Selling Without a Realtor in New Brunswick: The Complete 2026 Guide
New Brunswick is one of Canada's most affordable real estate markets — and one of its most bilingual. As Canada's only officially bilingual province, NB offers sellers a unique opportunity to reach both English and French-speaking buyers. Average home prices around $320,000 mean a 5% commission costs approximately $16,000. Selling FSBO in New Brunswick is legal and straightforward.
Is It Legal to Sell Without a Realtor in New Brunswick?
Yes — completely legal. The Real Estate Agents Act governs licensed agents in New Brunswick, but private homeowners have full rights to sell their own property without an agent. Private sales are a normal part of the NB real estate market.
New Brunswick's Bilingual Advantage
New Brunswick is Canada's only constitutionally bilingual province — approximately 33% of the population has French as their first language, concentrated in the northeast (Acadie region), Moncton, and parts of Fredericton.
Seller Disclosure in New Brunswick
New Brunswick does not legally require a seller disclosure form, but completing one is strongly recommended. Key items to disclose:
- Known structural defects (foundation, roof, framing)
- Water infiltration or flooding history
- Presence or history of underground oil tanks
- Well and septic system condition (for rural properties)
- Any unapproved additions or renovations
- Shared driveway or boundary disputes
- Any legal proceedings affecting the property
Real Property Transfer Tax
New Brunswick's Real Property Transfer Tax is paid by the buyer at a rate of 1% of the purchase price (based on the greater of purchase price or assessed value). On a $320,000 home, the buyer pays $3,200.
Some NB municipalities may also levy additional fees. Your lawyer will confirm the exact amount at closing.
The Lawyer's Role in New Brunswick
A New Brunswick lawyer handles all property transfers. Expect your lawyer to:
- Prepare or review the Agreement of Purchase and Sale
- Search title at the New Brunswick Registry of Deeds
- Handle mortgage payout and discharge
- Confirm Real Property Transfer Tax
- Prepare the Deed and Statement of Adjustments
- Register the transfer
Budget $900–$1,300 for NB real estate lawyer fees. In bilingual areas, using a bilingual lawyer can simplify communication if your buyer is francophone.
Rural Properties — Well and Septic
A significant portion of New Brunswick properties are rural and rely on private well water and septic systems. Before listing a rural NB property:
- Have your well water tested — buyers will require it
- Know your septic system's age and last pump-out date
- Disclose any history of septic failures or repairs
- Confirm whether your system was installed under a Department of Health permit (post-1997)
New Brunswick FSBO Seller Checklist
Before Listing
- Prepare a seller disclosure statement (strongly recommended)
- Document any oil tank history
- Well water test and septic records if applicable
- Consider bilingual listing description (English + French)
- Professional photography
- Research comparable sales on Realtor.ca
- Engage a NB real estate lawyer
Receiving Offers
- Use a standard Agreement of Purchase and Sale
- Have your lawyer review all offers before signing
- Common conditions: financing, inspection, well/septic inspection
At Closing
- Real Property Transfer Tax (1%) paid by buyer
- Title registered at NB Registry of Deeds
- Statement of Adjustments prepared by your lawyer
- Possession on agreed date
How to Get MLS® Exposure in New Brunswick
MLS® access requires a licensed broker. Your options as a New Brunswick private seller:
- OwnerListed — flat-fee MLS® listing from $299, bilingual listing support, national Realtor.ca exposure, no commission
- Flat-fee brokerage — hire a local NB broker for MLS® entry only
- Private listings — Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, Centris (for francophone reach in Acadian areas)
List Your New Brunswick Home — From $299
English + French listing support. National MLS® exposure. No commission.
List Your New Brunswick Home