Canadian home sales rise slightly in April while prices continue to ease

Thursday 14 May 2026 - 10:30

The housing market in Canada recorded a modest increase in home sales in April compared to March, while prices continued to decline slightly, according to data released by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

The report shows that national home sales rose by 0.7% month-over-month, reflecting a slow start to the month followed by stronger market activity later on. However, on a year-over-year basis, sales remained 4% lower, indicating continued softness in the broader real estate sector.

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) also reported that its Home Price Index declined by 0.1% compared with the previous month and was down 4.2% compared to the same period last year. New property listings increased by 4.1%, contributing to a more balanced market environment.

Market conditions showed further adjustment as the sales-to-new listings ratio fell to 45.6%, down from 47.1% in March, moving further below the long-term historical average. Analysts say this indicates a shift toward more supply in the market relative to demand.

Economists note that uncertainty in global financial conditions and relatively high mortgage rates continue to weigh on buyer confidence. While some seasonal recovery is visible, expectations for a strong rebound in 2026 remain limited.

Experts suggest that although housing activity is stabilizing in some regions, affordability challenges and borrowing costs are likely to keep price growth subdued in the short term.