The verdict in three sentences
A template site is enough to exist online, but it wins almost no new clients on local searches in Montreal and Laval. A custom site between 12,000 and 30,000 CAD makes sense as soon as the practice wants to attract buyers with a closing cost calculator and secure document exchange. The typical timeline is 8 weeks, with an annual cost of 2,500 to 5,000 CAD and hosting in Canada under Law 25.
Template site or custom build
The managing notary is mostly trading visibility for control. A template is cheap, but its content looks like every other practice and it rarely allows a tailored calculator or booking flows per type of deed.
| Criterion | Template site | Simple custom site | Full custom site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated initial budget | 0-3,000 CAD | 12,000-18,000 CAD | 20,000-30,000 CAD |
| Fee calculator | Generic or none | Standard calculator | Detailed calculator, PDF export |
| Local SEO Montreal | Weak | Pages per deed type | Pages per deed and borough |
| Document transfer | Encrypted form | Secure client portal | |
| Booking | Phone | Online calendar | Calendar per notary and deed |
| Timeline | 1-2 weeks | 6 weeks | 8-10 weeks |
| Annual cost | 600-1,200 CAD | 2,500-3,500 CAD | 3,500-5,000 CAD |
These amounts are 2026 market estimates for Greater Montreal, to refine based on the number of notaries and offices.
The fee calculator: what drives the price
The closing cost calculator is the most used tool on a notary site. It must separate resale and new builds, include Montreal's welcome tax brackets, notary fees and disbursements. Its cost alone sits between 3,000 and 6,000 CAD.
| Calculator feature | Simple version | Advanced version |
|---|---|---|
| Resale / new build | Yes | Yes |
| Montreal welcome tax | Fixed rate entered | Brackets updated yearly |
| Notary fees | Simplified scale | Full scale by bracket |
| Mortgage deed costs | No | Yes |
| PDF export and email | No | Yes, with contact capture |
| Estimated cost | 3,000 CAD | 6,000 CAD |
The advanced version turns the tool into an appointment generator: the visitor leaves an email to receive the estimate, the practice calls back the same day.
Law 25 and secure transfer
A buyer sends ID, tax notices and a promise to purchase: this is personal information to protect. Quebec's Law 25 requires a privacy officer, privacy impact assessments for some transfers and clear retention rules. Canadian hosting, file encryption, defined retention and an access log form the baseline. The portal must not replace the practice's deed drafting software, it acts as an intake gate to it.
Mini case study
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Marie-Ève, managing partner of a four-notary practice in Montreal, chooses a full site at 24,000 CAD with the advanced calculator, plus 4,000 CAD per year. The calculator captures an average of 25 contacts a month, 8% of which become purchase files, so 2 files monthly. With average fees of 1,800 CAD per purchase, that is 43,200 CAD over a year. Even if only a quarter of those files are genuinely new, most of the 28,000 CAD first-year investment is covered within the first year and fully paid back early in year two.
FAQ
How much does a custom notary website cost in 2026?
Between 12,000 and 30,000 CAD depending on the calculator and client portal. A template is cheaper, but its local visibility is weak.
What is the price of a closing cost calculator?
Count 3,000 CAD for a simple version and 6,000 CAD for a version with full fee scales, mortgage costs and PDF export.
Does the site need Canadian hosting?
It is strongly advised as soon as ID or tax documents pass through the site, and it simplifies Law 25 assessments. Secure Canadian hosting stays under 80 CAD per month.
What timeline should I expect?
About 8 weeks for a full site, including 2 weeks to configure and test the calculator.
What annual budget should I plan after launch?
Between 2,500 and 5,000 CAD per year for hosting, maintenance, the yearly tax bracket update and backups.
Let's scope your project. Tell us the number of notaries, the calculator you need and your target date: we price the scope, budget and timeline. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
