After years of volatility, rising rates, price swings, and wavering buyer sentiment, the Canadian housing market may finally be inching toward a turning point, according to the latest REMAX housing market report. Instead of a dramatic rebound, 2026 is shaping up to deliver something buyers have been craving: a bit more affordability and a lot more predictability. With rates easing and inventory improving in key regions, many Canadians are rethinking their timelines, even if confidence isn’t fully restored.
Here’s what’s driving the shift:
Buyers Are Warming Up Again
It’s been a cautious year, but confidence is creeping back. One in 10 Canadians plans to buy a home in the next 12 months, thanks to softer prices, more choice, and early signs of stability. After months of wait-and-see, many feel the window to re-enter the market may finally be opening.
A Fresh Wave of First-Time Buyers
First-timers aren’t just returning; they’re becoming a major force. Half of all potential buyers fall into this group, many of them younger Canadians who feel more hopeful about the economy heading into next year. With easing conditions, they’re dusting off their savings strategies and getting ready to act.
A Small Rate Drop Could Make a Big Difference
For nearly a quarter of Canadians, one thing could seal the deal: a further 0.5%–1% drop in interest rates. With the Bank of Canada already cutting rates through 2025, even small adjustments could trigger a surge of pent-up demand in early 2026.
Location Decisions Are Shifting Again
Return-to-office mandates are back on the radar, especially for younger buyers. Commute times, transit access, and neighbourhood flexibility are once again shaping searches. For many, the “right location” now means balancing affordability with a realistic weekday routine.
Markets Across Canada Are Stabilizing
Whether you’re looking west, east, or somewhere in-between, most regions are moving toward balanced conditions. Ontario and B.C. saw prices cool, Prairie markets held steady, and Atlantic Canada continues to shine with predictability and modest growth. After years of extremes, balance is a welcome change.
The bottom line is that Canadians haven’t given up on homeownership but they’re approaching it with clearer eyes and firmer expectations. Slower rate cuts, affordability hurdles, and economic unease mean 2026 won’t be a dramatic comeback for everyone. Still, if current trends continue, it could be the first year in a long time where the market feels a little more dependable and that alone may be enough to bring hesitant buyers back in.
