Everyone in Quebec knows that, since 2020, house prices have skyrocketed! Despite this, every month we still see listings of properties available at reasonable prices. Of course, most of these properties are either located in remote regions or are “perfect for handymen.” But what about abandoned houses? Is this a real phenomenon in Quebec—or even in Canada? Watch our video and see what our building inspectors discovered about the possibility of buying an abandoned house for sale in Quebec!

When we talk about an abandoned house for sale in Quebec, we’re usually referring to a property that has been neglected or deserted by its owner, often with maintenance having been minimal—or even nonexistent—for several months or even years. Naturally, these properties are sold in the vast majority of cases without any legal warranty and at the buyer’s own risk. While the price is often significantly lower than that of a similar house in good condition, it almost always requires… a lot of love.

But do abandoned houses for sale actually exist in Quebec?

After consulting with building professionals in our network, it appears that the phenomenon is not yet very widespread in the province. And for good reason! In Quebec, a house is not just a place to live—it’s also a significant financial investment. In fact, for most of us, it’s the largest investment we will make in our lifetime. So it’s only natural that we take great care of it, as if it were our most precious possession.

However, even though this trend is not yet widespread here, it is not completely absent either. If you keep an eye out and do a little digging online, you may be able to find a few abandoned houses. In most cases, these are secondary residences that the owners no longer wish to maintain, homes whose owners have been placed in long-term care facilities (CHSLDs) and whose families do not participate in the upkeep of the property, or owners who can no longer meet their mortgage payments.

That said, while the phenomenon is still marginal in Quebec, it is much more common in New Brunswick. With a population of under one million and a population-to-land ratio half that of Quebec’s south of the 49th parallel, the relationship between people and territory is completely different in New Brunswick. A single visit to the province is enough to notice the number of homes that have been abandoned…

Moreover, there is a government website where you can view properties being auctioned off due to unpaid property taxes. Even better, the New Brunswick government itself has a webpage where it offers surplus public lands and buildings, providing many real estate opportunities for interested investors.

If you’re interested in a real estate opportunity in New Brunswick, don’t hesitate to visit the suggested websites. The province is beautiful, and the people are welcoming and warm. If you’re instead looking for an abandoned house for sale in Quebec, stay alert and watch for new listings. And above all, don’t forget to have a proper pre-purchase inspection done!