For the average person, September is exciting because it means pumpkin spice lattes hit coffee shops once again. For real estate investors, it marks the release of new, critical seasonal data. Industry giant REMAX has long been the Starbucks of sorts when it comes to annual releases. This year's fall report just came out on Wednesday. Don't feel like combing through all the numbers on your own? We've compiled a summary of must-know takeaways.
A Quick History on REMAX Reporting
Before propagating these numbers we say are so important, we should start by quickly explaining how and why REMAX produces them.
REMAX has been tracking Canadian real estate trends for decades, establishing itself as one of the most trusted sources for market data across the country.
The company began publishing comprehensive market reports in the early 2000s as a way to provide both agents and consumers with actionable insights into local market conditions.
Their data carries particular weight because REMAX operates in virtually every major Canadian market, from Vancouver's luxury condos to Halifax's heritage homes. This coast-to-coast presence means their numbers reflect genuine national trends rather than isolated regional fluctuations.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Fall Housing Market Update
The 2025 Fall Housing Market Update industry report reveals Canadian real estate markets are experiencing mixed conditions, with most Ontario cities showing year-over-year price declines, higher inventory, and falling sales, resulting in a dominant buyer’s market outlook for year-end 2025.
Widespread Price Declines and Regional Variation
Many major Ontario markets—including Toronto, York Region, and Durham—are reporting average price drops ranging from -3.5% to -10% year-over-year as of July, with further price softening expected by year-end. However, certain areas like Sudbury and Thunder Bay are bucking the trend, posting notable price gains of over 7–10%.
Listings Surging, Sales Sluggish
Inventory levels have increased sharply (up over 15% in several Greater Toronto Area markets), while sales units have dropped by more than 10% year-over-year, indicating significant supply-demand imbalance favoring buyers. Niagara and Brampton especially stand out, with sales plunging -28.9% and -17.7%, respectively, while listings soar above 20%.
Market Type: Buyers Hold the Power
Most markets and submarkets across Ontario, including Toronto, Peel, York, and Durham, are classified as “Buyer’s Markets” for the end of 2025—characterized by increased supply, slower sales, and continued downward price pressure. Only a handful, such as Sudbury and Thunder Bay, are flagged as “Seller’s” markets due to strong price momentum.
Western and Atlantic Canada: Mixed Signals
Vancouver and Fraser Valley show further sharp year-over-year price declines, significant listing growth, and continued buyer market status for 2025, but Alberta cities like Calgary and Edmonton report price growth and more balanced conditions. The Atlantic provinces witness moderate steady price appreciation and, for markets like St. John’s Metro, a robust “Seller’s” market environment.
Outlook for 2025
The consensus among RE/MAX brokers is for continued price correction or stagnation in most urban Ontario and British Columbia regions, reflecting persistent affordability barriers, high supply, and weak demand. A few markets with positive momentum—Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and St. John’s—may outpace national trends with notable 2025 gains
Upcoming Canadian Real Estate Reports
REMAX isn't the only name worth listening to when it comes to real estate market data. Your planning can and should be informed by other sources, including:
1. CMHC Housing Market Outlook (February 2026)
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) releases this comprehensive forecast report, providing national and regional projections for home prices, sales, and housing starts in the coming year.
2. CMHC Rental Market Report (December 2025)
Essential for understanding rental trends and vacancy rates, this annual report details the latest data on purpose-built rentals, supply growth, and affordability in major Canadian cities.
3. CREA Quarterly Housing Forecasts (Next: Fall/Winter 2025)
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) updates sales and price forecasts for the resale housing market, including regional breakdowns and analysis of economic impacts such as interest rates and federal policies.
4. RBC, BMO, and TD Housing Forecasts (Fall/Winter 2025)
Major banks like RBC and BMO regularly release economic and housing forecast updates, analyzing market conditions, policy changes, and drivers of affordability through their publicly available reports. These often include commentary on supply, demand, and regional market strength.
5. CMHC Residential Mortgage Industry Report (October 2025)
This quarterly release covers mortgage trends, risk metrics, and industry outlooks, providing essential context for lending conditions and borrower behavior.
6. PwC Emerging Trends in Real Estate (Annual, late 2025 for 2026 outlook)
A highly anticipated industry report by PwC that offers long-term trend analysis, investment opportunities, and risks shaping Canadian real estate.
7. Statistics Canada and OECD Reports
Look out for new housing price indexes, rent statistics, and the OECD’s survey on Canadian housing policy and affordability, delivering timely data on costs and regulatory trends.
No single report tells the complete story, but together, these publications provide a good overall picture of Canada's real estate sector. Monitoring reports is key to making market changes, policy developments, rental shifts, and emerging investment opportunities across Canada work in your favor. By staying informed through these diverse sources—from CMHC's authoritative housing outlooks to the major banks' economic forecasts—you'll be better positioned to make strategic decisions whether you're buying your first home, expanding your investment portfolio, or simply trying to understand where the market is headed.
