Two-Thirds of Canadians Ready to ‘Compromise’ on Their ‘Ideal’ Home As Long As They Can Buy One.

The REMAX Fall 2026 Canadian Housing Market Outlook report has been released, revealing some startling insights. For instance, the report shows that 65% of Canadians are willing to make at least one ‘compromise’ to afford a larger or more suitable home, such as living farther from the city center.

Additionally, 63% would relocate to a home that better meets their needs, with 47% willing to move up to an hour away from their current community and 16% open to moving even farther.

The findings indicate that 31% would choose to live farther from the city center, while 21% would relocate away from shops, restaurants, and other amenities.

The outlook also highlights that 41% of respondents would reduce discretionary spending to afford a home, and 24% would consider extending their mortgage amortization.

“People are showing a willingness to be flexible about where they want to live,” said Don Kottick, President of REMAX Canada.

Buyers are also reevaluating their options, with 20% saying they would be willing to buy an older home or one that needs renovations.

Additionally, one in five Canadians would accept financial assistance from a family member to buy a home; 20% would take money from relatives, while 17% would pursue a second job or additional income source. Another 17% indicated they would delay retirement or other long-term savings plans.

“This report reaffirms that home ownership is very important to Canadian culture. Even when faced with challenges—like affordability—people are finding creative ways to enter the housing market,” added Kottick. “Despite what we hear in the media, most Canadians aspire to own a home to some extent.”

Buyer-friendly conditions are becoming more common, with 32% of analyzed markets expected to favor buyers this fall, up from just 15.2% a year ago, while 22% are projected to remain sellers’ markets.

According to real estate brokers and agents surveyed for the report, home sales declined year over year in 81% of the markets analyzed between January 1 and July 31, 2026, while average residential prices rose in 56% of those markets.

Affordability remains the top concern when choosing where to buy, cited by 60% of respondents, followed closely by neighborhood safety at 47%.  

“I think we face some significant challenges that need to be addressed,” Kottick noted. “If our government could resolve the tariff issues, it would significantly help the market. Another influencing factor is oil prices; if the ongoing war is ever settled, that would eliminate another key challenge. Interest rates also matter. Many believe they are at their lowest. However, as we approach the fall market and interest rates start to rise towards the end of 2026 and into 2027, some savvy buyers might view this as a new opportunity.”

Regionally, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) remains a buyers’ market, with average residential prices down 5.1% year-over-year and sales holding steady.

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