Canadians Accept Housing Compromises to Enter Market

A new industry survey finds most prospective buyers are willing to change their property expectations to secure a home.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Residential

Gouache-painted illustration of a single house key on a weathered wooden step, representing Canadian housing market compromises. — A majority of prospective Canadian buyers are adjusting their location and property preferences to overcome persistent market affordability challenges, according to a recent industry survey. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you be willing to compromise on your ideal home features to enter the market now?

The Fall 2026 Canadian Housing Market Outlook survey from Re/Max Canada reveals that 65% of respondents are willing to make compromises to achieve home ownership. Many buyers are choosing to move farther from city centres or purchase different property types as affordability pressures persist.

Why it matters

As high property costs continue to reshape the national real estate landscape, buyers are adapting their strategies to enter the market. These shifts reflect broader challenges for Canadians attempting to secure housing in major urban areas.

In September 2026, the average price of a detached home in the Greater Toronto Area reached $1.29 million, while the aggregate average price in Calgary rose nearly 5% year-over-year to over $646,000.

The players

Re/Max Canada

This real estate network provides market insights and brokerage services across the country.

The details

Thirty-one percent of survey participants indicated a willingness to live further from the city centre, while 20% would consider buying an older home requiring renovations. Additionally, 18% of potential buyers are open to purchasing a different style of property than they originally planned.

September 2026 saw average price data recorded for Toronto and Calgary real estate markets.
Re/Max Canada released its housing market survey results in Fall 2026.

Culture Shift

The findings from the Re/Max Canada Fall 2026 Canadian Housing Market Outlook survey underscore a significant societal pivot as buyers increasingly abandon traditional housing expectations. This shift highlights a departure from historical standards of property ownership, driven by prolonged affordability constraints.

Prospective buyers may need to re-evaluate their location preferences or property type requirements to align with current financial realities. These adjustments reflect broader patterns where households prioritize entry into the market over specific housing features.

The takeaway

Prospective homeowners are increasingly prioritizing property acquisition over their ideal location or housing type. Implementing a more flexible strategy may prove necessary for those navigating current pricing trends in major urban centres.