The fall market will see a mindset shift from both buyers and sellers, report reveals
Canada’s housing market is entering the fall season with a new sense of optimism among buyers and a dose of realism from sellers, according to new research.
Although not all parts of the country will see the same sentiment, with that of the earlier part of the year marked by hesitation and uncertainty beginning to transition into optimism among buyers as they see rising inventory and easing prices.
The new REMAX 2025 Fall Housing Market Update includes a Leger survey revealing that 54% of respondents believe this fall presents a good opportunity to secure a deal, with sentiment growing as national home prices are forecast to drop an average of 6.5% through the season, while overall sales are projected to fall by about 5% by year’s end.
The outlook varies significantly by region though with Atlantic Canada and the Prairies posting price increases across all major markets between January and July 2025, while large portions of Ontario and British Columbia saw declines in two-thirds of markets reviewed. Atlantic Canada also bucked national trends with rising sales activity.
“Canada’s real estate landscape paints a complex picture of resilience and caution, influenced by regional nuances and continued economic uncertainty,” says Don Kottick, President of REMAX Canada. “From seller-driven markets across much of Atlantic Canada and the Prairies, to buyer-friendly conditions in Ontario and BC, the nation’s housing market reflects a delicate balance.”
The profile of homebuyers is also shifting from the first-time buyers that drove much of the market activity in 2024, to families, newcomers, and retirees in 2025.
Only 7% of poll participants say they plan to buy their first home within the next year, and many of those are in their late 20s to 40s, reflecting ongoing affordability challenges and the longer financial runway required to enter the market.
Encouragingly though, many first-timers are arriving with stronger savings. Almost 28% report having at least 20% for a down payment, while another third have managed to save at least 15%.
On the selling side, confidence appears to be firming up too with 8% of respondents intending to sell within the next year and almost two-thirds of them convinced they can achieve their asking price.
“Our Fall Housing Market Update illustrates a dynamic market shift, with brokers reporting a 25-per-cent surge in conditional sales across 33 of 37 regions surveyed, and growing buyer confidence fueled by improved affordability,” adds Kottick. “Canadians remain committed to home ownership as a cornerstone investment, and REMAX agents are poised to guide buyers and sellers through a recovering market with expertise and supportive policies.”
Despite continued affordability challenges, Canadian homeowners remain overwhelmingly committed to real estate as a long-term asset with 92% viewing their property as a solid investment.
