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Judicial sales in Québec: understanding "sheriff sales" and court-ordered auctions
Québec doesn't have "sheriff sales" as such: seized or repossessed property is sold "under judicial authority", and not always by auction.
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.
What are we talking about?
A sale under judicial authority mainly happens in two situations, according to the land register fact sheet (in French):
- after a seizure, to enforce an unpaid judgment (the sale is handled by a bailiff);
- as part of a hypothecary (mortgage) remedy, when a creditor has the mortgaged property sold (the sale is handled by a person designated by the court).
The rules come from the Code of Civil Procedure (art. 748 and following) and the Civil Code of Québec.
The sale notice: your key document
According to Québec.ca, every sale is preceded by a notice published at least 30 days in advance. It states:
- what the property is;
- the sale method (private agreement, call for tenders or auction);
- the terms, charges and conditions of the sale.
The notice is published in the Registre des ventes and, for real estate, in the land register. Listing: Registre des ventes.
A real example of a call for tenders
For example, a Montréal bailiff posted a 2026 judicial sale on Services FL by call for tenders, with bids opened on a set date and a 5% deposit required (Services FL). Deposits and terms vary from sale to sale, so always read the notice.
Before you make an offer
- Read every condition in the notice: deposit, payment deadline, charges that stay on the property.
- Visit or inspect when possible; contact the designated person or bailiff named in the notice.
- For real estate, talk to a notary or lawyer before you commit.
- For a vehicle, search the RDPRM for registered rights (see our seized vehicle guide).
Don’t confuse this with the City of Montréal tax sale, which follows different rules (an annual outcry auction with a one-year right of redemption).
Frequently asked questions
Is a judicial sale always an auction?
No. It can be by private agreement, call for tenders or auction. The sale notice states which (Québec.ca).
Where can I find sale notices?
In the Justice ministry’s Registre des ventes. For real estate, the notice is also published in the land register.
How far in advance is the notice published?
At least 30 days before the sale date (art. 749 of the Code of Civil Procedure, cited in the land register fact sheet).
Are the Denver-boot vehicle sales part of this?
Yes: bailiffs’ weekly seized-vehicle sales are judicial sales by private agreement. See our seized vehicle guide.
Information checked on 2026-10-27.