Where to Buy and Sell in Canada Before 2026: Market Insights from Modern Solution Realty | Modern Solution Realty

Where to Buy and Sell in Canada Before 2026: Market Insights from Modern Solution Realty

Presented by Modern Solution Realty — Your Full-Service Real Estate Brokerage (905-897-5000 | modernsolution.ca)

Buying or selling real estate is a major decision—and understanding the current market landscape can make all the difference. Whether you’re searching for your next home, investing for the future, or exploring recreational properties, today’s shifting conditions require a strategic approach.

Across Canada, inventory is rising in major metros like Toronto and Vancouver, softening prices and offering more leverage to buyers. But a handful of regional markets continue to outperform, giving sellers a strong advantage. At Modern Solution Realty, we’re closely tracking these trends to help clients navigate the changing landscape with confidence.

How Market Strength Is Measured

To identify 2025’s top-performing buyer and seller markets, Zoocasa analyzed October 2025 Sales-to-New-Listings Ratios (SNLR) using CREA data. This indicator shows whether buyers or sellers hold the leverage:

  • Below 40% → Buyer’s Market: more listings than sales, giving buyers the upper hand.
  • 40–60% → Balanced Market: supply and demand are aligned.
  • Above 60% → Seller’s Market: sales outpace listings, giving sellers the advantage.

Modern Solution Realty uses this data-driven insight to help our clients price, negotiate, and time their moves effectively.

Major Market Shifts in 2025

Greater Toronto Area

The GTA shifted from a balanced market (43.4%) to a full buyer’s market at 38.2%. Inventory now exceeds sales, giving buyers leverage not seen in years. Longer days on market and increased condo supply mean more negotiating power—ideal for buyers heading into 2026.

Windsor-Essex

Similar to the GTA, Windsor-Essex declined from 43.7% to 38.7%. With more homes available and fewer bidding wars, buyers are regaining control after years of intense competition.

Calgary

Once one of Canada’s strongest seller’s markets, Calgary cooled from 66.2% to 58.5%, shifting into balanced territory. Increased supply—especially higher-density homes—has given buyers more breathing room.

Gatineau CMA

Gatineau moved from a mild seller’s market (60.3%) to a balanced one (53%). This aligns the region more closely with Ottawa and offers a more stable environment for both sides of a transaction.

Quebec and Atlantic Canada Remain Seller Strongholds

While Ontario and B.C. markets soften, Quebec and Atlantic Canada continue to favour sellers:

  • Saguenay CMA → 91.0% SNLR
  • Quebec CMA → 79.2% SNLR
  • Saint John, NB → 72.9% SNLR
  • Newfoundland & Labrador → 84.0% SNLR

Homes in these regions move quickly and often attract multiple offers. Sellers here continue to benefit from tight supply and strong buyer demand.

Alberta’s Two Cities: A Tale of Two Markets

Alberta’s largest cities are moving in opposite directions:

Calgary: Balanced Market

Higher inventory—especially in row homes and apartments—has eased pressure. Buyers now have more negotiating space than they did last year.

Edmonton: Seller’s Market

Even with a drop from 82.1% to 61.7%, Edmonton still leans toward sellers. With over 13,000 housing units under construction, a wave of new supply may gradually balance conditions over time.

Canada’s Two Hottest Markets: Thunder Bay & Trois-Rivières

Thunder Bay → 106.5% SNLR

Thunder Bay is the most competitive market in the country. A ratio over 100% means more homes are selling than being listed—inventory is being absorbed faster than it becomes available. Sellers enjoy exceptional leverage, while buyers must act fast and make compelling offers.

Trois-Rivières → 93.7% SNLR

Just behind Thunder Bay, Trois-Rivières continues its strong momentum, with nearly every listing being absorbed immediately. Quick sales and multiple-offer scenarios remain common.

Buyer’s Markets in the Golden Horseshoe

For those looking for affordability and negotiating room, three Ontario regions stand out:

Greater Toronto Area → 38.2% SNLR

More listings and longer days on market allow buyers to compare options and negotiate stronger terms.

Niagara Region → 36.6% SNLR

Niagara is now one of the most buyer-friendly markets in the country. Sellers are motivated, making it possible to secure homes below asking or with favourable conditions.

Windsor-Essex → 38.7% SNLR

Cooling demand and improved inventory levels give buyers a welcome advantage not seen since before the pandemic.

Planning to Buy or Sell Before 2026?

With market conditions varying dramatically across regions, success in early 2026 depends on aligning your strategy with the local data. Whether you’re aiming to leverage a strong seller’s market or take advantage of newly opened buyer opportunities, Modern Solution Realty is here to guide you.

Start your search or listing strategy with Modern Solution Realty today.

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