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Market read — Spring 2026

My read of the North Shore market for the current season — APCIQ Q1 2026 data cross-referenced with my field observations.

Market read — Spring 2026
+8 %
North Shore Q1 sales (vs Q1 2025)
+12 %
New listings
33 j
Median timeline (stable)
22 %
Multiple offers (vs 31% last year)

The macro context — APCIQ Q1 2026

Depending on the APCIQ Residential Barometer, the Quebec market stabilized in the first quarter of 2026 after two turbulent years. The Barometer's watchword: “Residential sales stabilize in the first quarter of 2026, but prices remain under pressure.”

For the Rive-Nord (northern ring of the Montreal CMA), the read is more nuanced:

  • Sainte-Thérèse is overheating (timelines 23 days, condo +9%)
  • Blainville rebalancing (single-family −4%, inventory +29%)
  • The plex 2-5 units are the star asset everywhere (+10 to +17%)

What the spring numbers say

Seasonal activity as expected. +8% in sales on the North Shore, +12% in listings. The pace is healthy, without excess, and confirms the gradual exit from the 2024 downturn.
Multiple offers declining. 22% of transactions, versus 31% a year ago. The market is becoming readable again for prepared buyers — you can negotiate without panic once more.
Median timeline stable at 33 days. But it hides big gaps: Sainte-Thérèse at 23 days, Blainville single-family at 32 days, Blainville condos at 60 days. The average city doesn't exist — each segment has its own pace.

What I'm watching this season

Seasonal seller peak. The optimal window opens in late April. Peak in mid-May in Sainte-Thérèse, early June in Blainville. If you plan to sell in 2026, now is when it's decided — summer always slows down.
Bank of Canada decisions. Every policy-rate meeting has an almost immediate effect on buyer demand. A cut = return of first-time buyers. Status quo = continued rebalancing in Blainville.
Plex opportunity. The 4-unit plex segment in Sainte-Thérèse is undervalued by 5-8% compared to equivalent Blainville. For a cash-flow investor, the current window is attractive. Let's talk about it →

Warning signs

Sales below 400 000 $ are slowing — it's the effect of the mortgage stress test on first-time buyers. If you're selling in this segment, plan for a 45-60 day timeline and non-aggressive price positioning.

The segment Blainville condo remains under pressure (60-day timeline, sales −16%) despite a +3% price increase. It's the sign of a two-speed market where only well-positioned units sell quickly.

To go further

A read updated each quarter — next revision as soon as the Q2 2026 data is published by the APCIQ (mid-July). Sources: APCIQ via Centris®, my active listings and transactions.

Sell, buy, invest — let's talk.

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