Amenities Key for Montreal Home Buyers, Bucking National Affordability Trend

Proximity to transit, affordability, close distance to preferred schools, grocery stores within walking distance and access to green spaces and/or dog parks are the top priorities for Montreal home buyers when choosing a neighbourhood. Post-pandemic, these priorities have not shifted much, and they’re not expected to alter anytime soon. According to RE/MAX brokers and agents, buyer considerations like accessible transit, affordability and proximity to good schools. The 15-minute neighbourhood is most feasible in Montreal in areas with proximity to the city centre, which generally have a higher price tag. There, residents could have an easier time adopting the 15-Minute City concept as they already have a high quality of life with access to good education, safe neighbourhoods and an overall, joi de vivre, according to Patricia Hamelin of RE/MAX du Cartier, Inc.

As Canada continues to grapple with a housing crisis rooted in a persistent inventory shortage, RE/MAX Canada explores possible solutions through the launch of its latest report, 15-Minute Neighbourhood: Lessons for Small Communities. The report, named for an urban planning concept that puts daily necessities within a 15-minute walk, bicycle or transit ride from home, attempts to highlight this pragmatic approach to building the right supply of housing for the greatest number of Canadians, in a way that delivers maximum liveability and affordability – particularly in smaller municipalities that are experiencing rapid growth.

Quality of life in Montreal is described as very satisfactory, especially within the city’s centre; however, major infrastructure developments are anticipated to increase the quality of life for residents living within the Greater Montreal Area, beyond the city centre. For instance, the new Réseau express métropolitain (REM), which as has been under construction over the past couple of years, will include 26 new stations within Greater Montreal over 67km of track. The project’s construction alone has impacted residential sales further out from Montreal’s core, as it shows Montreal residents the value of living closer to services like transit. This new light rail development is anticipated to facilitate the 15-minute neighbourhood ideal in Montreal, by making reliable transit options more accessible to residents and ideally, reducing reliance on driving as a primary transportation method.