Guide · Canada

How private home sales work in Canada.

The same legal process as using an agent — without the commission. Switch tracks to see the buyer side.

You list your home, show it to buyers, and receive offers. Your lawyer handles all legal paperwork, holds the deposit, and closes the deal — same legal process as selling with an agent, without the commission.

Walkthrough

Nine steps to sell privately.

STEP 01

Price your home

Research recently sold prices in your neighbourhood. Consider getting a professional appraisal ($300–$500) for an objective market value.

STEP 02

Get it ready

Declutter, deep clean, and hire a professional photographer ($200–$500). First impressions sell homes.

STEP 03

List free on Nest

Add your photos, price, and property details. Your listing goes live immediately after verification.

STEP 04

Verify ownership

Upload a property tax notice, land title, or mortgage statement. We match your identity to public records.

STEP 05

Show your home

Schedule visits at times that work for you. Have a property info sheet ready for visitors.

STEP 06

Receive offers

Buyers submit written offers with price, deposit amount, closing date, and conditions.

STEP 07

Lawyer reviews

Never sign anything without your lawyer reviewing it first. They protect your interests.

STEP 08

Go firm

Once all conditions are met (inspection, financing), the sale becomes legally binding.

STEP 09

Close & get paid

Your lawyer transfers the title, the buyer’s lawyer releases funds, and you receive your full proceeds.

Essentials

What you'll need.

Real estate lawyer

Required
$1,200–$2,200

Handles all legal paperwork, title transfer, and closing

Professional photos

Required
$200–$500

Quality photos are the #1 factor in attracting buyers online

Real Property Report

AB only
$800–$1,200

Survey showing property boundaries and structures (Alberta requirement)

Home inspection

Optional
$400–$600

Pre-listing inspection can build buyer confidence and speed up sale

By province

Key rules where you are.

AB

Alberta

  • ·Use RREPC (Residential Real Estate Purchase Contract) form
  • ·Real Property Report (RPR) with municipal compliance is required
  • ·AREA forms available for private sales
  • ·Property Condition Disclosure Statement is optional but recommended
ON

Ontario

  • ·Use APS (Agreement of Purchase and Sale) — OREA Form 100
  • ·SPIS (Seller Property Information Statement) is optional
  • ·TRESA (2023) allows self-representation in all transactions
  • ·Land Transfer Tax payable by buyer on closing
QC

Quebec

  • ·Use Promise to Purchase (Promesse d’achat) form
  • ·Seller’s Declaration of the Immovable is mandatory
  • ·Notary (not lawyer) handles closing in Quebec
  • ·Welcome Tax (droits de mutation) payable by buyer
BC

British Columbia

  • ·Use BC Contract of Purchase and Sale form
  • ·Property Disclosure Statement (PDS) is standard
  • ·Property Transfer Tax payable by buyer
  • ·Strata documentation required for condo/townhouse sales
Objections we hear

Straight answers.

No. In every Canadian province, you have the legal right to sell your own property privately. A licence is only required if you’re selling someone else’s property.
On-platform

How offers work on Nest.

Every offer goes through our guided Offer Builder. It covers province-specific requirements — conditions with deadlines, deposit protection, seller warranties, and disclosure — and generates a lawyer-ready draft.

Try the Offer Builder →
Property viewings

Book a viewing like an Airbnb.

Both sides are verified before any visit. The seller sets availability and you pick a slot. Safe, simple, no strangers in your home.

STEP 1

Get verified

Upload ID once. Works for every listing.

STEP 2

Pick a time

Seller sets availability. You pick a slot.

STEP 3

Get your code

6-digit viewing code. Show it at the door.

STEP 4

Make an offer

Loved it? Go straight to Offer Builder.

Why it's safe

Your protections, written plain.

Every user verified

Government ID and lender pre-approval required before any offer.

Ownership confirmed

Sellers upload their Certificate of Title. We match it to their ID.

Documents encrypted

All files encrypted on Canadian servers. Auto-deleted after 90 days.

Deposits held by lawyers

Money never touches our platform. Lawyer’s trust account only.

Address stays hidden

Private listings never show the exact address publicly.

Province-specific forms

Correct legal framework for AB, ON, QC, BC built in.

Private sales · Canada

Private sales are normal in Canada.

17% of Quebec already sells this way. The rest of Canada is catching up.

List my home free →Browse listings →

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed lawyer in your province before completing any real estate transaction.