Canada’s housing market is showing signs of life in recent weeks, as more buyers begin to make moves, but that renewed activity hasn’t yet translated into widespread price growth.

According to the latest Royal LePage Real Estate Services House Price Survey, national home prices were essentially unchanged from this time last year, up just 0.1 % to an aggregate price of $816,500.

The contrast between rising sales and stagnant prices suggests affordability remains a drag for many would-be homeowners. “Canada’s housing market is shifting toward balance, as easing prices, rising listings and renewed rate cuts improve affordability across most regions,” said Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal LePage, in a statement. “For the first time in years, buyers ….. have real choice and negotiating power.”

But as Soper adds, buyer confidence is still cautious: a recent Royal LePage survey shows 82% of prospective first-time buyers say they’ll wait at least another year before purchasing, showing many are proceeding carefully.

Regional Divides Widen : Montreal up, Toronto and Vancouver Down

According to the report from Royal LePage, the national headline number hides stark regional variation.

The Greater Montreal Area posted a 4.9% gain in Q3 compared to last year, while the markets in Greater Toronto and Greater Vancouver recorded declines of 3.5% and 3.1%, respectively. The weakness in Ontario and BC contributed to a downward revision of the fourth-quarter national forecast, now projecting just a 1.0% gain year-over-year.

Detached homes nationally edged up 1.2% to $860,600, whereas condos dropped 1.6% to $580,700. Compared to their 2022 spring peaks, national prices are down around 5%, and more than 12% below peak in some urban centres.

The discrepancy underscores that even as interest-rate relief is arriving, structural affordability and regional supply dynamics continue to exert strong influence.

What This Means for Buyers and The Market Ahead?

For buyers, the current environment is beginning to offer windows of opportunity. With prices dipping or flat in many major markets, combined with higher listings and potential rate cuts into early 2026, several regions are leaning toward buyer advantage. “Many buyers remain hesitant – some worried about broader economic uncertainty, others waiting to see if prices dip a little further before stepping in,” Soper said.

At the same time, federal-government efforts such as the Build Canada Homes initiative have been welcomed, but Soper warned the scale remains modest: “4,000 homes should be seen as a catalyst, not a solution… this country still faces a profound housing shortage.”

For prospective buyers, tactical steps could include monitoring listings more closely, targeting balanced markets instead of overheated ones, and speaking with a mortgage professional to gauge how upcoming rate moves might impact affordability.

According to forecasting from Royal LePage, the likely outcome is that national price growth may remain muted near zero through the rest of 2025, with more meaningful price movement deferred to 2026 and beyond as supply adjusts, regional variances persist, and greater buyer confidence returns.

Royal LePage : Home Sales Pick Up But Prices Remain Stubborn by Steven Brennan | Money.ca