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Notary Public

Learn the role of a notary public in Canadian real estate transactions, especially in Quebec and BC, and how they help certify legal documents.

Notary Public

May 22, 2025


What is a Notary Public?

A notary public is a legal professional authorized to witness, certify, and prepare documents commonly involved in real estate transactions, especially in provinces like Quebec and British Columbia.

Why Notary Publics Matter in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, notaries play a key role in ensuring that legal documents — such as purchase agreements, property transfers, and mortgage contracts — are properly executed and legally binding.

While lawyers are often used in most provinces, notaries handle many real estate closings in Quebec and parts of British Columbia. Their responsibilities may include:
  • Verifying identity and signatures
  • Drafting and registering legal property documents
  • Managing title transfers and mortgage registration
  • Holding funds in trust for closing
Using a notary public can be a more cost-effective alternative to a lawyer in some transactions. However, notaries generally cannot represent clients in disputes or provide the same breadth of legal advice as a lawyer.
Choosing a qualified notary ensures that your transaction proceeds smoothly, with accurate documentation and legal compliance, particularly when buying or selling property in regions where they are standard.

Example of a Notary Public in Action

A buyer in Montreal hires a notary public to finalize their condo purchase, ensuring all documents are correctly registered with the provincial land registry.

Key Takeaways

  • Certifies and drafts real estate documents.
  • Common in Quebec and parts of B.C.
  • May replace a lawyer in standard closings.
  • Handles legal registration and fund transfer.
  • Essential for document validity and compliance.

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Back-End Ratio

The back-end ratio, or debt-to-income ratio, measures the percentage of a borrower’s gross monthly income spent on total monthly debt obligations,. more

Airspace Rights

Airspace rights are the legal rights to control, use, or sell the space above a parcel of land, separate from the ownership of the land itself.. more

Absorption Rate Analysis

Absorption rate analysis is the evaluation of how quickly available properties in a given market are being sold or leased during a specific time period.. more

Vacancy Rate

The vacancy rate is the percentage of all available rental units in a property or market that are unoccupied at a given time.. more

Sustainability

Sustainability in real estate refers to designing, constructing, and operating properties in ways that minimize environmental impact, support social. more

Soft Costs

Soft costs are the indirect expenses incurred in a construction project that are not directly tied to physical building materials or labour.. more

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