Broker, direct buyer, or off-market deal: how to sell your multiplex?
Three ways to sell an income property in Quebec, three very different outcomes. We compare the commission, timelines, confidentiality and — the only number that really matters — the net in your pocket.
Commission · Timeline · Confidentiality · Net proceeds
You have decided to sell your income property, but one question remains: which selling method should you choose? In Quebec, the owner of a plex or multiplex has essentially three paths ahead: entrust the property to a real estate broker, sell directly to a specialized buyer like ImmoMulti, or conclude an off-market deal with a restricted network of investors.
Each has its strengths. The classic trap is comparing only the listing price. Yet the highest listing price is almost never the amount you actually pocket, once you subtract the commission, post-inspection price cuts, and months of carrying costs. This comparison lays out the real criteria to help you choose based on your situation.
Broker vs Direct Buyer vs Off-Market Deal
Comparison of three methods for selling an income property in Quebec.
| Criterion | Real estate broker | Direct buyer (ImmoMulti) | Off-market deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brokerage commission | 4% to 7% + taxes | $0 | $0 (in general) |
| Time to receive an offer | Variable — after listing | Within 48 h | Depends on available buyer |
| Time to close | 2 to 6 months | 30 to 45 days | Fast to moderate |
| Confidentiality | Low — sign, MLS listing, showings | Complete | Complete |
| Post-inspection renegotiation | Frequent | None — accepted price = paid price | Varies by buyer |
| Showings & marketing | Multiple showings, staging | None | None |
| Sale with tenants in place | Possible but can complicate showings | Sought after | Sought after |
| Public market exposure | Maximum | None | Restricted network |
| Creative financing (vendor take-back, phased sale) | Rare | Possible | Possible |
| Best suited for | Maximizing public exposure | Speed, net proceeds, discretion | Maximum discretion |
Indicative data as of June 17, 2026. Brokerage commissions are negotiable and vary (often 4% to 7% + GST/QST of 14.975% on the commission). Actual timelines depend on the market, the property, and the buyer.
Choose a broker if your top priority is exposing the property to the largest pool of buyers and you have the time. Choose a direct buyer if you want a quick firm offer, with no commission or renegotiation, and the maximum net proceeds. Choose an off-market deal if total discretion comes first. ImmoMulti combines the advantages of direct sale and off-market: no commission, offer within 48 h, and complete confidentiality.
The right method for your situation
There is no single "best" method — there is the one that matches your objective.
For maximum exposure
A broker lists your property on MLS and the public market, organizes showings, and manages negotiations. It makes sense if you believe that public competition will push the price beyond the commission cost, and that the timelines and loss of confidentiality do not bother you. Not sure which broker profile suits you? Our guide which broker to choose for an income property helps you decide.
Best if: you have time and want to test the open market.For speed and net proceeds
You deal directly with the buyer: no commission, a firm offer within 48 h, closing in 30 to 45 days, and no post-inspection renegotiation. Since the buyer holds the property long-term, there is no need to compress the price to generate a resale margin.
Best if: you want to sell fast, clean, and hassle-free.For absolute discretion
The property is never listed publicly: it is presented directly to a buyer or to a qualified network of investors. No sign, no online listing, no mass showings. Your tenants, neighbours, and competitors remain in the dark.
Best if: protecting your privacy and your tenants is the priority.Net proceeds on a 6-plex at $1,000,000
The same property, sold two ways. We compare the listing price to the amount actually pocketed.
Plus 2 to 6 months of carrying costs (mortgage, taxes, management) during the listing period.
Offer within 48 h, closing in 30 to 45 days: less carrying cost, more certainty.
Illustrative example as of June 17, 2026. A nominally lower direct offer can leave more net proceeds than a broker-assisted sale, once commission, adjustment, and carrying costs are subtracted. Your actual figure depends on your property's income and condition.
Broker, direct buyer or off-market: your answers
It depends on your priority. A broker maximizes exposure on the public market and can aim for the highest listing price, but costs 4% to 7% in commission plus taxes and often takes 2 to 6 months. A direct buyer eliminates the commission, delivers a firm offer within 48 h and closes in 30 to 45 days, with no showings or public listing. For fast, confidential net proceeds, a direct buyer is often advantageous; to reach the widest pool of buyers, a broker still plays a role.
Commission is negotiable but generally ranges from 4% to 7% of the sale price, plus GST and QST (14.975%) on the commission. On a property sold for $1,000,000, a 5% commission amounts to approximately $57,488 including taxes. Selling to a direct buyer like ImmoMulti eliminates this commission entirely. Our offer calculator helps you estimate your net proceeds.
An off-market deal is a sale concluded without a public listing: no sign, no MLS listing, no mass showings. The property is presented directly to a buyer or to a restricted network of investors. It is the most discreet method; it suits owners who want to protect their tenants and privacy while selling quickly. See our off-market deals.
Selling to a direct buyer is generally the fastest: a firm offer within 48 h and closing at the notary in 30 to 45 days. A broker-assisted sale often stretches over 2 to 6 months (listing, showings, negotiation, buyer financing conditions). An off-market deal is also fast, depending on the availability of a qualified buyer.
The highest listing price is not always the most profitable. Once you subtract the commission (4% to 7% + taxes), post-inspection price cuts and months of carrying costs, the net proceeds from a no-commission direct sale are often comparable or higher, especially when speed and the absence of renegotiation are factored in. Use our offer calculator to estimate your net based on your property's actual income.
Related comparisons
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