Why Montreal's Housing Market is Staying Resilient While Others Wobble

Montreal Real Estate Market Performance Compared to Major Canadians Cities

When interviewed, Rola Hamdan highlighted the significant difference in real estate activity, with Montreal’s average home price rising 7.9% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile, Toronto and Vancouver saw declines of 4.1% and 5.9% in average home prices, respectively.

Fast forward to October 2025, the average price of a home in Toronto was $956,800, down 5.0% from October 2024, and the average in Vancouver was $1,235,575, down 3.2% from the previous year.

Real Estate Remains More Accessible in Montreal

Montreal recorded an average price of $581,500 in October 2025, representing a 6.8% increase over the same period last year. This resilience is the result of multiple factors, from relative affordability to residents’ loyalty to their neighborhoods.

As a rough calculation, assuming a 20% down payment, Montreal buyers applying for an uninsured mortgage must pass the stress test at a rate of 5.25% or their rate plus 2%, whichever is higher. To buy at this price, the estimated annual income required to qualify is $124,377, which is slightly higher than the average household income on the Island of Montreal in 2024.

When compared to Toronto and Vancouver, and taking into account real estate prices and household incomes, Montreal remains much more affordable.

Montrealer’s affection to their neighborhood’s life

A very distinctive trend in Montreal is residents’ sense of belonging to their favorite neighborhood. In a city where businesses, activities, and communities have developed around the characteristics of specific neighborhoods, market dynamics reflect it.

“They are attached to the cafés and the life of each neighborhood. Even if a neighboring neighborhood is cheaper, they are willing to pay a high price to stay”. Rola highlighted in her interview. According to her, this behavior helps to stabilize the market and maintain the value of local properties.

A difference of culture and heritage

For many Quebecers, real estate remains the primary means of building wealth. This practice, passed down from generation to generation, supports demand in the residential market, particularly in stable and sought-after segments.

It’s something far less common in cities like Vancouver, where properties are listed at much higher prices. Young adults will turn to the financial market or entrepreneurship as their first choice for building wealth.

A cautious yet optimistic outlook for real estate in 2026

Despite the resilience we see in the Montreal real estate market, Rola Hamdan remains cautious. “I’m not particularly nervous about the Montreal real estate market, but only time will tell.”

Her expert analysis is backed by more than 22 years of experience in finance, mortgages, and real estate, where she served as a trusted advisor to buyers, sellers, homeowners, and investors.

Rola Hamdan’s contribution to MPA Magazine reflects her keen understanding of the Montreal real estate market and her ability to accurately analyze local trends. Her in-depth expertise and broad experience give buyers and sellers the guidance they need to effectively navigate a stable yet competitive market