After several years when buying real estate in Quebec felt almost like an impossible task, the market seems ready to ease up a bit in 2026. However, this is not about a sharp drop in prices or a crash — rather, it’s a return to a calmer and more predictable state after a period of exceptional overheating.
According to the latest forecasts, the market remains active but is becoming less chaotic and slightly more favorable for buyers.
“The Quebec real estate market is not entering a phase of serious decline. It is entering a transitional period where activity normalizes after historical highs, while still remaining above the average levels of previous years,” said Charles Brant, director of market analysis at the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (APCIQ).
Province-wide, about 95,700 transactions are expected in 2026 — a 2% decrease from the previous year. This moderate decline is explained by slowing demographic growth, ongoing housing affordability issues, and a chronic lack of supply in many regions.
Stable Interest Rates — A Breath of Fresh Air for Buyers
One of the few truly positive factors for buyers will be the situation with interest rates. After sharp fluctuations in recent years, monetary policy, according to APCIQ, has entered a phase of stabilization. This makes the market more predictable and reduces anxiety levels among households — both for first-time homebuyers and for renewing mortgages.
The atmosphere in the market is also changing: transactions in 2026 will still be active, but without the previous sense of constant urgency. The practice of multiple offers and price “wars,” characteristic of recent years, will gradually fade away.
“Hyper-competitive bidding will continue to weaken, although it will not disappear completely — especially in segments and regions with extremely limited supply,” notes Charles Brant.
“Better” Does Not Mean “Cheaper”
Despite some cooling, housing prices will continue to rise. On average, the median price for a single-family home in Quebec will reach $520,200 in 2026, representing a 6% increase. The price of condominiums will rise more moderately — to $408,000 (+3%).
The ongoing supply shortage and high construction costs still play in favor of sellers.
At the same time, regional differences remain quite significant. In Montreal, a slight decrease in activity is expected, especially in the single-family home segment, where high prices and limited choices force buyers to act more cautiously. The condominium market, on the other hand, may offer more options, contributing to relative price stabilization.
In the Quebec City region, the situation is different: the supply shortage remains acute, and price pressure is high. In other, more affordable regions of the province, growth may exceed the average for Quebec, particularly due to demand from first-time buyers and interest in income properties — duplexes and triplexes (plex).
“Regional markets will develop at different paces in 2026. Where supply remains extremely limited, price pressure will persist even with a decrease in overall demand,” emphasizes Camille Laberge, deputy director and chief economist at APCIQ.
Not a Miracle, But a Breather
The year 2026 will not be a magical moment when buying a home becomes easy and accessible for everyone again. However, for those who have postponed their plans due to an overheated market and high uncertainty, the coming year may bring the long-awaited relief.
The Quebec real estate market seems to be entering a calmer phase — less tense, more predictable, and slightly less suffocating than in previous years.
