Canada’s housing market is beginning to stabilise in 2026 as lower prices, improving affordability, and reduced borrowing costs gradually bring buyers back into the market. While elevated inventory levels continue to provide buyers with negotiating power, improving sales activity suggests confidence is slowly returning after a challenging period for the sector.

Toronto: Sales Activity Improves

One of the clearest signs of recovery can be seen in Toronto, where home sales rose 7% year-on-year to 5,946 transactions. Although new listings declined and benchmark prices remain below last year’s levels, market conditions have started tightening as buyer activity improves. This suggests that demand is gradually returning, supported by better affordability and easing financing conditions.

Vancouver: Detached Homes Lead Market Confidence

In Vancouver, market performance remains mixed, but detached homes are showing encouraging signs of strength. Detached home sales increased 14%, indicating renewed confidence among buyers seeking larger properties. While benchmark prices remain lower than a year ago, values continue to hold above long-term averages, reflecting the underlying resilience of the market.

Market Conditions Remain Balanced

Across Canada, elevated housing inventory continues to create a balanced market environment. Buyers still have room to negotiate, while sellers are adjusting expectations in response to changing demand patterns. This balance is helping support a healthier market recovery compared to the rapid price growth seen in previous years.

The combination of improving affordability, lower borrowing costs, and stable inventory levels is creating a more sustainable foundation for long-term market growth.

Outlook

Canada’s housing market is expected to continue its gradual recovery through the second half of 2026. While price growth is likely to remain moderate, improving affordability, lower financing costs, and returning buyer demand should support stronger activity across major markets. If economic conditions remain stable, Toronto and Vancouver could lead the next phase of market improvement, while balanced inventory levels help maintain market stability.