After a shaky 2025 marked by high rates and economic uncertainty, Re/Max Canada is calling for a modest rebound in home sales in 2026.
In its new 2026 housing market outlook, Re/Max Canada projects national home sales will rise by about 3.4 percent next year, helped by strong demand from would-be buyers and a buildup of homes for sale. At the same time, average home prices are expected to edge down by roughly 3.7 percent, creating more balanced conditions in many markets.
Re/Max says there is now “light at the end of the tunnel” after home sales fell across most of the country in 2025.
More Canadians plan to buy a home in 2026
A Leger survey commissioned by Re/Max shows buyer interest quietly picking up:
- About 1 in 10 Canadians say they plan to buy a home in the next 12 months
- Around half of those prospective buyers would be purchasing their first home
- This is up from roughly 7 percent who planned to buy in the fall
- About 25 percent of respondents believe housing in their region will become more affordable next year
Despite economic headwinds, Re/Max Canada president Don Kottick says Canadians are still focused on home ownership and are finding creative ways to save, especially first-time buyers.
Who is driving the market now
Re/Max’s report notes a shift in who is actually buying. Between January and October 2025, home sales declined year over year in 32 of 38 markets studied.
Compared with the previous year, when first-time buyers were driving sales in most markets, 2025 activity was led more by:
- Families moving up or relocating
- New Canadians settling into the market
- Retirees making lifestyle moves
Re/Max will be watching how this changing buyer mix influences decisions and demand in 2026.
Inventory is finally building and conditions are more balanced
One of the biggest changes heading into 2026 is the rise in inventory. New listings increased year over year in every major region, including a 21 percent jump in Ontario.
According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), there were about 189,000 properties listed for sale across Canada at the end of October, up 7.2 percent compared with a year earlier.
More choice for buyers plus slightly softer prices is creating more balanced conditions, a shift away from the intense seller’s markets seen in previous years.
What this means for buyers and sellers in 2026
If Re/Max’s 2026 housing market forecast plays out, here is what Canadians can expect:
For buyers
- A bit more negotiating power in many markets
- More listings to choose from, including in previously tight areas
- A chance for some first-time buyers to finally get into the market if prices ease and incomes hold up
For sellers
- Homes may still sell, but the days of extreme bidding wars are less common in balanced conditions
- Pricing competitively and presenting the home well will matter more
- Realistic expectations on sale price and timelines will be key
Re/Max’s outlook suggests the 2026 Canadian housing market will not be a full boom or bust, but a cautious rebound shaped by pent-up demand, more inventory, and a still uncertain economic backdrop.
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