How much house can you afford in Montreal?
Montreal CMA’s average sold price is $656,708 as of February 2026, up 6.1% year-over-year. With 3,930 transactions in February — actually exceeding Toronto’s 3,868 sales — Montreal is Canada’s busiest housing market. The median single-family price hit a record $639,000 (+6.5%), and the market has 4.8 months of supply.
Montreal affordability by property type
Real Montreal data — February 2026:
| Property Type | Price (Median) | YoY | Down (20%) | Income Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condo | $430,000 | +2.4% | $86,000 | $101,764 |
| Single-Family | $639,000 (record) | +6.5% | $127,800 | $142,061 |
| Average (all) | $656,708 (avg) | +6.1% | $131,342 | $145,474 |
| Plex | $850,000 | +7.6% | $170,000 | $182,712 |
Income assumes 4.04% rate, 25-year amortization, 32% GDS, $354/mo tax, $150/mo heat.
Plexes are Montreal’s unique play — revenue properties where rental income offsets mortgage costs. At $850K median, the rent from 2–3 units can substantially improve affordability.
Montreal area price comparison
| Area | Median SF Price | vs Island |
|---|---|---|
| Laval | $599,000 | 22% cheaper |
| South Shore | $630,000 | 17% cheaper |
| Vaudreuil-Soulanges | ~$637,000 | 17% cheaper |
| Montreal CMA | $639,000 | — |
| Island of Montreal | $763,500 | +19% |
The Island of Montreal median condo is $470,000 vs $430,000 CMA-wide. Off-island suburbs offer significant savings.
Neighbourhood price ranges
| Neighbourhood | Price Range | Character |
|---|---|---|
| NDG | $600,000–$1M+ | Anglophone, family-oriented |
| South Shore suburbs | $500,000–$700,000 | Suburban, car-dependent |
| Laval | $500,000–$700,000 | Growing, transit improving |
| Plateau-Mont-Royal | $1M+ | Singles/plexes, trendy, competitive |
| Downtown condos | $350,000–$600,000 | New builds, investor market |
Quebec welcome tax (droits de mutation)
| Bracket | Rate |
|---|---|
| First $58,900 | 0.5% |
| $58,901–$294,600 | 1.0% |
| $294,601–$500,000 | 1.5% |
| Over $500,000 | 3.0% (Montreal) |
| Home Price | Welcome Tax |
|---|---|
| $430,000 (condo median) | ~$4,951 |
| $639,000 (SF median) | ~$8,983 |
| $850,000 (plex median) | ~$15,303 |
Montreal’s 3% rate above $500K is higher than most Quebec municipalities (1.5%–2%). No first-time buyer exemption.
Montreal vs Toronto — a tale of two markets
| Factor | Montreal | Toronto | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price | $656,708 | $1,008,968 | Montreal $352K cheaper |
| SF median | $639,000 | N/A (~$1.3M det.) | Montreal ~$660K cheaper |
| Condo | $430,000 | $626,650 | Montreal $197K cheaper |
| Income (avg) | $145,474 | $213,376 | $68K/yr less |
| Transfer tax (avg) | ~$8,100 | ~$31,000 | $23K less |
| Sales volume (Feb) | 3,930 | 3,868 | Montreal busier |
| Trend | +6.1% YoY | -7.0% YoY | Opposite directions |
Montreal is growing while Toronto is correcting — crossing over as Canada’s most active market.
Montreal market conditions — February 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average price | $656,708 (+6.1% YoY) |
| SF median | $639,000 (+6.5% YoY, record) |
| Condo median | $430,000 (+2.4% YoY) |
| Plex median | $850,000 (+7.6% YoY) |
| Total sales | 3,930 (-3.9% YoY) |
| Active listings | 18,695 (+10.1% YoY) |
| SNLR | 52% |
| Months of supply | 4.8 |
| Condo listings | +20% YoY (above 10-year avg) |
| Market condition | Balanced (QPAREB: Seller’s) |
See the Montreal housing market report for the latest.
Tips for Montreal homebuyers
- Record SF prices — $639K median is the highest ever. If waiting for a dip, the data doesn’t support one yet
- Plex strategy — Revenue from units can qualify you for a larger mortgage (rental income factored into GDS)
- Off-island for savings — Laval and South Shore offer 17–22% savings over the Island
- Condo supply building — +20% listings YoY. Best selection and negotiating power in the condo segment
- Welcome tax at 3% — Montreal charges the highest rate in Quebec above $500K. Budget $5K–$15K
- Compare mortgage rates — National and Quebec-based lenders compete
Related calculators
- Montreal Mortgage Calculator — Estimate your monthly payment
- Quebec Mortgage Rates — Compare current rates
- Montreal Housing Market — Latest prices and trends
- Quebec Affordability — Provincial overview
- Ottawa Affordability — Compare with Ottawa