Real Estate Montreal
Investments | Real Estate Montreal
As Bank investments have proven no longer profitable, we believe it’s time to start thinking outside the box and exploring other promising ventures of investments. According to Centris’ statistics, the interest rates provided by the different financial institutions of Canada won’t allow individuals more than a minimal interest rate. However, with real estate investments, your rates can increase much more.
Montreal’s Real Estate Market Is Shifting: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know in 2026
By Eric Taranowski | SoldintheWest.com
The Montreal real estate market is entering a new phase. After a period when limited inventory and strong demand gave sellers considerable leverage, the latest market figures point toward a more balanced environment. Buyers have more properties to choose from, while sellers are facing increased competition.
Does this mean home prices are falling across Montreal? Not necessarily. The market is evolving, and understanding what is happening beneath the headlines is essential for anyone considering buying or selling a property.
A market with more properties to choose from
According to the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB), residential sales across the Montreal Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) declined by 12% in September 2026 compared with the same month last year.
At the same time, the number of active properties for sale increased by 20%. This marked the 14th consecutive month of year-over-year growth in available inventory, with the increase gaining momentum in the suburbs. Inventory was also 18% above its 10-year average.
These figures suggest that buyers are no longer facing the same level of competition in every segment of the market. More available properties can provide greater choice, more time to evaluate a purchase and, in certain circumstances, an opportunity to negotiate.
However, a rise in inventory does not automatically mean that every property is becoming less valuable. Location, condition, asking price and buyer demand continue to play an important role.
What is happening to prices?
Despite the slowdown in transactions, median prices have remained relatively resilient across Greater Montreal.
September 2026 median prices were approximately:
- Single-family homes: $635,000
- Condominiums: $430,000
- Plexes (two to five units): $861,000
The single-family and condominium medians were broadly unchanged from September 2025, while plex prices were higher year over year.
These are metropolitan-wide figures, not estimates of what a particular property is worth. A home in the West Island, for example, can perform quite differently from a condominium in downtown Montreal. Even within the same neighbourhood, renovated properties, homes requiring work and properties priced above their competition may experience very different results.
The important distinction is that slower sales do not necessarily translate into an immediate decline in prices. They do, however, make accurate pricing and a careful assessment of competing properties increasingly important.
What does this mean for buyers?
For buyers, increased inventory can create opportunities that were more difficult to find when listings were scarce.
You may have more time to compare properties, assess their condition and make a decision based on your needs rather than feeling pressured to submit an offer immediately.
Depending on the property and its competition, buyers may also have greater room to negotiate price, conditions or closing arrangements.
That said, desirable homes that are priced appropriately can still attract strong interest. Buyers should not assume that every seller is prepared to accept a substantial discount.
My advice is to establish your budget, understand comparable recent sales and identify the properties that genuinely meet your needs. A good opportunity is not simply the home with the lowest asking price; it is the home that represents sound value for your circumstances.
What does this mean for sellers?
For sellers, the market calls for a more deliberate approach.
With more properties competing for buyers’ attention, an asking price that is too ambitious can cause a listing to lose momentum. Buyers have more alternatives, and they are increasingly able to compare value before making an offer.
A successful sale begins with understanding what comparable properties have actually sold for, what is currently available and how your home compares in terms of location, condition, features and price.
Presentation matters, too. Professional photography, thoughtful preparation and a clear marketing strategy can help your property stand out.
It is also important to monitor the market after your listing becomes active. Buyer feedback, visits and competing listings can provide useful information about whether your pricing strategy is working.
Is Montreal becoming a buyer’s market?
The answer depends on the property type, price range and neighbourhood.
The overall increase in supply is moving the market toward more balanced conditions, but Greater Montreal is not one uniform market. Certain segments may offer buyers more negotiating power, while well-positioned properties can continue to attract competitive offers.
The best approach is to look beyond broad headlines and examine the local evidence relevant to your specific property or purchase.
Thinking about buying or selling?
Whether you are considering your first home, moving to a larger property, downsizing or selling an investment, understanding current market conditions can help you make a more informed decision.
With more than 35 years of real estate experience, I believe the right advice begins with understanding your objectives and the realities of the market in which you are buying or selling.
If you are considering a move in Montreal or the West Island, I would be pleased to discuss the current market, review comparable properties and help you determine the best strategy for your situation.
Eric Taranowski
SoldintheWest | Greater Montreal Real Estate
www.soldinthewest.com
Buying and Selling at the Same Time in Montreal: How to Make Your Next Move with Confidence
By Eric Taranowski | SoldintheWest.com
For many Montreal homeowners, moving to another property is about more than finding a new home. It means coordinating the sale of an existing property with the purchase of the next one, often while balancing financial commitments, family needs and an important moving date.
Whether you’re moving up to a larger home, downsizing, relocating or simply looking for a change, one of the biggest questions is: Should you sell your current home first, or buy your next one first?
There is no single answer that works for everyone. The right strategy depends on your financial position, the type of property you’re selling, the home you’re looking to purchase and the conditions in your local market.
With careful planning and the right advice, you can make your next move with greater confidence and avoid many of the common pitfalls.
1. Should you sell first or buy first?
This is usually the first decision homeowners need to make. Both approaches have advantages, but each comes with different financial and practical considerations.
Selling your current property first
For many homeowners, selling first offers the greatest financial certainty.
Once your property has sold, you have a clearer understanding of your available equity and the amount you can put toward your next purchase. You can establish a realistic budget, make decisions with greater confidence and avoid the possibility of carrying two mortgage payments for an extended period.
Selling first can also strengthen your position as a buyer. An offer that is not conditional on selling your existing property may be more attractive to a seller, particularly when several buyers are interested.
The challenge is finding your next home within the time available. Depending on the closing and occupancy dates, you may need to negotiate additional time in your current property or arrange temporary accommodation.
Buying your next property first
Buying first can make sense when you have identified a property that meets your needs and are concerned about losing the opportunity.
This approach can be particularly appealing if you’re looking for a specific type of home, a desirable neighbourhood or a property that is difficult to find.
However, buying before selling means you must carefully assess whether you can carry both properties if your current home takes longer to sell than anticipated.
Before proceeding, speak with your mortgage lender about your borrowing capacity, the possibility of temporary financing and the costs associated with holding two properties.
Buying first may be appropriate for some homeowners, but it should be supported by a clear financial plan and a realistic assessment of the time needed to sell.
2. Understand how much equity you will actually have
Before making an offer on another property, it’s important to establish how much money your current home is likely to generate.
Your estimated sale proceeds are not simply the selling price minus your original mortgage.
You need to account for:
- The outstanding balance on your mortgage.
- Any applicable mortgage prepayment penalty.
- Brokerage compensation and applicable taxes.
- Notary and other transaction-related expenses.
- Any outstanding amounts or adjustments associated with the sale.
Your net proceeds will help determine the down payment available for your next purchase and the mortgage you may need.
For example, if your property sells for $900,000, that does not mean you have $900,000 available to purchase another home. Your existing mortgage and selling expenses must first be deducted.
Having these figures prepared in advance allows you to make decisions based on your actual financial position rather than an optimistic estimate.
3. Consider the timing of both transactions
In Quebec, the date a property is sold and the date you must vacate it are not always the same as the date your next property becomes available for occupancy.
This distinction can make a significant difference when coordinating a move.
When negotiating your sale, consider whether the buyer may be willing to accommodate a later occupancy date. Depending on the circumstances, you may also be able to negotiate a temporary occupancy arrangement after the sale.
Similarly, when purchasing your next property, consider whether the seller has flexibility regarding the date you take possession.
A few weeks of flexibility can sometimes make the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one.
These arrangements need to be clearly negotiated and documented. Your notary and real estate broker can help you understand the practical and contractual implications.
4. What if you find your next home before your current one sells?
In certain circumstances, you may wish to submit an offer conditional on the sale of your existing property.
This type of condition can help protect you from committing to a purchase before knowing whether your current home will sell. However, it can also make your offer less attractive to the seller, particularly if other buyers are prepared to proceed without that condition.
Some sellers may consider a clause allowing them to continue marketing their property and giving the conditional buyer a specified period to remove the condition if another acceptable offer is received.
The details of these clauses matter. Deadlines, notice requirements and the consequences of failing to satisfy a condition must be understood before signing.
A conditional offer is not a guarantee that you will secure the property, nor does it replace the need for a sound financing plan.
5. Don’t overlook bridge financing
If you purchase your next home before the proceeds from your current property become available, bridge financing may be an option.
Bridge financing is generally designed to cover a temporary gap between the purchase of your next property and the receipt of funds from the sale of your existing one.
Eligibility, costs, timing and lender requirements vary. A lender may require a firm sale agreement for your current property before approving this type of financing.
It’s important to discuss the details with your financial institution early in the process. Bridge financing can help coordinate two transactions, but it should not be treated as a substitute for ensuring that your overall finances are manageable.
6. Prepare your current property before you start shopping seriously
One of the most effective ways to reduce uncertainty is to prepare your existing home for sale before committing to another property.
This does not necessarily mean putting it on the market immediately. It means understanding its likely market value, identifying any work that may be required and having a realistic idea of how long the sale could take.
A professional market evaluation can help establish an appropriate asking price based on recent comparable sales, competing listings and the property’s condition.
You can then make more informed decisions about your next purchase.
In a market where buyers have more options, proper preparation and realistic pricing are especially important. A property that is positioned well from the beginning is generally better placed to attract serious interest.
7. Build a plan around your circumstances
The best strategy for coordinating a sale and purchase is not necessarily the same for every homeowner.
A family moving from a condominium to a larger home may have different priorities from someone downsizing after many years in the same property. A homeowner with substantial equity and flexible financing may also have more options than someone who needs the proceeds of their sale to complete their next purchase.
Before making a decision, consider:
- How much equity you have and how much you need for your next purchase.
- Whether you can comfortably manage overlapping ownership costs.
- How quickly comparable properties are selling in your neighbourhood.
- How readily you are likely to find the type of home you want.
- Whether your moving date is flexible.
- What your backup plan would be if one transaction takes longer than expected.
A well-structured plan should account for more than the ideal scenario. It should also consider what happens if your property sells later than expected, your purchase falls through or your preferred home is no longer available.
Making your next move with confidence
Buying and selling at the same time can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
The key is to begin with a clear understanding of your current property’s value, your financial position and the options available to you. From there, you can determine whether selling first, buying first or coordinating both transactions through carefully negotiated conditions is the best approach.
Every move is different. The right strategy should reflect your priorities, your finances and the realities of the Montreal real estate market.
If you’re considering buying and selling in Montreal or the West Island, I would be pleased to discuss your plans, review your property’s market position and help you develop a strategy for your next move.
Eric Taranowski
SoldintheWest | Greater Montreal Real Estate
www.soldinthewest.com
This article is intended for general informational purposes. Financing arrangements and contractual conditions depend on individual circumstances. Consult your mortgage lender, notary and real estate broker before making decisions about a transaction.
Montreal’s Unique Lifestyle
When it comes to Montreal, there are plenty of places to visit, but depending on what you are looking for, ideal places differ:
- If you want to spend a few hours enjoying nature and beautiful scenery, you may be interested in visiting Mount Royal Park, the Laurentian Mountains, the Japanese Gardens, the Montreal Botanical Gardens, or the Olympic Park. On the other hand, you can enjoy a boat ride in the Old Port with the Bateau-Mouche where you can explore the beauty of Montreal’s river.
- For charming historical places, you may prefer paying a visit to the Lachine Canal National Historic Site, the Musée du Château Ramezay, or the Saint Joseph Oratory.
- For shopping lovers, you may want to head downtown to Saint Catherine street or visit shopping malls such as the Montreal Eaton Centre or CF Fairview in Pointe-Claire.
With a few options explored, remains a whole bunch of others that haven’t been mentioned on this page.
Stay tuned on my blogs for more information!
