Two numbers tell the story of this summer's market. There are far more homes for sale than a year ago. And yet a single-family home finds a buyer within a month. Both are true at once, and that is exactly what is throwing off sellers and buyers right now.
What June's data shows
The QPAREB statistics for June 2026 have just come out, and they paint a market with two faces. Across the Montreal metropolitan area, active listings reached 20,894, up 17% year over year. In plain terms, there are many more properties on the market than at this time in 2025. For a buyer, that means choice, time to compare, and real room to negotiate.
Selling time, though, did not follow that logic. A single-family home now sells in an average of 32 days, three days faster than a year ago. Good properties, well presented and priced right, do not linger. We are still a long way from the two to three months that were normal before the pandemic.
More choice does not mean falling prices
This is the point I repeat most often right now. People see inventory rising and assume prices will give way. That is not what is happening. The median single-family price in the region rose to $649,000 in June, up 4% year over year. Condos followed at $435,000, up 2%. Prices are climbing in every segment, even with sales down 8%.
The reason is simple. The number of listings has grown, but underlying demand on the South Shore stays strong. Families still want land, nearby schools, and a quick run to the bridges. As long as those buyers are here, a fairly priced home sells fast, even in a fuller market. It is the overpriced listings that sit, not the whole market.
Financing, still the quiet decision-maker
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on July 15, and the next decision is set for September 2. That stability helps everyone plan. On the mortgage side, a five-year insured fixed rate sits around 4.09% at the end of July, with a few lenders dipping near 4%.
Don't forget the stress test. The bank does not qualify you at the rate you will pay, but at your contract rate plus two points, or 5.25%, whichever is higher. That figure sets your real borrowing power. With more choice on the market this summer, the real question isn't "what's available," it's "how much do I actually qualify for." Get that number worked out before you fall for an address.
Where it plays out on the South Shore
The South Shore sits just below the metro median, which makes it a more accessible entry point than the island while keeping strong demand. Family areas like Candiac, La Prairie, Saint-Bruno and Boucherville keep drawing households moving up from smaller homes. That is where the tension between wider supply and short selling times is most visible: more signs on front lawns, but move-in-ready, well-priced homes still changing hands within weeks.
What it means for you
- If you're buying: this is your best window in two years. With 17% more listings, you have choice and real negotiating room. But don't take the 32 days lightly, the good properties go quickly. Have your pre-approval in hand and your capacity worked out at the stress-test rate before you visit.
- If you're selling: you are no longer alone on your street. With more competition, the asking price becomes your number-one tool. Priced right, your home still sells within a month. Listed 5% too high, it feeds the inventory statistics instead of selling. The starting price decides almost everything.
- If you're investing: the homeownership wall keeps many households renting, and rental demand on the South Shore stays firm. The plex segment posted the strongest gain in June, at a median of $880,000, up 6%.
These figures are regional benchmarks, not the picture of your street. Every neighbourhood and property type moves at its own pace. If you want to know what your home is really worth in today's market, request an evaluation or write to me. We'll look at your numbers together. You can also read my analysis on how to set your asking price.