RE/MAX's Canadian Housing Market Outlook 2026

It’s that time of year: RE/MAX agents and brokers from across Canada share their overview of national housing market activity in 2025 and what they expect for 2026.

A more balanced market and more inventory means price moderation is expected.

Agents expect that lower interest rates and prices will bring more buyers out of the woodwork.

It’s anticipated that a third of the market will be balanced, while 18% of markets will favour sellers and 15% will favour buyers.

RE/MAX agents and brokers speculate that the housing market could see an upturn in 2026 as more buyers prepare to enter the market. Home sales are expected to increase by 3.4% due to this renewed interest.

Listings rose across 75.8% of regions in 2025

Southern Ontario saw a widespread boost in listings.

More price moderation is expected in 2026.

19 of 33 markets saw a fall of home sales year over year.

10% of Canadians say they are planning to buy a home in the next year, with half of those being first-time homebuyers. This number is up from 7% this fall. 

According to a Leger survey commissioned by RE/MAX Canada, more than half of Canadians feel that the economy will worsen in 2026. Those aged 18-35 feel slightly more optimistic, with 21% saying they feel the economy will fare better next year.

55% of Canadians say they feel confident in their personal household financial situation. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers shifted from being in the office to work from home, causing buyers to reassess what they needed in a home. Today, many of these remote workers are being called back to work-in, with employers forcing them to return to the office.

17% say they’re concerned about “return to office” mandates. Respondents aged 18-34 and those planning to buy in the future are now considering how these mandates will affect their home search.

Around half of respondents do not believe return-to-office mandates will impact their situation.

2025 saw a significant shift in buyer profiles compared to 2024. In 2024, first-time buyers led sales across most Canadian markets, but now has shifted to families, retirees, and new Canadians. 

Still, first-time homebuyers make up some of the sales market. 17% of Canadians say they plan to purchase a home at some point, with 10% saying they intend to buy within one year. First-time homebuyers are now most likely to be aged 18-34 and with children under the age of 18. RE/MAX brokers believe that many buyers are watching the market closely in order to seize the right moment to make their move.

According to RE/MAX brokers and agents across Canada and local board data, just over one third of markets are expected to shift from buyer markets to a more balanced market, while 15.8% of markets are anticipated to be sellers’ and 10.5% to be buyers’. They expect that the remaining markets will be varied.

The housing market in Ontario is a mix of buyer-friendly and balanced conditions, with regional differences being shaped by population, economic stability, and pricing. In the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding suburbs, conditions remain favourable for buyers due to declining interest rates, increased listings, and price adjustments. However, affordability remains a concern, especially for first-time homebuyers trying to get their foot in the door. Year-over-year, home prices in the GTA fell by 3.5% from 2024 to 2025. 

In mid-size cities such as Kitchener-Waterloo, London, and Simcoe County, there is more inventory, slower price growth, and opportunity for buyers to to take advantage of lower interest rates.

Buyers all across the province continue to plan strategically, especially as rental pressures and limited inventory and economic concerns. Technology and online tools are key factors in streamlining a buyer’s property search and decision-making.

The market in Atlantic Canada is transitioning toward more balanced conditions, supported by increasing new-home construction, in-migration, and moderate price growth. The average residential sale prices are projected to rise 3 to 5% across most markets with most of the demand being driven by single-detached and semi-detached homes.

Rising rent costs in these areas are encouraging some renters to move into homeownership, though investor activity remains strong in rental and multi-unit properties. RE/MAX brokers and agents believe that Atlantic Canada will remain a stable and affordable market in 2026.

Western Canada appears to be entering 2026 with more stability in its market. High-end property prices in Vancouver decreased by 6.3% year-over-year from 2024 to 2025, from $2,651,000 to $2,483,000. Calgary and Edmonton had more balanced markets, drawing in first-time home buyers with affordable suburban single-detached homes. Meanwhile, Regina and Winnipeg continue to favour sellers, as lower inventory and steady demand for single-detached homes continues.