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Estate sales and estate auctions in Montréal: where to find them and how to buy
Estate sale, "vente de succession" or estate auction: three ways to buy the contents of a home. Here's how to find your way around.
Dates, locations and terms change often. Always confirm directly with the auction house or agency before you travel or bid. Montréal Auctions is not affiliated with any organization listed here and sells nothing.
Three ways to buy from an estate
- On-site estate sale: a company runs the sale in the home at posted prices. Examples in Greater Montréal: Ronda Bly, Sell My Stuff Canada.
- Auction: valuable items (art, jewellery, silver, antique furniture) are often consigned to an auction house. See our art, antiques and collectibles listings.
- Unclaimed property: when nobody claims an estate, Revenu Québec may liquidate its property; according to Revenu Québec, those sales are announced by the CAG and IEGOR (Revenu Québec).
What the law says about selling estate property
The liquidator (executor) administers the estate. Article 804 of the Civil Code of Québec lets them sell on their own any movable property that may perish, lose value quickly or is expensive to keep. For everything else, they need the heirs’ or the court’s approval, unless the will provides for “full administration” (Éducaloi).
For buyers, this means a sale run by a liquidator is normal; for a significant item, it’s reasonable to ask who is selling and in what capacity.
Buying tips
- Come early on the first day if you’re after a specific piece: the best items go fast.
- Bring a way to haul your finds: furniture often has to leave the same day.
- Ask for a receipt showing the date, item and price.
- Vehicle from an estate: the SAAQ has a specific procedure, and Éducaloi recommends paying by a bank draft made out to the estate (Éducaloi – settling an estate, in French). Also check the RDPRM.
- Valuable art or jewellery: get an independent appraisal before paying a high price.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an estate sale and an auction?
An estate sale usually happens on site at posted prices, often on a weekend. At an auction, items go to the highest bidder, in a saleroom or online, and a buyer’s premium is often added.
Where can I find this weekend's estate sales?
Specialized companies post their calendars, such as Ronda Bly and Sell My Stuff Canada. Private sellers also post in Kijiji’s garage sale section.
Can the liquidator sell items without the heirs' agreement?
Only in some cases: under article 804 of the Civil Code, they can sell on their own any movable property that may perish, lose value quickly or is expensive to keep. For other property they need the heirs’ consent or court authorization, unless the will grants full administration (Éducaloi, in French).
Information checked on 2026-10-27.