Canada’s Housing Market Tilts Toward Buyers

Softer sales are giving buyers more leverage across Canada, though conditions still vary and the market has not become easy yet overall.
This season, ~32% of Canadian markets are expected to sit firmly in buyers' territory, while ~25% are still projected to favour sellers.
Nationally, home sales are expected to finish 2026 ↓~2% from 2025, pointing to a softer backdrop that can support more deliberate negotiations.
Price shifts remain uneven: the Greater Toronto Area is projected near $975K, ↓~6%, while Greater Vancouver is projected near $1.4M, ↓~2% by year-end.
Current financing conditions are giving buyers room to bring back inspections, water testing, and price negotiations again in some Canadian markets today.
Industry voices said opportunities still exist beyond purchases, including refinancing, switching, consolidating, home improvements, and investing, even as some remain cautious on a broader rebound.