23 Articles
Undivided co-ownership has existed since time immemorial, even before the existence of divided co-ownership. Joint ownership allows two or more people to own a building while sharing the acquisition and operating costs. A co-ownership is said to be undivided when the right of ownership is not accompanied by a physical division of the property. The building usually has only one lot number. The owners own a share of this lot. Municipal and school tax bills…...
The characteristic of divided co-ownership is to divide the building into various lots that will be the exclusive property of the co-owners (private portions), and for others that will be the property of all the co-owners (common portions). These lots are identified by an individual number, which was assigned during the cadastral operation. Each of the private lots of the co-ownership thus constituted becomes a unique property. The distinction between the common and private portions is…...
Buying an apartment in a co-ownership is a major investment in a lifetime. In order to avoid being caught off guard during the steps prior to this acquisition, you will need to be well accompanied. After finding the apartment, the first thing to do is to appreciate the condition of it, as well as that of the building that houses it. To do things right, you need to seek the services of a building inspector.…...
Venturing into the buying process might seem daunting, but it's the first step toward fulfilling your dream of homeownership. After diligent searching, you've found the perfect apartment: meticulous renovations paired with tasteful decor. This dream home, complete with a gym, panoramic terrace, swimming pool, and underground parking, is now within your reach. The excitement of this potential purchase is palpable, though the purchase of a divided co-ownership apartment comes with its set of challenges. As…...
The notary is a jurist with the task of public officer, who ascertains the free and informed consent of the parties. The notary also has the role of legal adviser. It therefore protects consent. The intervention of the notary is very important when purchasing an apartment in a divided co-ownership. A professional, he is a member of the “Chambre des notaires du Québec” (Québec Chamber of Notaries). In this capacity, the notary's mission is to receive,…...
When you buy in a newly built divided co-ownership, a portion of the fractions of the building (apartment, parking or storage space, etc.), or even all, can be the subject of a notice of legal hypothec of construction. The Civil Code of Quebec introduced this hypothec in order to protect the persons who participated in its construction or renovation (architect, engineer, supplier of materials, workman, construction contractor or subcontractor) so that they can be reimbursed…...
It is indeed a rare occurrence when a buyer pays its condo, in one single payment. Most of them must obtain a mortgage loan to finance their purchase. What are the criteria and conditions to get a mortgage loan? Whom should you get it from? Banks, credit unions or other sources? What are the policies of the major financial institutions in this market? What are the limitations when planning the financing of your new property?...
There are two different types of guarantee plans: a compulsory guarantee plan for new residential buildings, governed by the Regulation respecting the guarantee plan for new residential buildings, and optional guarantee plans which cover, in certain cases, specific types of buildings....
You've decided to buy a condo. This type of acquisition is an efficient way to buy a home. For most of you, housing is not just an investment, it is also a source of well-being, self-projection and life organization. In co-ownership, it promotes the quality of living together in neighbourly relations. Becoming a co-owner in a co-ownershipis not limited to choosing an apartment. There are other criteria to consider before taking this step. It is…...
Common expenses are payable by the person who is the title owner upon receipt of the notice of assessment. However, when selling a fraction, the buyer may be required to pay with interest for all common charges owed by the seller (Article 1069 of the Civil Code of Québec). It should be remembered that common expenses correspond to the sums of money that the syndicate of co-owners collects from the co-owners to meet the expenses…...