2026 Canadian Housing Market Outlook
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23% of Canadians would be ready to buy if Bank of Canada interest rates fell further, by another 0.5 to one per cent.
More than one quarter of Canadians believe the housing market in their region will be more affordable in 2026.
consumer sentiments
© 2025 RE/MAX, LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.
About Leger Leger is the largest Canadian-owned full-service market research firm. An online survey of 1,537 Canadians aged 18+ was completed between October 24-26, 2025, using Leger’s online panel. Leger's online panel has approximately 400,000 members nationally and has a retention rate of 90 per cent. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
About the Report
REMAX’s 2026 Housing Market Outlook includes data and insights supplied by REMAX brokerages. REMAX brokers and agents are surveyed on market activity and local developments. The overall outlook is based on the average of all regions surveyed, weighted by the number of transactions in each region. Each REMAX office in independently owned and operated.
About the RE/MAX Network
As one of the leading global real estate franchisors, RE/MAX, LLC is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings (NYSE: RMAX) with more than 145,000 agents in almost 9,000 offices with a presence in more than 110 countries and territories. REMAX Canada refers to REMAX Canada, Inc., which is an affiliate of RE/MAX, LLC. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than REMAX, as measured by residential transaction sides. REMAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. REMAX agents have lived, worked and served in their local communities for decades, raising millions of dollars every year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® and other charities. To learn more about REMAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit remax.ca. For the latest news from REMAX Canada, please visit blog.remax.ca.
Forward looking statements
This report includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbour" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "intend," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," "project," and other similar words and expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding housing market conditions and the Company's results of operations, performance and growth. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include (1) the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted the Company and continues to pose significant and widespread risks to the Company's business, the Company's ability to successfully close the anticipated reacquisition and to integrate the reacquired regions into its business, (3) changes in the real estate market or interest rates and availability of financing, (4) changes in business and economic activity in general, (5) the Company's ability to attract and retain quality franchisees, (6) the Company's franchisees' ability to recruit and retain real estate agents and mortgage loan originators, (7) changes in laws and regulations, (8) the Company's ability to enhance, market, and protect the RE/MAX and Motto Mortgage brands, (9) the Company's ability to implement its technology initiatives, and (10) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, and those risks and uncertainties described in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and similar disclosures in subsequent periodic and current reports filed with the SEC, which are available on the investor relations page of the Company's website at www.remax.com and on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except as required by law, the Company does not not intend, and undertakes no duty, to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances.
REMAX brokers and agents share an overview of national housing market activity in 2025 and their outlook for the year ahead.
Key Highlights
The Canadian housing market could be on the upswing looking ahead to 2026, with more buyers preparing to enter the market and home sales expected to increase by 3.4 per cent next year. This follows signs of renewed buyer intent earlier this fall, compared to the first half of the year.
Home sales fell YoY in 19 of 33 markets
The boost in listings was widespread in Southern Ontario
More price moderation expected in 2026
Listings rose across 75.8% of regions in 2025
Price Outlook
Sales Outlook
Market type
Price moderation is expected to continue in 2026, thanks to more inventory and balanced more conditions.
Lower prices and interest rates, coupled with pent up demand, are expected to bring buyers back in 2026.
One-third of housing markets are shifting into balance, 18% should favour sellers and 15% will likely lean to buyers.
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DATA TABLE
“Amid looming economic clouds, Canadians are maintaining their interest in homeownership,” says Don Kottick, President, REMAX Canada. “The resilience that began to emerge in the fall is anticipated to continue into 2026, with first-time buyers in particular finding creative ways to save and enter the market.”
A Shifting Buyer Profile
REMAX brokers and agents across Canada found that families, new Canadians, and retirees drove a larger share of sales in 2025, marking a significant shift from 2024, when first-time buyers led sales across most Canadian markets.
While 17 per cent of Canadians say they plan to purchase a home at some point (with 10 per cent intending to buy within one year). Brokers are hearing that many buyers continue to watch the market closely for the right moment to make their move. Those planning to purchase their first home are more likely to be aged 18 to 34 and with kids under age 18.
Families
New Canadians
Retirees
First Time Buyers
Buyer Profile in 2025
Year in review
10% of Canadians plan to buy a home in the next 12 months, and half of them are first-time homebuyers.
REMAX brokers and agents across Canada shared a year-over-year analysis of their local market between January 1 and October 31, 2025 and offer their estimated outlook for 2026. According to their insights, as well as local board data, just over one third of markets are expected to transition from buyers-to-balanced conditions, while 15.8 per cent of markets are sellers’ and 10.5 per cent remaining buyers’ markets. The remaining markets are expected to be varied, heading into 2026.
Regional Market Trends
Atlantic Canada’s housing market is stabilizing as the region transitions toward balanced conditions, supported by steady in-migration, moderate price growth, and increasing new-home construction. Average residential sale prices are projected to rise three to five per cent across most markets, with single-detached and semi-detached homes continuing to drive demand. First-time buyers are returning with confidence, prioritizing affordability, low-maintenance homes, and family-friendly neighbourhoods, while move-up buyers are focused on lifestyle upgrades, larger spaces, and energy-efficient properties. Retirees are seeking downsized, accessible housing or low-maintenance condos in communities that offer healthcare access and amenities.
New developments, particularly in Moncton, Fredericton, and Truro, emphasize affordability and sustainability, helping support a balanced market. Number of sales transactions year-over-year from were notably highest in St. John’s Metro, Newfoundland, from 2,677 to 2,796, an increase of 4.4 per cent. Rising rents are encouraging renters to transition into homeownership, and investor activity remains strong in rental and multi-unit properties, reflecting ongoing confidence in the region’s long-term growth potential. Overall, Atlantic Canada presents a stable, predictable, and affordable market, making 2026 a strategic year for buyers and investors alike.
Altantic canada
Ontario’s housing markets are showing a blended mix of buyer-friendly and balanced conditions, shaped by regional differences such as population, pricing, and economic stability. Markets toward Northern Ontario such as Kenora, Sudbury, and Sault Ste. Marie remain relatively stable, with modest price growth, limited new construction, and steady demand from first-time and move-up buyers. Mid-sized cities, including London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Simcoe County, are seeing more inventory, slower price growth, and opportunities for buyers taking advantage of lower interest rates, particularly for single-detached homes.
In the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding suburbs, price adjustments, increased listings, and declining interest rates are creating conditions favourable for buyers, though affordability pressures remain, particularly for first-time buyers. Year-over-year, home prices in the Greater Toronto Area fell by 3.5 per cent, from 2024 to 2025, from $1,127,525 to $1,088,166. Across the province, rental pressures, limited inventory in key segments, and evolving economic conditions are motivating buyers to plan and act strategically, while technology and online tools continue to streamline buyer’s property search and decision-making.
Ontario
Western Canada’s housing market is entering 2026 with measured stability. In Vancouver, high-end property prices decreased notably by 6.3 per cent year-over-year from 2024 to 2025, from $2,651,000 to $2,483,000, favouring buyers due to increasing inventory, while entry-level homes remain in strong demand. Calgary and Edmonton present more balanced markets, with suburban single-detached homes driving activity as affordability and long-term growth potential attracts first-time and move-up buyers. Regina and Winnipeg continue to favour sellers, supported by lower inventory levels and steady demand for single-detached homes, particularly among first-time buyers and families seeking turnkey properties with ample space.
Across the region, single-detached homes dominate buyer interest, while retirees increasingly look to downsize to more low-maintenance properties. First-time buyers are seeking value and proximity to essentials, especially access to transit. Move-up buyers focus on lifestyle and larger homes, often leveraging subject-to-sale offers. New-home construction is proceeding modestly in high-cost markets like Vancouver, while mid-sized cities are seeing greater activity in infill and detached housing. Technology, social media, and virtual tours are playing an increasing role in how buyers search for and evaluate properties. Declining interest rates and favourable financing conditions into 2026 are anticipated to unearth an existing motivation to enter the market.
Western Canada
First-Time Buyers Gain Confidence as Rates Decline
According to a Leger survey commissioned by REMAX Canada, 10 per cent of Canadians say they’re planning to purchase a home in the next 12 months – an improvement from seven per cent in the fall, based on Leger survey data earlier this year. Although more than half of Canadians are feeling the economy will worsen in 2026, following an initial economic stall as seen in the earlier part of 2025, Canadians aged 18 to 35 are more hopeful, with 21 per cent feeling the economy will fare better next year.
10%
of Canadians intend to purchase in the next 12 months — up from 7% earlier this year.
21%
of Canadians aged 18-35 think the economy will improve in 2026.
55%
of Canadians express confidence in their own household financial situation
CHARLOTTETOWN OUTLOOK
TRURO OUTLOOK
HALIFAX - DARTMOUTH OUTLOOK
SAINT JOHN OUTLOOK
FREDERICTION OUTLOOK
OTTAWA OUTLOOK
KINGSTON OUTLOK
GRAND BEND OUTLOK
PETERBOROUGH OUTLOK
Kawartha LAKES OUTLOOK
CALEDON OUTLOOK
SAULT STE MARIE OUTLOOK
LONDON OUTLOOK
NIAGARA OUTLOOK
KITCHENER - WATERLOO OUTLOOK
HAMILTON - BURLINGTON OUTLOOK
WINDSOR OUTLOOK
MISSISSAUGA OUTLOOK
TORONTO OUTLOOK
BRAMPTON OUTLOOK
YORK REGION OUTLOOK
KENORA OUTLOOK
SUDBURY OUTLOOK
THUNDER BAY OUTLOOK
MONCTON OUTLOOK
ST. JOHN'S OUTLOOK
REGINA OUTLOOK
BARRIE OUTLOOK
WINNIPEG OUTLOOK
SASKATOON OUTLOOK
EDMONTON OUTLOOK
CALGARY OUTLOOK
VANCOUVER OUTLOOK
Market-by-Market Overview
Following looming economic headwinds, an emerging concern among first-time homebuyers is a rise in return-to-office mandates.
Remote Work and Homeownership
Thinking of making a move in 2026?
Start your search
Nearly half of respondents overall do not believe return-to-office will impact their situation
Respondents aged 18 to 34 and those planning to buy in the future are thinking more about how this might affect their search
17% of Canadians are concerned about 'return to office' mandates
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-3.7%
+3.4%
Shift to Balance
CHARLOTTETOWN OUTLOOK
33/34
TRURO OUTLOOK
32/34
HALIFAX - DARTMOUTH OUTLOOK
31/34
SAINT JOHN OUTLOOK
30/34
FREDERICTION OUTLOOK
29/34
OTTAWA OUTLOOK
28/34
KINGSTON OUTLOK
27/34
GRAND BEND OUTLOK
26/34
PETERBOROUGH OUTLOK
25/34
DURHAM OUTLOOK
24/34
WINDSOR-ESSEX OUTLOOK
23/34
VILLE MONT-ROYAL OUTLOOK
22/34
LONDON OUTLOOK
21/34
NIAGARA OUTLOOK
20/34
KITCHENER - WATERLOO OUTLOOK
19/34
HAMILTON - BURLINGTON OUTLOOK
18/34
SIMCOE OUTLOOK
17/34
MISSISSAUGA OUTLOOK
16/34
TORONTO OUTLOOK
15/34
BRAMPTON OUTLOOK
14/34
YORK REGION OUTLOOK
13/34
NORTH BAY OUTLOOK
12/34
SUDBURY OUTLOOK
11/34
ST. JOHN'S OUTLOOK
10/34
THUNDER BAY OUTLOOK
9/34
MONCTON OUTLOOK
8/34
WINNIPEG OUTLOOK
7/34
REGINA OUTLOOK
6/34
EDMONTON OUTLOOK
5/34
CALGARY OUTLOOK
4/34
CENTRAL OKANAGAN OUTLOOK
3/34
FRASER VALLEY OUTLOOK
2/34
VANCOUVER OUTLOOK
1/34
