by Timothy Edward, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The cost of housing across the city has risen consistently all year despite a slowdown in the Quebec economy since the spring. Home prices in Montreal have increased by 9% for single-family houses, 8% for duplexes or triplexes and 6% for condos since the beginning of 2025. The median price for a single-family home rose to $633,250 last month, up 7% from Aug. 2024.

The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB) has reported the highest sales numbers since 2021. Home sales are up 12.5% in Montreal compared with Aug. 2024. Repeat buyers leveraging existing properties in central neighbourhoods account for much of the increase, with first-time home-buyers “struggling to keep pace.”

It was also reported yesterday that 1,754 Quebec households are still without housing following Moving Day (July 1). The number of people actively looking for housing while making temporary living arrangements is virtually stagnant from last year (1,757).

As with housing prices, rents across the province have increased significantly in recent years. In Montreal, asking rents have doubled since 2019.