In 2014, starts will increase slightly in the Montréal CMA but will remain at low levels compared to earlier years. In all, foundations will be laid for 16,300 new dwellings, for an increase of 1 per cent over 2013. However, condominium starts will continue to fall on account of the relatively large numbers of unsold new and existing units.

In 2014, starts will increase slightly in the Montréal CMA but will remain at low levels compared to earlier years. In all, foundations will be laid for 16,300 new dwellings, for an increase of 1 per cent over 2013. However, condominium starts will continue to fall on account of the relatively large numbers of unsold new and existing units.


On the resale market, 40,000 transactions will be registered in 2014, for a gain of 7 per cent over 2013. The increase in the number of resales will be the result of improved economic conditions and the activity inherent in an increase in the housing stock. Market conditions should stay balanced, and the pressure on prices will again be weak (+0.5 per cent). In the case of condominiums, the easing of the market will lead to a small decrease in the average price.


According to the latest data from the Statistics Canada National Household Survey, nearly half of the condominium buyers in the Montréal CMA in 2011 were single-person households. The median income of condominium buyers was in fact lower (25 per cent) than that of buyers of houses (1). Households aged from 25 to 34 effectively made up the largest group of condominium buyers in the CMA in 2011, despite their much more limited demographic weight. In the previous censuses, it was rather the dominant demographic group, that is, households aged from 35 to 54, who held that top spot.


Also, according to two different data sources (2), the percentage of investors on the Montréal CMA condominium market remained limited in 2012, hovering between 10 and 15 per cent. However, this proportion has been slightly on the rise for the past few years. As well, the percentage of condominiums that are purchased and resold quickly (within one year) remained low and stable in 2012, at about 3 per cent.