Buy a duplex in Montréal on the numbers.

Answers before the first call.

How much down payment do I need for a duplex in Montréal?

If you occupy one unit, a 2-unit property can qualify for 5% down on the first $500,000 under CMHC-insured rules, and 10% between $500,000 and $1.5M. A 3-4 unit owner-occupied property generally requires 10%. Purely rental plexes require 20% down.

Can I use the existing rents to qualify for the mortgage?

Lenders typically add a portion of the documented rental income to your qualifying income, or offset it against the payment. The percentage varies by lender and by whether you occupy a unit, so the rent roll and leases matter as much as the price.

Do I inherit the existing tenants and their leases?

Yes. In Québec, leases follow the building, not the owner. Rents, terms, and tenant rights carry over at closing. Repossessing a unit for personal occupancy is governed by the Tribunal administratif du logement and has strict notice rules and deadlines.

Is a duplex a better investment than a condo in Montréal?

A plex generally produces stronger cashflow and lets you leverage rental income to qualify, while a condo is lower maintenance and easier to resell. The right answer depends on your capital, time, and appetite for managing tenants — we run both scenarios side by side.