Manon Dumas, Certified Residential & Commercial Real Estate Broker (OACIQ) and founder of ARIANNE Relocation Canada, Montreal’s premiere white-glove relocation firm since 1997. Most luxury brokers can show you a house. Most relocation firms can settle you in. Almost nobody in Montreal is licensed and experienced to do both: guide your family’s entire transition to Quebec and represent you as a buyer’s broker on a significant property purchase. That intersection is what we do. It is all we do. Book your strategic buyer call Or write to us: INFO@ariannerelocation.com

Who this service is for

  • Executives and professionals relocating to Montreal on assignment or permanently, buying in the $800,000+ market
  • International families who research in English and are new to Quebec’s rules: schooling laws, the notarial system, welcome tax, and financing without Canadian credit history
  • Companies and HR teams relocating senior talent who need one accountable partner for the move and the home purchase
  • Interprovincial movers (Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver) who know real estate but not Quebec

Why a relocating buyer needs a different kind of broker

A Montreal purchase involves decisions a standard listing agent never has to think about:

  • Schools decide neighbourhoods. Quebec’s language laws determine which children may attend English public schools. Eligibility, zoning and admission timelines should shape your shortlist before you view a single property, not after.
  • Resale strength matters more when you may be transferred again. We steer clients toward properties and streets with proven value retention, because many of our clients will sell within 3 to 7 years.
  • The process is unfamiliar. Promise to purchase, notary-led closing, welcome tax, undivided vs. divided co-ownership, and the federal non-Canadian buyer rules with their work-permit exemptions. We handle these daily.
  • You’re not here yet. We preview properties, run video walkthroughs, coordinate inspections and represent your interests while you’re still abroad.

How we work: white glove, end to end

  1. Strategic buyer consultation. Your priorities, timeline, schooling needs, budget structure and financing path.
  2. Neighbourhood strategy. A shortlist matched to commute, schools, lifestyle and long-term value: Westmount, Outremont, Town of Mount Royal, Griffintown and Old Montreal, Nun’s Island, NDG, the West Island and beyond.
  3. Search and representation. As your licensed buyer’s broker, we search, preview, evaluate and negotiate solely in your interest.
  4. Purchase process management. Offer strategy, inspection, financing coordination for newcomers, notary and closing.
  5. Settling in. The full ARIANNE relocation service: schools, immigration logistics, utilities, integration. One team, one accountable partner.

About Manon Dumas

Founder and President of ARIANNE Relocation Canada. Certified Residential and Commercial Real Estate Broker (OACIQ) with Groupe Élite Canada, holder of the Agency Executive Officer (AEO) qualification. Born and raised in Montreal, bilingual, with lived international experience across Europe, the United States and Asia. For 28 years Manon has guided relocating executives, international families and professionals through high-stakes moves to Montreal. She is trusted by employees of organizations including Cirque du Soleil, Lufthansa, the Ritz-Carlton, Pictet, the Montréal Canadiens and Warner Bros. Games.

What clients say

“Our move to Canada was our ninth relocation in 23 years and without a doubt the smoothest and happiest to date.” Deborah Kemball, spouse of the former President & CEO of Imperial Tobacco Canada

“Manon and her team are not only expert in the technical aspects of an international move… I warmly recommend Manon and ARIANNE as a top-tier provider in their field.” Anniek Kindts

“Thanks to ARIANNE, we found a great home and the right schools for our children. This help was critical to our successful integration into Quebec.” Dr. Tarik Möröy, Past President & Scientific Director, IRCM

Frequently asked questions from relocating buyers

Can I buy a home in Montreal if I’m not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident?

Often, yes. Canada’s federal prohibition on residential purchases by non-Canadians (currently extended to January 1, 2027) has significant exemptions, including work-permit holders whose permit has at least 183 days of validity remaining at purchase, buying a single property for personal use. Quebec adds no provincial foreign-buyer tax. We assess your eligibility in the first consultation, and you can test your own scenario instantly with our Montreal mortgage and eligibility calculator.

What is the “welcome tax”?

Quebec’s property transfer duty (droits de mutation), paid once by the buyer after closing. It is calculated in progressive brackets on the purchase price. On an $800,000+ Montreal purchase, budget roughly 1.5 to 2% of the price, more at higher price points. We provide the exact figure for any property you consider.

How does buying work in Quebec compared to other places?

You sign a promise to purchase (offer) using standardized OACIQ forms, typically with inspection and financing conditions. Closing is handled by a Quebec notary, a neutral legal officer, rather than lawyers for each side. Timelines from accepted offer to keys are commonly 30 to 90 days.

Can my children attend English public school if we buy here?

Only with a certificate of eligibility under Quebec’s language laws. Most children of temporary foreign workers can obtain temporary authorization, while permanent residents and citizens generally must meet eligibility criteria. Private non-subsidized and international schools are alternatives. This is often the deciding factor in neighbourhood choice, and we build it into your search strategy from day one.

Can I get a mortgage without Canadian credit history?

Yes. Permanent residents and many eligible work-permit holders qualify for insured newcomer mortgage programs, including CMHC’s Newcomers product, with down payments starting well below 20%. Non-residents typically need 25 to 35% down. Requirements vary by status and lender. We coordinate with mortgage specialists experienced with relocating executives and foreign income, and our Montreal mortgage calculator models your exact scenario.

What does a buyer’s broker cost me?

In Quebec, the buyer’s broker is typically compensated through the commission offered by the seller’s side. In most transactions our representation costs you nothing out of pocket. We explain the exact arrangement in writing before you commit, as required by the OACIQ.

We haven’t arrived in Canada yet. Can you search for us remotely?

Yes. Video walkthroughs, detailed neighbourhood briefings, school-zone analysis and negotiation are all handled while you’re abroad. Many clients sign their purchase within weeks of landing, or even before.

One partner for the move and the home

Book your strategic buyer call | INFO@ariannerelocation.com Also read: Buying in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal: A Buyer’s Guide for 2026