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- 54 per cent of Canadians believe this fall is a good time to strike a deal on a home.
- Atlantic Canada and the Prairies experienced year-over-year price gains between January 1-July 31 across all markets analyzed, while Ontario and B.C. saw declines in two-thirds of markets.
- 64.8 per cent of housing markets experienced a year-over-year decline in sales, with Re/Max Canada brokers and agents noting a rise in price reductions and conditional sales throughout 2025.
- Average homes prices are expected to decrease by 6.5 per cent this fall, while sales are expected to decrease by five per cent by the end of 2025.
After a slow start to 2025, improved affordability and higher inventory may draw cautious buyers back in, but likely not enough to bring home prices and sales back into positive territory, according to Re/Max Canada’s 2025 Fall Housing Market Update.
Between January 1 and July 31, sales fell year-over-year in 62 per cent of markets, reflecting broader economic unease.
Price trends varied: Atlantic Canada and the Prairies saw gains as supply contracted, favouring sellers, while most major centres in Ontario and British Columbia posted declines as listings rose.
Re/Max expects national average prices to fall 6.5 per cent this fall, with home sales down five per cent through year-end.
“Canada’s real estate landscape paints a complex picture of resilience and caution, influenced by regional nuances and continued economic uncertainty,” said Don Kottick, president of Re/Max Canada. “From seller-driven markets across much of Atlantic Canada and the Prairies, to buyer-friendly conditions in Ontario and B.C., the nation’s housing market reflects a delicate balance.”
First-time buyers: A changing profile
In 2024, first-time buyers led sales in most Canadian markets. But in 2025, families, newcomers, and retirees are driving activity, while first-timers take a step back, according to Re/Max brokers.
A Leger survey commissioned by Re/Max found just seven per cent of Canadians plan to buy their first home in the next year. This group is trending older—late 20s to 40s—reflecting affordability challenges and the growing complexity of entering the market.
Their finances also vary: 28 per cent have saved at least 20 per cent for a down payment, 33 per cent at least 15 per cent, and 13 per cent at least 10 per cent. Only one in 10 reported receiving gifted money, with many turning to disciplined saving, co-ownership, or other non-traditional strategies.
Among the 12 per cent of Canadians planning to buy a home in the next year, most are waiting for the right moment. Two-thirds say a 5-10 per cent drop in prices or a modest cut to interest rates would push them to act.
Sellers must find a balance of timing and realism
As economic uncertainty lingers and the Canadian housing market continues to shift, Re/Max brokers and agents agree that sellers who come to the table with a clear strategy are more likely to find success. This means realistic pricing, smart staging, and a solid understanding of local market conditions.
Eight per cent of Canadians say they plan to sell their home in the next year, and among them, confidence is strong. According to the Leger survey, 63 per cent believe they’ll be able to secure their asking price.
Temperature check on the economy
Confidence in Canada’s housing market is gradually improving, with 46 per cent of survey respondents expecting the economy to remain steady over the next six months, while 38 per cent consider the current economy strong.
Real estate continues to be viewed as a reliable investment, with 92 per cent of homeowners seeing their property as a solid long-term asset. This confidence persists despite affordability concerns and broader economic uncertainty.
Government action is also fueling cautious optimism. Nearly half of Canadians believe renewed commitments to build more housing will improve affordability within three to five years, signalling hope for greater stability and opportunity ahead.
In the meantime, Canadians are turning to professionals for guidance. More than half (53 per cent) say working with a local real estate agent would help them identify pockets of affordability. With market conditions varying widely between provinces, cities and even neighbourhoods, local expertise is seen as essential.