Updated November 2026 · Estima.ca research
Montréal housing market in 2026
Montréal remains the most affordable of Canada's four largest metropolitan housing markets in 2026. Royal LePage's Q1 2026 National House Price Composite and CREA's monthly stats both show Greater Montréal running well below Toronto and Vancouver benchmark prices, while sales activity has been steadier than in Ontario or British Columbia.
For local buyers, the combination of Bank of Canada rates near 2.25% and Ottawa's 30-year insured amortization for first-time buyers has kept qualification easier here than in the higher-priced markets — but Montréal has its own local costs that shape the true monthly bill.
Where prices sit today
Aggregate Greater Montréal home prices in Q1 2026 sat in the low-$600,000 range according to Royal LePage, with condos meaningfully cheaper and detached homes in high-demand neighbourhoods well above the average.
Off-island suburbs, Longueuil, and Laval remain the value plays for first-time buyers, and duplex/triplex investing continues to draw local capital because rents have held up as the population grows.
Québec-specific closing costs
The Québec welcome tax (droits de mutation) is calculated on a sliding scale and is often the largest one-time cost after your down payment. On a $600,000 home in Montréal city, the welcome tax alone runs roughly $8,000.
Notary fees are mandatory in Québec (there is no lawyer-vs-notary choice like in Ontario), and QST applies to CMHC insurance premiums — a cost buyers in other provinces do not face.
What a Montréal mortgage costs in 2026
A $500,000 mortgage at a 4.2% 5-year fixed rate over 25 years costs roughly $2,690 per month. Add municipal taxes and school taxes averaging $500-$700 per month, plus condo fees where relevant, and the true monthly cost climbs quickly.
Use Estima.ca's calculator for Montréal buyers — it includes welcome tax, notary fees, and QST on CMHC to show a realistic all-in monthly and closing cost.
FAQ
- Is Montréal still affordable in 2026?
- Compared to Toronto and Vancouver, yes. Aggregate Montréal prices are roughly half of Vancouver's benchmark. Affordability is tightest in the Plateau, Rosemont, and central boroughs.
- What is the welcome tax in Montréal?
- It's the droits sur les mutations immobilières, paid once when you buy. It scales with price and is billed by the municipality a few months after closing.
- Do I need a Québec-based mortgage broker?
- No, most major lenders serve all provinces, but a local mortgage advisor understands Québec-specific quirks (notary, welcome tax, hypothec vs mortgage).
- Are duplexes still a good investment in Montréal?
- They remain popular because Québec's rental market is tight and Régie du logement rules are well understood. Cash flow depends heavily on purchase price and financing terms.