If you have been watching the national news lately, you might be confused. You probably hear that home prices in Canada are “flat” or even falling. But when you walk through your neighborhood in Montreal, you still see “Sold” signs popping up fast.

So, what is actually happening? Let’s look at why Montreal (and Quebec) is playing by its own set of rules in 2026.

The Numbers: Montreal vs. The Rest of Canada

Experts are calling 2026 a “reset year” for most of the country. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, prices are expected to drop by about 3% to 4%.

However, Montreal is different. Forecasters expect home prices here to rise by about 5% this year. Some parts of Quebec, like Quebec City, might even see jumps as high as 12%!

Why is Quebec Different?

There are three big reasons why our market isn’t slowing down like the others:

  1. Not Enough Homes: We simply don’t have enough houses for sale. While other provinces have more listings, Quebec still has a “shortage.” When many people want to buy but few people want to sell, prices stay high.
  2. Affordability: Even though prices have gone up, Montreal is still much cheaper than Toronto. This makes our city a “hot spot” for young families and investors who find better value here.
  3. The “Plex” Power: In Montreal, we love our duplexes and triplexes. These are very popular right now because they help owners pay their mortgage with rental income.

What This Means for You

  • If you are selling: You are still in a “Seller’s Market” for houses and plexes. Buyers are active, and well-priced homes are selling in about 27 to 40 days.
  • If you are buying: It is more competitive than in other provinces, but mortgage rates have stabilized around 3.8% to 4%. This makes it easier to plan your budget compared to a few years ago.

A Quick Tip on Condos

One thing to watch is the condo market. We are seeing more condos for sale than houses. Because there is more “supply,” condo prices aren’t growing as fast as houses. If you are a first-time buyer, this might be your best chance to get into the market!