That said, it is still premature to speak of a widespread drop in prices or to claim that the entire region has already become a buyers’ market. The situation varies significantly depending on the neighborhood and the type of property.
In Brief
- In September 2026, 3,082 residential sales were recorded in Greater Montreal — 12% fewer than a year earlier.
- The number of properties listed for sale rose by 20% to 21,793.
- On the Island of Montreal, condominiums sold in an average of 73 days, compared to 54 days in September 2025.
- Condominium sales on the island fell by 9%, while supply grew by 13%.
- In central neighborhoods, including Griffintown and Ville-Marie, buyers are already getting more favorable negotiating conditions.
What Is Happening in the Real Estate Market?
According to Camille Laberge, Assistant Director and Chief Economist of the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (APCIQ), the Greater Montreal market remains uneven. Overall, sellers still hold the advantage, but in certain segments the balance of power is shifting noticeably.
The changes are most pronounced on the Island of Montreal, primarily in the condominium market. Here, the ratio of supply to demand has approached the line between a balanced market and a buyers’ market.
This is especially noticeable in areas where new residential complexes have been actively built in recent years. In Griffintown and Ville-Marie, it is becoming easier for buyers to choose between properties and to secure more suitable terms.
At the same time, on the outskirts of the island and in the northern and southern suburbs of Greater Montreal, sellers still hold stronger positions.
Why Is It Getting Easier for Buyers?
The main reason is a wider selection combined with lower buyer activity.
In September, a condominium on the Island of Montreal sold in an average of 73 days. A year ago, it took about 54 days. A longer time on the market means that sellers have to wait longer for offers and take changing market conditions into account.
As Camille Laberge notes, the market has become less tense: there are more properties for sale, and transactions are being completed more slowly.
For potential buyers, this means several advantages:
- More options. You can compare more properties without having to decide right after the first viewing.
- Less competition. In some segments, the likelihood of facing multiple buyers competing for the same property is decreasing.
- More time for due diligence. It becomes possible to assess the condition of the home, maintenance costs, and financial obligations more carefully.
- More room for negotiation. Sellers whose properties stay on the market for a long time may be more open to discussing the price and terms of the deal.
However, these advantages do not mean that any property can now be purchased at a significant discount. A lot depends on the location, the condition of the home, and the initial price.
What Do the Numbers Say?
In September 2026, the following trends were observed in the Greater Montreal market.
| Indicator | Year-over-year change |
|---|---|
| Number of sales | −12% |
| Properties for sale | +20% |
| Total sales | 3,082 |
| Market supply | 21,793 properties |
Supply growth has now continued for the 14th consecutive month. The number of properties listed for sale is currently 18% higher than the average over the past ten years.
This trend is gradually easing pressure on prices: when the selection increases, it becomes harder for sellers to count on a quick sale solely thanks to high demand.
At the same time, a decline in the number of transactions does not in itself indicate a widespread decrease in property values. To assess price dynamics, it is necessary to consider individual property categories and specific neighborhoods.
What Comes Next?
In the near term, a lot will depend on whether supply continues to increase and how actively buyers return to the market.
If the number of properties for sale continues to grow while demand remains subdued, buyers’ negotiating positions may strengthen. This applies first and foremost to segments where supply already noticeably exceeds the usual level, including some neighborhoods with a large number of new condominiums.
However, in the suburbs, where supply is limited and demand remains steady, sellers may continue to hold the advantage.
Therefore, those planning a purchase should focus not only on overall Greater Montreal statistics, but also on the figures for the specific neighborhood and type of property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a market slowdown mean that housing prices will necessarily fall?
No. Increased supply and fewer transactions ease pressure on prices, but they do not guarantee a decline in all neighborhoods and property categories.
Where is it currently more advantageous for buyers to look for housing?
First of all, pay attention to the central neighborhoods of the Island of Montreal, including Griffintown and Ville-Marie, where the growing supply of new condominiums is intensifying competition among sellers.
Why are condominiums taking longer to sell?
Among the factors are the increased number of available properties and calmer demand. Buyers have more opportunities to compare and can take longer to make a decision.
Do sellers retain the advantage in the suburbs?
In many areas of the northern and southern belts of Greater Montreal, the market remains favorable for sellers, although the overall slowdown affects these territories as well.
Unique Commentary
The Montreal real estate market is entering a period when simply having a property listed for sale no longer guarantees a quick deal. After a long period of intense competition, growing supply is gradually giving buyers back the ability to choose, compare, and negotiate terms.
But the main change is not necessarily a drop in prices, but a gradual restoration of balance. For buyers, it is a chance to make decisions more thoughtfully, and for sellers, a reminder that a realistic price and a well-thought-out sales strategy are becoming increasingly important.
That is precisely why it is especially important today to look at the market not as a single whole, but as a collection of local markets, each of which develops by its own rules.
