Les promesses de vente de Philorum Simard à Montréal au début du 20 siècle

Abstract

This research note examines a forgotten yet widespread real estate mechanism in Montreal at the turn of the 20^th century : the granting and management of promises of sale relating to landed property. These private agreements enabled a person, working-class individuals in particular, to buy land with very little outlay, and in some cases to build their own home on it. Promises of sale are examined through a set of 87 contracts held by a single individual, Philorum Simard, in Montreal’s neighbourhood of Villeray. Based mainly on a private archival collection, one notary’s records and the land register, this research shows that promises of sale also had an impact on the selling price of land.