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Present in Quebec, Alberta and Ontario.

Maoki logo

Present in Quebec, Alberta and Ontario.

A Market Transition, Not a Market Failure

Basic
Accessible notions and key points to remember

Maoki

Mortgage brokerage firm

Perspectives Multi-Residential Real Estate
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After several years of significant overheating, the multi-residential rental market in Canada, and particularly in Québec, is entering a slowdown phase. A sharp increase in new housing completions, combined with a less dynamic job market and slower immigration, is easing rental pressure that previously seemed inexhaustible.

This shift is materializing in a rise in vacancy rates and a stabilization, or even decline, of asking rents in certain regions. However, this is not a structural oversupply, but rather a market adjustment. Most units delivered since 2024 are new, costly to build, and do not always align with households’ actual needs, while affordability challenges remain fully unresolved.

On the ground, this transition is tangible. Property owners must now step up their efforts to attract and retain tenants: free rent periods, incentives, and temporary concessions. The market is becoming competitive again, particularly for high-end products and rental condominiums, where supply is temporarily outpacing demand.

As early 2026 begins, the rental market is clearly in a rebalancing phase. While rents remain high compared to pre-pandemic levels, growth has slowed significantly, and several markets are now experiencing declines. Most analysts expect this trend to continue in the short term, followed by a gradual return to a more stable dynamic.

For investors and developers, the message is clear: today’s environment calls for more conservative analysis and a refined understanding of local markets. Assumptions of rapid rent growth, low vacancy rates, and accommodative financing conditions must be revisited with caution. Those who can segment their product, adjust their strategies, and structure projects with discipline will be better positioned to navigate this transition phase and emerge stronger.

This section of our communications will be dedicated to monitoring the evolution of the multi-residential market, rental trends, and the strategic adjustments required in a transforming environment.

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