Insights from RE/MAX’s latest outlook revealing a shift toward growth after years of uncertainty
By Malvinder S. Tiwana — Tiwana Real Estate Team | www.maltiwana.ca
The Canadian housing market has endured a turbulent period defined by interest rate pressures, affordability concerns, and cautious consumer sentiment. However, RE/MAX Canada’s newly released 2026 Housing Market Outlook offers a refreshing shift in tone—one that points toward renewed activity, rising consumer confidence, and a potential rebound in home sales across the country. For buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals alike, this forecast marks a pivotal moment in what has often felt like a stalled market.
A Turning Point After a Roller-Coaster Year
According to RE/MAX, national home sales are projected to increase by 3.4% in 2026. This growth may seem modest, but it signals a crucial shift away from the declines experienced throughout the current year. Many regions in Canada have seen subdued buyer activity and inconsistent pricing trends, making buyers hesitant and sellers unsure of where the market is heading.
This projection aligns with a broader historical pattern: when demand accumulates faster than supply, the market eventually resets. Thousands of Canadians postponed their homebuying plans due to economic uncertainty. With more stability emerging, many are now prepared to re-enter the real estate arena—creating the momentum necessary for a rebound.
Canadians Still Believe in Real Estate
One of the strongest signals in the RE/MAX report comes from a Leger consumer survey:
- 1 in 10 Canadians plan to buy a home in the next 12 months
- Half of them are first-time buyers
- 25% believe housing will become more affordable in their region
Despite interest rate concerns and inflationary pressures, Canadians continue to view real estate not merely as shelter—but as a proven path to long-term financial security. This mindset is especially strong among younger buyers, immigrant families, and professionals seeking stability in uncertain economic conditions.
The message is clear: the dream of homeownership is very much alive in Canada.
Shifting Buyer Demographics Are Reshaping the Market
A notable insight from the RE/MAX outlook is the shift in buyer profiles. In 2025, home purchases were driven largely by:
- Families seeking more space
- New Canadians entering the market shortly after arrival
- Retirees leveraging built-up equity
First-time buyers, who once dominated Canadian sales activity, temporarily stepped back due to affordability challenges. Should prices adjust and borrowing conditions improve in 2026, we could see this group return in full force—particularly in affordable and high-growth regions such as Calgary, Edmonton, and parts of Atlantic Canada.
This demographic evolution matters because it influences:
- Inventory absorption
- Demand patterns for housing types (condos vs. detached homes)
- Urban vs. suburban migration
Understanding these shifts will be critical for investors and sellers preparing to enter the market next year.
Inventory Growth: The Market’s Most Important Change
Perhaps the most promising development is the increase in listing inventory across Canada. With approximately 189,000 homes available for sale—a 7.2% jump—buyers finally have choices they lacked in prior years.
Ontario experienced a staggering 21% increase in listings, shifting markets like the GTA toward more balanced conditions. This is a significant transition from the tight, supply-strapped era that fueled unsustainable price spikes.
More inventory means:
- Less competition for homes
- Fewer bidding wars
- Greater negotiating power for buyers
- A healthier path to price correction
Price Adjustments Are Not a Crash—They’re a Reset
RE/MAX forecasts an average price decline of 3.7% in 2026. For some, this may spark anxiety, but in reality, it represents a market correction—not a collapse.
Prices overheated during periods of record-low interest rates. A measured adjustment:
- Restores affordability
- Encourages pent-up demand to return
- Supports long-term market balance
For first-time buyers who felt priced out, this could finally be the entry point they’ve been waiting for.
The Road Ahead: Conditions for a Market Comeback
RE/MAX’s prediction is encouraging, but it is not guaranteed. Several factors must align for this rebound to materialize:
- ✔ Mortgage rates must stabilize or decline
- ✔ Municipalities must accelerate housing approvals
- ✔ Immigration-driven demand must continue
- ✔ Buyers must perceive real value in ownership over renting
If these elements converge, 2026 could mark the start of a healthier, more sustainable Canadian real estate cycle.
Final Thoughts: Light at the End of the Tunnel
After a year of uncertainty, the RE/MAX 2026 Housing Market Outlook provides something the Canadian real estate industry desperately needed—clarity and confidence. With improving inventory, resilient consumer sentiment, and a projected rise in sales, the stage is set for a turnaround.
For Calgarians, investors, and homeowners across Canada, the message is unmistakable:
The Canadian housing market is not declining—it is recalibrating. And the rebound appears closer than many expected.
Interested in Buying, Selling, or Investing in 2026?
Work with a real estate professional who understands the numbers, trends, and strategy behind this evolving market.
📞 Contact Malvinder S. Tiwana — Tiwana Real Estate Team
Your trusted real estate advisor in Calgary and surrounding communities.
