January 2026 Stats: Montreal Shines While National Markets Cool
The CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association) stats released this morning tell a tale of two Canadas. Nationally, home sales saw a 1.9% decline in December, but Montreal is once again “bucking the trend” as we head into the spring market of 2026.
Montreal’s Competitive Edge
While Toronto and Vancouver prices are adjusting downwards, the Greater Montreal Area has seen aggregate home prices climb by 4.9%. Central neighborhoods are the true champions of this cycle, proving that location and lifestyle remain the top priorities for buyers.
| Region | Price Trend (Jan 2026) | Market Status |
| Central Montreal | +8.6% | Seller’s Market |
| East End | +7.6% | High Growth |
| West Island | +4.2% | Balanced |
The EcoCourtier Insight
The Bank of Canada is holding steady at a 2.25% policy rate, providing the “green light” many buyers have been waiting for. However, with housing starts down significantly across the island (dropping from 40k to 30k units over the last 3 years), inventory is our biggest challenge.
My take: In a low-supply market, the “Green Premium” is real. Homes with energy-efficient upgrades are not just selling faster—they are setting new benchmark prices. If you are looking to buy or sell in Villeray, Rosemont, or the Plateau, the time to act is now before the spring inventory crunch.
Why is Montreal the exception?
While Toronto and Vancouver are experiencing a price correction, Greater Montreal is showing robust growth. The aggregate price of a property in our region has increased by 4.9% year over year.
| Secteur | Price trends (Jan. 2026) | Dynamique |
| Montréal (Centre) | +8,6 %Very high demand | Very high demand |
| East of the Island | +7,6 % | Rattrapage rapide |
| West Island | +4,2 % | A more balanced market |
The EcoBroker’s advice
The Bank of Canada’s key interest rate remains at 2.25% this month. For Montreal buyers, this means welcome stability. However, with inventory remaining low (approximately 30,000 units under construction, down from 40,000 in 2022), scarcity will continue to drive prices up in central neighbourhoods like Villeray and Rosemont.
My verdict: Don’t wait for a massive price drop, which is unlikely to happen in Montreal. Now is the time to secure a high-energy-efficiency property before the spring rush.
