The Best (and Worst) Places to Buy a Home in Canada Right Now

Navigating Canada’s housing market in Spring 2025 comes down to location, affordability, and long-term value. While home prices are stabilizing in many provinces, some cities are emerging as unexpected gems for buyers and investors-while others remain out of reach. Here’s where your money goes further, and where to think twice.


Best Places to Buy a Home in Canada in 2025

https://downtownmoncton.com/downtown-moncton-glance/

1. Moncton, New Brunswick

Moncton remains one of the most affordable and fastest-growing housing markets in Canada. The average home price reached $379,082 in December 2024, but inventory and new listings are rising, helping cool rapid price growth. It’s ideal for first-time buyers and investors looking for strong rental yields.

Source: Homes for Sale Moncton. (2024). Moncton Real Estate Market Update. https://www.homesforsalemoncton.ca/blog/moncton-real-estate-market-update-2024-202/

https://www.unb.ca/studentlife/city-life/saint-john.html

2. Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John is transitioning to a seller’s market, with home prices forecasted to rise 3.5% in 2025. With relatively low housing costs and strong demand, this East Coast city offers one of the best price-to-rent ratios in Canada.

Source: RE/MAX Canada. (2025). Saint John Housing Market Outlook. https://blog.remax.ca/saint-john-housing-market-outlook/

https://www.kelowna.ca/our-community/about-kelowna/city-profile

3. Kelowna, British Columbia

Kelowna continues to attract buyers with its stunning landscapes and investment potential. While prices are higher than in Atlantic Canada, the city’s shift to purpose-built rentals has created more balanced conditions and opportunities for growth.

Source: Kelowna Real Estate. (2025). 2025 Housing Market: CREA Forecast. https://www.kelownarealestate.com/blog-posts/2025-housing-market-data-driven-insights-from-creas-forecast-with-shaun-cathcart


Worst Places to Buy a Home in Canada in 2025

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1. Toronto, Ontario

Despite cooling demand, Toronto remains one of the least affordable cities in North America. High property taxes, limited supply, and average rents of $1,691 for a one-bedroom make homeownership difficult for many.

Source: Home Network. (2025). Best and Worst Cities for Homebuyers in Canada. https://www.homenetwork.ca/best-worst-cities-homebuyers-canada/

Photo by Lukas Kloeppel on Pexels.com

2. Vancouver, British Columbia

Home prices remain sky-high, and affordability is strained. Even with potential interest rate cuts, Vancouver is expected to stay out of reach for average earners. The city also faces ongoing inventory challenges and weak wage growth.

Source: Reuters. (2024). Canada’s Housing Affordability Crisis. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadas-housing-affordability-crisis-may-persist-years-despite-rate-cuts-2024-09-30/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revelstoke,_British_Columbia

3. Revelstoke, British Columbia

Once a hidden gem, Revelstoke’s surge in population and tourism has inflated property values. Local services and infrastructure haven’t kept pace, making it a more difficult place to live year-round, especially for buyers seeking value.

Source: Financial Times. (2024). Revelstoke Rêve: Canada’s Snow Rush. https://www.ft.com/content/25106064-3f0f-4bdf-ba1e-f65a874a173d


Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or relocating for lifestyle reasons, understanding regional market dynamics is key in 2025. While East Coast cities like Moncton and Saint John offer affordability and growth, urban giants like Toronto and Vancouver remain challenging unless your budget is substantial.


References

Financial Times. (2024). Revelstoke rêve: the Canadian resort enjoying a ‘snow rush’. https://www.ft.com/content/25106064-3f0f-4bdf-ba1e-f65a874a173d

Home Network. (2025). The Best and Worst Cities for Homebuyers in Canada Revealed. https://www.homenetwork.ca/best-worst-cities-homebuyers-canada/

Kelowna Real Estate. (2025). 2025 Housing Market: Data-Driven Insights from CREA’s Forecast. https://www.kelownarealestate.com/blog-posts/2025-housing-market-data-driven-insights-from-creas-forecast-with-shaun-cathcart

RE/MAX Canada. (2025). Saint John Housing Market Outlook. https://blog.remax.ca/saint-john-housing-market-outlook/

Reuters. (2024). Canada’s housing affordability crisis may persist for years despite rate cuts. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadas-housing-affordability-crisis-may-persist-years-despite-rate-cuts-2024-09-30/

Homes for Sale Moncton. (2024). Moncton Real Estate Market Update. https://www.homesforsalemoncton.ca/blog/moncton-real-estate-market-update-2024-202/


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