This page has been updated with data released in February 2026 for the January 2026 period.
- Average home price in Halifax: $569,778 (5.6% year-over-year decrease)
- Benchmark home price: $545,200 (0.7% year-over-year decrease)
- Median home price: $545,000 (0.9% year-over-year decrease)
- Total sales: 226 (9.6% year-over-year decrease)
- Months of supply: 4.9
- Lowest mortgage rate in Halifax
Average home price by property type in Halifax
These are the average home prices by property type in the Halifax Regional Municipality, updated with housing market data released February 2026 for the January 2026 period.
| Home Type | Home Price | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| All Home Types | $569,778 | -5.6% |
| Detached | $604,453 | -12.3% |
| Townhouse | $390,583 | — |
| Apartment | $493,788 | -0.4% |
Detached homes account for approximately 86% of all sales in Halifax, which is one of the highest proportions among major Canadian cities. Townhouse sales represent a very small share of the market, and apartment/condo sales make up about 11%.
Halifax market metrics
Key market indicators for Halifax as of January 2026:
| Metric | Value | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Total Sales | 226 | -9.6% |
| Detached Sales | 182 | +24.7% |
| Apartment Sales | 24 | -40.0% |
| Months of Supply | 4.9 | — |
| Benchmark Price | $545,200 | -0.7% |
| Median Price | $545,000 | -0.9% |
At 4.9 months of supply, the Halifax market is in balanced territory, sitting at the upper boundary of balanced conditions (3–5 months). The decline in apartment sales is notable, though the small number of transactions (24) means percentage changes can be volatile.
How much income would it take to afford a home in Halifax?
This table shows how much household income it would take to afford a home based on January 2026 Halifax home prices.
| Home Type | Home Price | Mortgage | Income Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Home Types | $569,778 | $455,822 | $125,802 |
| Detached | $604,453 | $483,562 | $132,393 |
| Townhouse | $390,583 | $312,466 | $91,600 |
| Apartment | $493,788 | $395,030 | $112,358 |
Halifax offers a notable affordability advantage over Ontario and BC markets. A household earning approximately $132,000 can afford the average detached home — roughly $140,000 less than the income needed in Toronto for a detached home.
The income to afford calculation uses the following inputs:
- Down payment of 20% to avoid mortgage default insurance
- Mortgage rate of 4.04%
- Amortization period of 25 years
- Gross debt service (GDS) ratio of 32%
- Property tax of $354 per month
- Heating costs of $175 per month
Key trends in the Halifax housing market
Interprovincial migration boom
Halifax has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of interprovincial migration since the pandemic. Thousands of Canadians — particularly from Ontario — relocated to Nova Scotia, attracted by lower housing costs, the ability to work remotely, a more relaxed lifestyle, and access to the ocean. This migration wave pushed prices up significantly from 2020 to 2023 and has permanently expanded the city’s population and housing demand base.
Population growth and immigration
Nova Scotia has experienced record population growth driven by both interprovincial migration and international immigration. The province’s population surpassed 1 million for the first time in 2023. Halifax, as the province’s largest metro area, has absorbed the majority of this growth, putting pressure on housing supply and rental markets.
Federal investment and military presence
Halifax benefits from significant federal investment, including CFB Halifax (the primary Atlantic Canada naval base), shipbuilding contracts at Irving Shipbuilding (the $60+ billion National Shipbuilding Strategy), and a growing federal government presence. These contracts provide long-term economic stability and well-paying employment that supports housing demand.
Supply constraints and new construction
Like many Canadian cities, Halifax faces challenges with housing supply. New construction has accelerated in recent years with significant condo and apartment development in the downtown core and surrounding areas, but supply has not kept pace with population growth. The city has been working on zoning reforms and permitting improvements to address the issue.
Notable areas in Halifax
The Halifax Regional Municipality encompasses a wide range of communities:
- South End Halifax — Near Dalhousie University and Point Pleasant Park, this is one of Halifax’s most desirable areas with a mix of historic homes and newer condos. Detached homes range from $500,000 to over $1 million.
- North End Halifax — A rapidly gentrifying area with a thriving arts and food scene. Previously one of the more affordable central neighbourhoods, prices have risen significantly. Homes range from $350,000 to $700,000.
- Downtown Halifax — The commercial core with growing condo development. Apartment prices range from $300,000 to $600,000.
- Dartmouth — Across Halifax Harbour, Dartmouth offers generally more affordable options with waterfront views. Neighbourhoods like Downtown Dartmouth and Portland Hills range from $350,000 to $600,000.
- Bedford — A popular suburban community north of Halifax with family-oriented neighbourhoods, excellent schools, and newer home developments. Detached homes range from $450,000 to $750,000.
- Clayton Park and Fairview — Established suburbs in the Halifax core with moderate pricing. Homes range from $350,000 to $550,000.
- Fall River and Enfield — Bedroom communities farther from the core offering more affordable detached homes, generally $300,000–$500,000.
- Eastern Passage and Cole Harbour — Suburban communities on the Dartmouth side offering some of the most affordable options in the metro area.
Affordability comparison: Halifax vs. other major cities
Halifax occupies a middle ground in Canadian housing affordability:
| City | Average Home Price | Income Required |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto (GTA) | $1,022,143 | $215,828 |
| Vancouver (GVA) | $1,165,300 | $286,589 |
| Ottawa | $641,436 | $142,484 |
| Halifax | $569,778 | $125,802 |
| Calgary | $616,686 | $163,500 |
| Winnipeg | $383,977 | $103,506 |
While not as affordable as the Prairie cities, Halifax offers significantly lower prices than Toronto, Vancouver, and even Ottawa, combined with a quality of life that consistently ranks among Canada’s highest. The ocean lifestyle and maritime character are unique selling points that no other Canadian housing market can replicate.
Nova Scotia deed transfer tax
Nova Scotia charges a deed transfer tax on real property sales. Halifax Regional Municipality applies the maximum provincial rate:
| Municipality | Rate |
|---|---|
| Halifax Regional Municipality | 1.5% |
| Other Nova Scotia municipalities | 0.5%–1.5% |
On a home purchased at Halifax’s average price of $569,778, the deed transfer tax would be approximately $8,547. There is currently no first-time buyer exemption for the deed transfer tax in Nova Scotia.
Use our land transfer tax calculator to compare transfer tax costs across provinces.
Related Halifax housing calculators
If you are buying a home in Halifax, these calculators can help you plan:
- Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments on a Halifax home
- Mortgage Affordability Calculator — How much home can you afford?
- Income to Afford Home Calculator — Salary needed at Halifax price points
- Mortgage Insurance Calculator — Calculate CMHC premiums for down payments under 20%
- Land Transfer Tax Calculator — Calculate Nova Scotia deed transfer tax
- Closing Costs Calculator — Budget for all costs beyond the purchase price
- Mortgage Stress Test Calculator — Qualify under the stress test
- Mortgage Rates — Compare current mortgage rates
More housing market reports
- Nova Scotia Housing Market — Provincial overview
- Montreal Housing Market — Nearest major city market
- Toronto Housing Market — Canada’s largest market for comparison
- Canada Housing Market Overview — National trends, prices, and provincial comparisons
- First-Time Home Buyer Guide — Programs, incentives, and step-by-step buying process
Data Sources
The housing market data in this report is sourced from: