Housing Affordability in Quebec: What the New QPAREB Study Reveals

Housing affordability in Quebec is at the centre of many conversations. But what is the situation really like? In November 2025, the Québec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB) published a major study that provides a clear picture of the current landscape.

Here are the key points. You can read the full study here.

Key Highlights on Housing Affordability in Quebec

Prices Rising Much Faster Than Incomes

According to the study, the conclusion is clear: in most regions, the median price of single-family homes has more than doubled in 10 years, while after-tax household income has increased by only about 15% to 25%.

In other words, purchasing power is no longer keeping up with the real estate market.

This dynamic creates a gap that is becoming increasingly difficult for households to bridge, even those with stable financial situations.

Down Payment: The Number-One Barrier

The study highlights that the down payment has become one of the biggest hurdles to homeownership.

  • The minimum down payment has more than doubled since 2015 in most regions.
  • Province-wide, it has gone from about $11,500 to $24,510.
  • Nearly half of all homes sold now exceed $500,000, compared to just 5% in 2015.

The direct consequence: the time needed to save for a down payment has increased significantly.

While it once took 2 to 3 years to save 5% of the purchase price in 2015, it now takes about 5 years across the province, and more than 10 years on the Island of Montreal.

This represents a major setback in terms of accessibility.

Mortgage Payments Are Soaring Too

Even when the down payment is reached, the challenge does not end there.

Mortgage payments, calculated for a median-priced home with a 10% down payment, have doubled, and in some regions even tripled, over the past decade.

  • Peripheral regions: about $1,500 or less per month
  • Central regions (Mauricie, Chaudière-Appalaches, Centre-du-Québec): $1,500 to $2,000
  • Capitale-Nationale, Estrie, Outaouais, Lanaudière: $2,000 to $2,500
  • Island of Montreal: $3,500 to $4,000

These differences reflect a market moving at very different speeds, where some regions are becoming nearly inaccessible for middle-class buyers.

The Mortgage-to-Income Ratio Has Doubled in 10 Years

Another key indicator highlighted by the QPAREB study is the share of household income required to cover mortgage payments.

  • Province-wide, this ratio has risen from about 15% in 2015 to roughly 32% in 2025.
  • In some higher-cost regions, it reaches around 48%, a level considered very difficult to sustain.
  • Conversely, some more remote regions (Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Côte-Nord, Gaspésie) maintain a ratio below 20%, making them significantly more affordable.

A Growing Gap Between Regions

In its press release, the QPAREB summarizes the situation clearly: the gap between Quebec’s regions is widening.
While some areas remain relatively accessible, others are quickly becoming out of reach for Quebec households, even those with solid incomes.

Three main factors explain this decline in affordability:

  1. Persistently strong demand for single-family homes
  2. Insufficient new construction and high building costs
  3. Homeowners holding onto their properties longer, reducing available inventory

Overall, nothing points to a rapid improvement in the short term.

What This Means for Buyers

These findings have several concrete implications:

  • Planning early is now essential. Saving for a down payment requires several years, sometimes up to a decade.
  • Choosing the right region is more strategic than ever. Some areas still offer affordable opportunities.
  • Expectations must be realistic. Today’s market requires flexibility and openness.
  • The role of the real estate broker is crucial. Their expertise helps interpret regional data, assess options, and avoid costly mistakes.

In Conclusion: A Market That Requires a New Approach

The QPAREB study highlights an important reality: homeownership opportunities are no longer the same across Quebec.

While some regions still offer openings, others require careful financial planning and tailored buying strategies.

In this context, being well-informed and well-supported is not just helpful, it’s essential.

We also have a podcast episode dedicated to the topic of homeownership. Although recorded in 2024, this episode of Sans compromis avec Julie offers valuable insights into this hot topic that affects so many households.

Back to the news