Real Estate

Canadian Cities with Declining Home Prices in 2024

Canadian Cities with Declining Home Prices in 2024

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    Are you wondering where home prices are going down in Canada? Will the housing market crash in 2024? You’re not alone. These are questions on nearly every homeowner’s and homebuyer’s mind as of late. 2023 was one of the most volatile times for the real estate market. High interest rates began to work through the housing market while housing demand surged in various markets due to national supply constraints. 

    There’s good news on the horizon: home prices in Canada are declining. This means buyers have never had a more opportune time to learn which Canadian cities have seen the most significant declines to get you the best value for your hard-earned money.


    Key Takeaways

    • Home prices across many Canadian cities have experienced significant declines. 
    • Canada’s most expensive provinces, Ontario and B.C., are expected to see the most significant declines in home sales.
    • Experts predict the housing market could decline further as we head into 2024.

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    Canadian Cities with Declining Home Prices in 2024

    Across the board, there’s evidence that home prices are falling. In RBC’s Monthly Housing Market Update, assistant chief economist Robert Hogue noted sales nationwide have dropped nearly 12% over the past 4 months. The report further highlights high interest rates, affordability challenges, and economic uncertainty are behind this dampened demand. Resale homes have reached their lowest levels since the Great Financial Crisis, and it’s predicted that a turnaround in the market won’t happen until interest rates come down. 

    With rate cuts not predicted until mid-2024, the market has more time for prices to fall into 2024. To stay prepared, here are the top 5 Canadian cities that have seen the most significant decline in home prices to date in 2023:

    1. Lloydminster, SK

    Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, has seen a significant 41.4% decline in home prices from this time last year. Prices have fallen from $350,594 in October 2022 to $206,571 in October 2023. Not only have home prices in this area dropped significantly, but you only need to make an annual gross income of approximately $52K to be able to afford the average-priced home in the city. Furthermore, Lloyminster is also one of the most affordable cities for rent and other expenses, making it an all-around budget-friendly city. 

    2. Fort McMurray, AB

    Fort McMurray has seen a 16.2% decline in home prices from October 2022. The average home price in the city is $286,083, down from $341,408 recorded last year. To qualify for the average-priced home in the city, you only need a gross annual income of approximately $69K. 

    3. Swiftcurrent, SK

    Home prices have declined 8.8% year-over-year, dropping from $267,300 to $243,900. You’ll need to make approximately $61K a year to qualify for the average-priced home here.

    4. Lloydminster, AB

    Interestingly, the Alberta side of this city split in half by the borders between Saskatchewan and Alberta only declined 8.5% compared to the Saskatchewan side’s staggering 41.4% decline. Homes on the Alberta side fell to $249,853 from $273,007 recorded last October. You’ll need to make approximately $61K a year to live on the Alberta side of this city. 

    5. Cornwall, ON

    Prices in Cornwall slumped 6.3% to $393,545 from $419,792 recorded in October 2022. You’ll need to make the highest income out of the other 4 cities listed, approximately $93K a year, to qualify for the average-priced home in this city.

    Honourable Mentions

    There were quite a few cities with declining home prices and a couple of provinces with significant declines noted year over year. 

    Here’s the list of cities (and 2 provinces) that didn’t make the cut for our top 5:

    • Northwest Territories -12.5%
    • Yukon -11%
    • Yorktown, SK -5.6% 
    • Kingston, ON -4.5%
    • Peterborough, ON -3.6%
    • Bancroft, ON -3.4%
    • Battleford, SK -2.4%
    • Mississauga, ON -2%

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    Reports Vary: What Banks & Analysts are Predicting for 2024

    Some early analyst’s predictions are out on what we can expect for the housing market into 2024. The critical thing to note throughout is that while everyone has their perspective on how the market will end up, one thing remains true: prices will drop further before they rebound. 

    TD Economics Forecast Canada’s Housing Prices to Fall 10% 

    TD economists recently updated their predictions that prices would fall 5% from their third-quarter level, doubling it to 10% through early next year. Part of this change in forecast can be attributed to the housing markets in British Columbia and Ontario. In Ontario, sales to new listings ratios plunged to 39% from 63%, putting the province in a buyer’s market. However, the updated forecast notes that a 10% decline in home prices still leaves them 15% higher than pre-pandemic. 

    CREA Forecasts A Rebound of 1.5% in Average Home Prices from 2023 to 2024

    CREA’s recent forecast update is the opposite of what TD economists predict. CREA has forecast a decline of 3.3% on an annual basis for national average home prices in 2023. They attribute this decline to falling sales in Ontario and British Columbia, the country’s most expensive provinces for real estate. For 2024, CREA predicts home prices will rebound by 1.5% nationally, averaging around $690,916. 

    They expect Alberta to see gains of 4.8%, Ontario to see 0.2% growth, and modest growth in the 1% to 2.5% range for other provinces in 2024 compared to 2023.

    Mortgage Professionals Canada Semi-Annual State of the Housing Market Report Predicts Housing Correction Not Over

    Mortgage Professionals Canada (MPC) in September predicted a downturn until Q2 2024, with prices declining 10% by early next year, citing a weak economy, high mortgage rates, tighter credit conditions, record unaffordability, and government policies aimed to curb speculation and the ban on foreign buyers as contributing factors to this decline. These declines are in line with TD economists’ current predictions. This would mark a total decline between 20% to 25% from when home prices peaked in February 2022. They predict that prices should return to current levels by Q4 2027.

    Canadian Regional Housing Forecasts

    Overall, reports suggest that the housing market in Canada will experience further declines in prices and sales. But what does this mean for individual regions? Will it be a balanced market across the board? 

    Regional variations may exist when it comes to these forecasts. For example, while some provinces may experience a decline in home prices, others could see an increase or remain relatively stable. It is also important to remember that any changes in mortgage rates or other economic factors could affect these predictions.

     To get the most region-specific insights, consult our various market outlooks below: 

    Final Thoughts

    So far, the data suggests a further decline in home prices and sales to the end of the year and into 2024, with potential for recovery later in 2024. It is essential to stay informed about local housing market conditions and any changes in economic factors like interest rates that could influence and change these forecasts. 

    Why not prepare you for your upcoming mortgage financing and lock in a low rate from nesto.  Not only do you get a low rate on the best mortgage, but a lower rate also helps you qualify for a bigger mortgage. Ready to lock in your low rate? Chat with a mortgage expert today. Chat with a mortgage expert today.


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