Real Estate Brokerage: Toward a Regulated Specialization in Residential Co-ownership

The Government of Québec published, on April 15, 2026, in the Gazette officielle du Québec, a draft regulation concerning the use of the title of specialist in residential co-ownership by holders of real estate broker licences.

This initiative forms part of a broader movement toward the professionalization of real estate brokerage actors operating in the field of divided co-ownership, whose legal, technical, and financial complexity continues to grow.

Formal recognition of expertise in co-ownership

The draft regulation proposes to establish a regulatory framework allowing certain real estate brokers to obtain a title of specialist in residential co-ownership.

To obtain this title, candidates will notably be required to demonstrate successful completion of training covering the competencies required in co-ownership, provide evidence of a minimum level of transactional experience in this sector, and subsequently comply with continuing education requirements to maintain the designation.

Although the title would remain optional, it is expected to play a structuring role in the market by helping distinguish professionals with advanced expertise in a particularly technical field.

An evolution consistent with the transformation of co-ownership

This initiative builds on recent reforms in divided co-ownership, marked by the introduction of key instruments aimed at increasing transparency and strengthening risk management, including the maintenance logbook, the contingency fund study, and the Certificate attesting to the condition of the immovable held in co-ownership.

In this context, the role of the real estate broker is evolving: it now requires the ability to analyze and understand documents that are essential to informed decision-making.

An initiative welcomed by the RGCQ

The Regroupement des gestionnaires et copropriétaires du Québec (RGCQ) welcomes the publication of this draft regulation, viewing it as a step forward in recognizing the specific requirements of co-ownership.

For several years, the RGCQ has emphasized the need for training tailored to the particularities of this form of housing, notably in reading the declaration of co-ownership, understanding the obligations of the syndicate of co-ownership, assessing issues related to the contingency fund and the maintenance logbook, and analyzing the Certificate attesting to the condition of the immovable held in co-ownership.

A key issue: the regulation of training

While the objectives pursued are broadly shared, certain proposed modalities raise an important issue.

The draft provides that the required training must be delivered by the OACIQ or by a provider designated by it, which calls for reflection on the balance between regulatory oversight and openness in the training market.

Over the years, several initiatives have contributed to expanding the availability of co-ownership training. In this context, a model based on competency standards defined by the OACIQ, combined with the accreditation of training offered by qualified third parties, would help ensure a balance between rigor, diversity, and innovation, while maintaining public protection.

A consultation to follow closely

The draft regulation is currently subject to a 45-day consultation period, during which stakeholders are invited to submit their comments.

Conclusion

The publication of this draft marks an important step in the evolution of real estate brokerage in co-ownership. It reflects a desire to strengthen professional competency, while also highlighting the need to strike a balance between regulatory oversight and market openness.

To consult the full draft regulation, click here.