Canadian home sales rise for fourth straight month, remain below 2025 levels

Canada's housing market is stabilizing but hasn't recovered. Home sales climbed for the fourth consecutive month in July, rising 0.5 per cent from June, yet they remained 5.1 per cent below July 2025 levels, according to analysis from Central 1 Credit Union using Canadian Real Estate Association data.

Approximately 38,100 homes changed hands through real estate boards across the country last month. That's still well below the 10-year average of roughly 43,000 transactions. Year-to-date sales through July are down 5.1 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.

Ontario accounted for much of the recent momentum. Sales in the province rose 2.5 per cent from June, with Greater Toronto climbing 3.2 per cent—accelerating from a 1.5 per cent gain in June. Despite these gains, Central 1 deemed Ontario the weakest provincial housing market overall.

Other provinces showed mixed results. Quebec sales edged up 0.3 per cent, while British Columbia declined 0.1 per cent. Alberta fell 1.4 per cent after three consecutive months of growth.

Central 1 attributed the recent upward trend to improving affordability, buyers returning after delaying purchases, and strengthening consumer confidence. Experts flagged recovery signs for the second half of the year.