Is this fall a good time to strike a deal on a house? 54% of Canadians think so, according to data from REMAX

“Canada's real estate landscape paints a complex picture of resilience and caution, influenced by regional nuances and continued economic uncertainty,” Don Kottick, president of REMAX Canada, said in a statement.

“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.”

Regional differences reveal contrasting market opportunities

REMAX brokers report that 64.8% of housing markets experienced a year-over-year decline in sales during early 2025, reflecting lingering economic uncertainty. Atlantic Canada was the exception, with sales rising across all markets analyzed. Price trends were similarly mixed: Atlantic Canada and the Prairies recorded gains, while Ontario and BC saw declines in roughly two-thirds of the markets surveyed.

Inventory is also changing across Canada. Ontario and BC saw higher listings compared with last year, but in contrast, tighter supply in the Prairies and Atlantic Canada continues to favour sellers.

Other key regional sales trends include:

• Western Canada: Vancouver (-6.3%), Fraser Valley (-5.5%), Calgary (+5.1%), Edmonton (+7.3%), Regina & Saskatoon (+7%), Winnipeg (+7.7%)
• Ontario: Toronto & Windsor (-4%), North Bay (-2%), Hamilton-Burlington (+4%), Ottawa (+1.5%)
• Atlantic Canada: Greater St. John’s (+11%), Saint John (+9.5%), Fredericton (+7.8%)

The report also notes an increase in conditional sales — deals which are contingent on the sale of another property — and more flexible terms from sellers. These trends indicate a market increasingly shaped by negotiation, strategy and patience.

First-time buyers are older, more cautious

First-time buyers are taking a back seat compared with 2024, when they drove much of the market. The survey reveals that just 7% of Canadians plan to buy their first home within the next year, and many are now entering the market in their late 20s to 40s.

Financial readiness also varies widely. About 28% of first-time buyers have saved at least 20% for a down payment, 33% have saved 15%, and 13% have saved 10%. Only 10% report receiving a gift to help purchase a home. Many are waiting for a 5-10% drop in prices or a 0.5-1% interest rate reduction before committing.

These patterns reflect the broader affordability challenges and higher mortgage costs in Canada’s urban centres. First-time buyers increasingly rely on creative approaches, such as co-ownership, family support or flexible financing strategies. The growing presence of guarantors and conditional offers also illustrates how buyers are navigating a market that remains uneven and competitive across regions.

Sellers adjusting expectations

Among Canadians planning to sell, confidence is growing, albeit tempered by staunch realism. About 8% of Canadians plan to sell within the next year, and 63% expect to secure their asking price. Brokers are noting more conditional sales, price reductions and greater willingness to negotiate as sellers adapt to fluid market dynamics.

"This is a pivotal period, where informed, well-timed decisions will make all the difference for Canadians navigating a shifting market," Kottick said.

With persistent economic uncertainty and continual shifts in the housing market across Canada, REMAX notes how the most successful sellers this fall will be those who come to the table with a clear strategy. That means being realistic with pricing, using smart staging and maintaining a solid understanding of local market conditions.