-ownership, the budget, the minutes and the bank statements for the contingency fund. Confirm there is building insurance in the syndicate's name and that meetings are actually held.
3. Small contingency funds and Law 16. Since August 14, 2025, syndicates must obtain a maintenance logbook (carnet d'entretien) and a contingency fund study within three years. Smaller buildings get some relief on update frequency, not on the obligation itself. A small fund in a 100-year-old building often means special assessments later. Ask for the syndicate's attestation, which must be provided within 15 days of the seller's request.
4. Age of the building. Many NDG plexes were built between roughly 1910 and 1940. Ask about the roof, foundation and drainage, masonry, balconies and exterior stairs, plumbing and electrical. A pre-purchase inspection is important here.
5. Who pays for what. In converted plexes, balconies, windows, backyards and parking are sometimes limited common portions. The declaration sets who pays for their repair. Read it before you offer.
Streets and pockets
- Monkland Village: the eastern stretch of Monkland Avenue, close to Villa-Maria metro.
- Near Vendôme: the southeast corner, close to the metro, exo trains and the MUHC Glen site.
- Sherbrooke Street West: the main commercial spine running the length of NDG, with bus service along it.
- West NDG: the area toward Loyola campus and Somerled Avenue, generally farther from the metro and more reliant on buses.
Common questions
Are NDG condos mostly new construction?
No. Most are in older converted plexes and low-rise buildings. Budget time for document review and an inspection.
What is the difference between divided and undivided co-ownership?
Divided units have their own title and can usually be financed with 5% down. Undivided owners share one title, and lenders generally require at least 20% down.
Are condo fees lower in NDG?
Often, in small buildings with no amenities. Low fees can also mean a small contingency fund. Check the fund and the maintenance plan, not just the fee.
Which metro stations serve NDG?
Vendôme and Villa-Maria, both on the Orange line.
Next step
Get listing alerts for NDG. I will set up a search matched to your budget and send new listings as they come on the market.
Prefer to talk first? Book a 30-minute buyer call
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: Gouvernement du Québec
