Selling an Income Property in Montreal: Broker vs Direct Sale

If you own a building with 8 units or more in Greater Montreal, you can sell it two ways: list it with a broker or sell it directly to a buyer. A broker gives you wider exposure. A direct sale gives you speed, confidentiality and no commission. The right choice depends on your building, your timeline and your priorities.

We buy multifamily buildings across Greater Montreal. In 2025, we analyzed more than 280 buildings and submitted close to 80 offers. Here's what we've learned from the seller's side of the table.

Selling with a broker

Advantages: broad market exposure, competing offers, a professional managing the process.

Trade-offs: commission, a public listing, repeated visits with tenants, and offers that can fall through during financing or inspection.

Selling directly to a buyer

Advantages: no commission, a confidential process, fewer visits, and you can sell as is.

Trade-offs: you need to vet the buyer carefully and make sure the price reflects the market.

How to tell a reliable buyer

• Capital ready before the offer. Buyers who raise money after signing are the ones who back out.
• A real closing record. Ask how many offers they made last year and how many they closed. Ours: 10 accepted, conditions waived on 6.
• Respect for tenants. Long-time owners often care about who takes over their building.
• Clear conditions. Short, well-defined inspection and financing conditions.

What to prepare before selling

• Rent roll, leases and recent operating statements
• Mortgage terms and any prepayment penalty
• A list of work done in recent years
• An independent view of value: a broker, an appraiser or a direct buyer

FAQ

Can I sell my building with tenants in place?

Yes. In Quebec, existing leases remain in force when a building is sold. The new owner takes over the leases.

Do I pay a commission if I sell directly?

No broker commission. You'll still have your own professional costs, such as tax and legal advice.

How fast can a direct sale close?

It depends on financing and due diligence. A buyer with capital already raised can generally move faster than one who has to find it.

VisionDev buys buildings with 8 units or more in Greater Montreal, as is and with no commission. Get a free preliminary analysis of your building.