Updated October 2026
Buying your first property on the South Shore of Montreal is a crucial step in your life journey. Whether you're targeting Longueuil, Brossard, or neighbouring municipalities, this guide will accompany you through every stage of this exciting adventure, with the programs and rules in force in 2026.
Why Choose the South Shore for Your First Purchase
The South Shore of Montreal offers a balance between urban quality of life and residential tranquility. With the REM in Brossard, the metro in Longueuil and a wide range of condos in the Montérégie region, first-time buyers are finding interesting opportunities.
Popular Sectors to Start Your Search
- Longueuil: Proximity to the metro and affordable prices in some neighbourhoods
- Brossard: Served by the REM since 2023, with an ample supply of condos
- Saint-Hubert: A Longueuil borough offering good value for money
- La Prairie: Historic charm and accessibility
- Candiac: Recent developments and family-friendly
Essential Steps Before Starting Your Search
Assess Your Financial Capacity
Before visiting your first property in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville or Chambly, clearly establish your budget. For a CMHC-insured mortgage, your housing costs (GDS) must not exceed 39% of your gross income, and your total debt (TDS) 44%. These ratios are calculated at the qualifying rate, which is the higher of your contract rate plus 2 points or 5.25%.
"As a RE/MAX Privilège broker, I always recommend that my clients budget a buffer beyond the purchase price for associated costs."
Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval
This crucial step lets you know your purchasing power and negotiate from a position of strength. On October 28, 2026, the Bank of Canada raised its policy rate to 2.50%, its first increase since 2023: a rate hold is valuable in Greater Montreal.
Understanding the Current South Shore Real Estate Market
The South Shore of Montreal market remains active in fall 2026, and Longueuil and Brossard remain natural entry points for first-time buyers.
Key September 2026 Numbers
- Condos: median price of $385,000 in Old Longueuil, $399,000 in Saint-Hubert and $405,000 in Brossard
- Single-family homes: median price of $625,000 in Old Longueuil, $607,000 in Saint-Hubert and $729,750 in Brossard
- Properties sell on average at 98-99% of asking price
- In Brossard, more than 400 condos were listed in September 2026, giving buyers plenty of choice
Criteria to Consider When Choosing Your Sector
Transportation and Accessibility
Since 2023, the REM has linked Brossard (Brossard, Du Quartier and Panama stations) to downtown Montreal, positively influencing surrounding sectors. Saint-Lambert already benefits from an excellent transportation network, while Highway 30 facilitates access from Candiac and La Prairie.
Services and Amenities
Each municipality in the Montérégie region offers its own advantages: modern shopping centres in Brossard, the charm of Old Longueuil and Parc Marie-Victorin in Longueuil, or the exceptional green spaces of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville.
Buying Process: From Showing to Possession
The Search and Showings
Strategically organize your visits by exploring different sectors of the South Shore. Visit at different times to evaluate the neighbourhood atmosphere, whether it's the family-friendly sector of Chambly or the modern condos of Brossard.
Making a Winning Offer
In the current market, a well-structured offer with the right conditions can make all the difference. Local expertise becomes essential to navigate the specificities of each municipality.
Inspections and Verifications
- Pre-purchase inspection by a qualified professional
- Verification of property titles
- Validation of renovation permits
- Analysis of condo fees and the contingency fund (if applicable)
Costs to Plan For and First-Time Buyer Assistance
Beyond the purchase price, several additional costs are incurred when acquiring your first property on the South Shore of Montreal:
- Down payment: minimum 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the remainder (insured mortgage possible if the price is under $1.5M)
- Notary fees and pre-purchase inspection
- Mortgage loan insurance (if down payment < 20%)
- Transfer duties (welcome tax): in 2026, 0.5% up to $62,900, 1% up to $315,000 and 1.5% above, with some cities applying a higher rate above $500,000; about $4,035 for a $395,000 condo
- Various adjustments (municipal and school taxes, etc.)
First-Time Buyer Programs in 2026
- FHSA: up to $8,000 per year and $40,000 lifetime, tax-deductible and withdrawn tax-free for a qualifying purchase
- Home Buyers' Plan: withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP per person, repayable over 15 years
- Quebec refundable tax credit: up to $5,875 of welcome tax refunded for purchases since January 1, 2026 (reduced between $750,000 and $1M)
- 30-year amortization on an insured mortgage for first-time buyers
- New homes: federal GST rebate of up to $50,000
Expert Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Success
"After more than 20 years of experience on the South Shore, I always advise first-time buyers to remain flexible on certain non-essential criteria while being firm on their absolute priorities."
Don't hesitate to explore emerging sectors like Carignan or certain developing neighbourhoods in Longueuil. These areas often offer good long-term appreciation potential.
