Quebec’s housing market continued to see price appreciation across all property types in Q1 2026 despite a 2% decline in sales activity. The province recorded 23,354 sales — down from 23,842 a year earlier — while active listings rose 6% to 36,142. The provincial single-family median price climbed 6% to $511,850, condos rose 3% to $400,000, and plexes gained 8% to $675,000. Seller’s conditions persist, particularly in the single-family segment.
Key statistics (Q1 2026)
| Metric | Value | Year-over-Year |
|---|---|---|
| Total Sales | 23,354 | -2% |
| Active Listings | 36,142 | +6% |
| SF Median Price (Province) | $511,850 | +6% |
| Condo Median Price (Province) | $400,000 | +3% |
| Plex Median Price (Province) | $675,000 | +8% |
| Market Condition | Seller’s Market | N/A |
Median home prices by city
| City | SF Median | YoY Change | Condo Median | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal CMA | $640,000 | +7% | $425,000 | +1% |
| Quebec City CMA | $477,000 | +10% | $331,000 | +9% |
Montreal CMA breakdown (Q1 2026)
| Metric | Value | Year-over-Year |
|---|---|---|
| Total Sales | 11,333 | -4% |
| Active Listings | 18,294 | +10% |
| SF Median | $640,000 | +7% |
| Condo Median | $425,000 | +1% |
| Plex Median | $865,000 | +8% |
Market conditions
Quebec’s market remains in seller’s territory as of Q1 2026. While active listings rose 6% to 36,142, prices continued to climb across all property types. The modest 2% decline in sales has not been enough to shift the balance toward buyers, particularly in the single-family segment where supply remains constrained.
The days-on-market for single-family homes fell to 45 days province-wide — 12 days faster than a year earlier — underscoring the competitive conditions. Plexes showed the strongest price appreciation at +8% to a median of $675,000, driven by investor demand attracted to Montreal’s rental market fundamentals.
Regional analysis
Montreal dominates Quebec’s housing market, accounting for nearly half of all provincial transactions. The Montreal CMA recorded 11,333 sales in Q1 2026, down 4% year-over-year, while active listings rose 10% to 18,294. The single-family median in Montreal reached $640,000 (+7%), while condos were more subdued at $425,000 (+1%). Montreal plexes surged to a median of $865,000 (+8%), reflecting strong demand from investors.
Quebec City posted the strongest price growth among the major centres, with single-family homes up 10% to a median of $477,000 and condos up 9% to $331,000. The capital city’s stable government employment base and growing technology sector continue to support housing demand.
Smaller markets across the province remain generally affordable, though the gap with Montreal has been narrowing as demand spreads to outlying areas. Quebec remains significantly more affordable than Ontario and British Columbia, continuing to attract interprovincial migrants — particularly from Ontario.
Key trends
- Seller’s market persists — Despite rising active listings (+6%), prices continued to climb across all property types, with plexes leading at +8% and single-family homes up 6%.
- Quebec City surging — Quebec City posted the strongest price gains among major centres, with single-family homes up 10% and condos up 9%.
- Montreal condos stalling — Montreal condo prices showed only 1% growth, lagging well behind other property types, amid rising inventory (+10% active listings).
- Plex demand strong — Investor appetite for plexes pushed median prices up 8% province-wide and 8% in Montreal, reflecting strong rental market fundamentals.
- Sales modestly lower — The 2% decline in provincial sales is modest compared to the sharper drops in Ontario and BC, reflecting Quebec’s more resilient demand base.
Housing affordability
Quebec remains one of the more affordable large provinces. At a single-family median of $511,850, a household would need an estimated annual income of approximately $120,000 with a 20% down payment. Condos at a median of $400,000 are accessible at roughly $97,000 in annual income.
In Montreal, the $640,000 single-family median requires roughly $148,000 in household income. Quebec City is more accessible at $477,000, where approximately $113,000 would be sufficient. Both figures are closer to median household incomes in Quebec than comparable calculations in Ontario or BC.
Use our mortgage affordability calculator to determine how much home you can afford, or our income to afford home calculator to estimate the salary needed at Quebec price levels.
Useful calculators
- Mortgage Calculator
- Mortgage Affordability Calculator
- Income to Afford Home Calculator
- Land Transfer Tax Calculator
- Closing Costs Calculator
- Mortgage Rates
- First-Time Home Buyer Guide
Quebec city housing reports
- Montreal Housing Market — Greater Montreal prices, sales, and market conditions
- Canada Housing Market Overview — National trends and provincial comparisons
Buying a home in Quebec: practical guide
Closing costs:
- Bienvenue Tax (land transfer tax): 0.5–2% (plus 3% in Montreal above $500K threshold)
- Notary fees: $1,200–$2,000 (required for all QC transactions)
- Home inspection: $400–$700
- Title insurance: Optional but recommended, ~$300–$500
- Mortgage insurance (if <20% down): CMHC or Sagen premium applies
Quebec-specific: All real estate transactions in Quebec require a notary rather than a real estate lawyer. Notary fees are regulated and non-negotiable in competitive tendering.
First-time buyer programs in Quebec:
- Federal FHSA: Up to $40,000 tax-sheltered
- RRSP HBP: Up to $35,000 per person
- Federal First-Time Home Buyers’’ Tax Credit
- Bienvenue Tax refund: Some municipalities offer partial rebates for first-time buyers; Montréal does not currently offer a general refund
Quebec housing market outlook
2026 outlook: Montreal’’s housing market has moderated from the exceptional appreciation of 2020–2023. Benchmark prices remain elevated but the pace of growth has slowed. Quebec City remains more affordable than Montreal. Interest rate reductions in 2024–2025 have supported demand, particularly for entry-level condos.
Quebec City vs Montreal: Quebec City (benchmark ~$350,000) offers dramatically lower prices than Montreal ($530,000+) with a stable government and institutional employment base. For buyers comfortable with a primarily French-speaking city, Quebec City offers excellent value.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bienvenue Tax in Quebec? The taxe de bienvenue (Welcome Tax) is Quebec’’s land transfer tax, charged to the buyer after closing. Rates: 0.5% on first $58,900; 1% on $58,900–$294,600; 1.5% on $294,600–$552,300; 2% above $552,300 (and 3% above $500,000 for Montreal properties). The bill typically arrives 3–6 months after closing.
Is it cheaper to buy in Montreal or rent? At current prices and interest rates, renting is typically cheaper on a monthly cash-flow basis in Montreal. However, homeownership builds equity. The rent-vs-buy decision depends heavily on expected tenure (staying 5+ years generally favours buying) and mortgage rate trajectory.
Data Sources
The housing market data in this report is sourced from: