If you’ve been patiently waiting for the right moment to step into the housing market, the latest forecast from RE/MAX might be the encouraging news you’ve been hoping for. After a challenging 2025 marked by economic turbulence and a slowdown in home sales, forecasts suggest that 2026 could bring a shift in favour of buyers.

According to the new RE/MAX 2026 Canadian Housing Market Outlook, sales across the country are expected to rise by approximately 3.4%, while average home prices are projected to decrease by about 3.7%. This combination — more activity, slightly lower prices, and improving affordability — could pull many hesitant buyers off the sidelines.

There are signs of growing interest already. Roughly 1 in 10 Canadians say they plan to purchase a home within the next 12 months, up from just 7% earlier this year. Even more notable: half of those prospective buyers are first-timers. For many, a softer pricing environment and improving buying conditions are finally opening a door that felt firmly shut.

A key confidence booster is the expectation that interest rates will continue to fall. Nearly one-quarter of surveyed Canadians said they would be more likely to enter the market if the Bank of Canada lowers rates further — even a 0.5% to 1% drop could be enough to spur action. With borrowing costs stabilizing, the long-running concern of unmanageable mortgage payments may begin to ease.

Inventory is also playing a crucial role. RE/MAX notes that new listings have increased year over year in most regions, including a noticeable jump in Southern Ontario. More listings mean more choice, less competition, and a move toward healthier, balanced market conditions. As inventory grows, prices tend to moderate — a dynamic that can make homeownership feel attainable again.

This optimism follows a tough stretch: home sales declined in 19 of 33 markets analyzed in 2025. The rebound projected for next year isn’t about a return to overheated bidding wars or runaway price growth. Instead, it suggests a more sustainable landscape — one where buyers have room to negotiate, weigh options, and make decisions with less pressure.

Of course, forecasts are not guarantees. Economic trends, future rate decisions, and regional conditions will all influence how 2026 actually unfolds. Still, for many Canadians watching from the sidelines, the tone of the conversation is changing. And in real estate, confidence can be just as powerful as numbers.

If you’ve been waiting for a more balanced market, the coming year may finally tilt in your favour. Stay informed, explore your options, and when the timing feels right, step forward with confidence. And I will be there to help you!

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