The Canadian housing market is showing signs of renewed momentum heading into 2026. With more buyers preparing to enter the market, home sales are expected to increase by 3.4 per cent next year. This optimism follows renewed buyer intent seen in the fall, compared to the slower activity experienced in the first half of the year. As confidence improves, many Canadians are closely watching market conditions to determine the right time to make their move.
Remote Work, Return-to-Office, and Homeownership Decisions
As economic uncertainty continues, one emerging concern for first-time homebuyers is the rise of return-to-office mandates. According to recent survey data, 17 per cent of Canadians are worried about how a return to office could impact their housing plans. This concern is especially common among respondents aged 18 to 34 and those planning to buy in the future, as commuting requirements may influence where and how they search for a home. That said, nearly half of Canadians overall do not believe return-to-office policies will affect their homeownership plans.
First-Time Buyers Gain Confidence as Interest Rates Decline
First-time buyers are showing renewed confidence as borrowing conditions improve. A Leger survey commissioned by RE/MAX Canada found that 10 per cent of Canadians plan to purchase a home within the next 12 months, up from seven per cent earlier this year. While more than half of Canadians believe the economy may worsen in 2026, younger Canadians remain cautiously optimistic. Among those aged 18 to 35, 21 per cent believe the economy will improve next year, signalling growing confidence among the next generation of homebuyers.
A Shifting Buyer Profile Across Canada
Buyer demographics also shifted in 2025. RE/MAX brokers and agents across Canada report that families, new Canadians, and retirees accounted for a larger share of home sales, marking a change from 2024 when first-time buyers dominated many markets. While 17 per cent of Canadians say they plan to buy a home at some point, many are still monitoring the market closely. Those planning to purchase their first home are more likely to be between the ages of 18 and 34 and have children under 18, highlighting the continued importance of affordability and long-term value.
Regional Real Estate Market Trends Heading into 2026
Looking ahead, RE/MAX brokers and agents across Canada analyzed year-over-year market activity between January 1 and October 31, 2025, alongside local board data, to provide an outlook for 2026. Just over one-third of Canadian markets are expected to transition from buyers’ markets to balanced conditions. Approximately 15.8 per cent of markets are projected to be sellers’ markets, while 10.5 per cent are expected to remain buyers’ markets. The remaining regions are forecasted to experience mixed conditions as the market continues to adjust.
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