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Canadian Home Sales Rise Again: What It Means for Sellers

Marcin MigdalBy Marcin Migdal · August 23, 2026
Canadian Home Sales Rise Again: What It Means for Sellers

This week, home sales in Canada saw an uptick, but challenges remain as the market grapples with pricing and demand dynamics.

Should you consider selling your home now?

Canadian Home Sales Rise Again: What It Means for Sellers
Illustrative , Canadian housing & mortgage market.

This week, we witnessed a notable rise in Canadian home sales for the fourth consecutive month, a trend that offers some optimism for sellers. However, it's crucial to contextualize this increase: sales are still below the levels seen in 2025. Despite the positive momentum, many sellers are navigating a tricky landscape where demand is increasing, but supply is lagging behind. The latest data from the Bank of Canada (BoC) indicates that rate cuts are stimulating housing demand faster than new listings can keep up, which could create a more balanced market in the near future.

"While sales are up, pricing pressures still loom large, and sellers need to be strategic in this evolving landscape."

Home Depot Canada reported accelerated sales despite the ongoing challenges in the housing market, suggesting that homeowners are still investing in their properties, possibly in anticipation of future moves. This trend indicates a resilience in the market, but sellers should remain cautious.

What do recent price trends mean for sellers?

Interestingly, home prices in Canada have dipped by 3%, which presents both challenges and opportunities for sellers. For those looking to sell, this drop may encourage buyers who are seeking deals in a still-competitive market. Areas like Toronto and Vancouver, which have historically seen high demand, are also experiencing shifts. Sellers in these markets may need to adjust their expectations regarding pricing but can still find motivated buyers.

The outlook for various regions, including Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa, reveals a mixed bag. Each city has its unique dynamics, with some markets poised for growth while others may take longer to recover to pre-pandemic levels. As RBC points out, a full recovery could still be two years away, so sellers must be prepared for a longer wait if they choose to hold off on listing their homes.

As we look forward, it’s essential to consider the impact of the current mortgage rates, with the five-year fixed rate sitting at 5% and the three-year fixed rate at 4.81%. These rates could play a significant role in influencing buyer behaviour. Sellers should keep an eye on these figures and be prepared to adjust their strategies accordingly.

⚡ Takeaways

Marcin Migdal
Marcin Migdal is the Co-Founder of RateHarp and AI Canadian Solutions, writing the daily Canadian mortgage and housing market briefs.
Market commentary for RateHarp , informational only, not financial advice. Figures cited are indicative.
Your Questions, Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Evaluate your local market conditions, recent sales in your area, and your own financial situation to determine the best timing for your sale.
Consider minor renovations, staging the home effectively, and ensuring it is priced competitively to attract more interest.
As of now, the five-year fixed mortgage rate is 5%, which influences buyer affordability and can impact the overall housing demand.
While sales are increasing, prices are down, so it depends on your specific circumstances and local market conditions.
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