Nearly one in three Quebec renters considered buying a property this year before signing or renewing their lease
High property prices and financial challenges remain the main barriers to home ownership
Highlights:
- Nationally, Quebecers are the most likely in the country to say they haven’t had to make sacrifices in order to pay their rent (40%).
- Renters in Quebec are the least likely to spend more than 30% of their net income on monthly rent.
- More than half of Quebec renters (56%) plan to buy a property someday, including 16% within the next two years and 23% in two to five years.
- Regional data for the metropolitan areas of Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa–Gatineau and Sherbrooke are also included in this report.
MONTREAL, June 19, 2025 – According to a recent Royal LePage® survey of Canadian renters, conducted by Burson,[1] the desire to become a homeowner continues to grow, particularly in Quebec. The survey found that nearly one in three renters in the province (31%) considered buying rather than renting ahead of the peak moving season this year (28% nationally), highlighting the ongoing barriers to home ownership in the face of rising living costs.
When asked about the reasons behind choosing to rent rather than buy, 37% of Quebec respondents said they are waiting for property prices to come down, 27% are waiting for a more significant drop in interest rates, 27% said renting allows them to save for a down payment, and 20% cited precarious employment. Respondents were able to select more than one answer.
In comparing ourselves, we often find perspective
While housing affordability remains a challenge for renters across the country, the data suggests that Quebecers are faring slightly better than their counterparts in other provinces in some respects. Quebecers are the most likely in Canada to say they haven’t had to make financial or personal sacrifices in order to afford their rent (40%), lower than the national average (30%). Among those who have made compromises, the most common adjustment was cutting back on groceries and food (31%), followed by reducing savings contributions (23%), increasing credit card debt (16%), and delaying or forgoing medical or dental care (15%). Respondents could select more than one answer.
“The desire for home ownership remains very strong among Quebec renters. Even in a climate of high interest rates and property prices that are out of reach for many, nearly one in three renters seriously considered purchasing a home this year. It’s proof that the goal of owning a home remains deeply rooted, despite the obstacles. For those who aren’t there yet, I say, keep preparing. Every step – whether it’s building your credit, saving or becoming informed – brings you closer to the day when that dream can become a reality.”
— Aline Zafirian, real estate broker, Royal LePage Village, Montreal
Another key data point highlights the relatively favourable situation of Quebec renters. According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, rent and housing-related expenses should not exceed 35% of a household’s gross income.[2] Compared to other provinces, Quebec stands out with a high proportion of renters whose monthly payments fall within a sustainable range – 45% of tenants in the province spend 30% or less of their net income on rent. While more than half of Canadian renters (52%) spend over 30% of their net income on monthly rent, this number drops to 46% in Quebec. The difference is even more striking among those spending more than 50% of their income on rent – 15% nationally versus just 8% in Quebec.
“Although rental prices have risen significantly across the province in recent years, Quebec remains a more affordable market than much of the rest of the country,” adds Zafirian. “Compared to other provinces, we see a higher proportion of renters whose housing costs represent a reasonable share of their income, which points to a certain balance still present in this market.”
Quebec renters also stand out for their likelihood to stay put. In fact, 70% of them say they did not move from another city, province, or country before signing their current lease – the highest proportion in the country. This stability may help to slow rent increases, as rental rate hikes tend to be more significant when there’s a changeover in tenants.
According to the survey, more than half of Quebec renters (52%) live alone – a reflection of a well-documented trend: household sizes in Quebec have steadily decreased over the past several decades. According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the average household size in Quebec was 2.28 people in 2021 – the smallest in the country.[3]
This shift toward smaller households, combined with the rising cost of living, increases financial pressure on individuals – especially those who bear housing costs alone.
The desire to become a homeowner is deep-rooted
Despite financial barriers to purchasing, the intention to buy a home remains strong among Quebec renters. More than half (56%) plan to buy a property someday, with 16% intending to do so within two years and 23% within two to five years. The main obstacle remains financial: half of renters who do not plan to buy a property (50%) doubt their income would allow them to purchase a home in the neighbourhood where they want to live.
While home ownership remains full of challenges, the rental market is undergoing a transformation.
“In the current economic climate and with the slowdown in condo resale activity, real estate developers are facing increased pressure to make their projects profitable. That’s why many residential developments are being forced to pivot toward rental units. As a result, we can expect a notable increase in rental supply over the coming years, especially in major urban centres. For landlords, this means they’ll need to stand out by offering higher-quality units, included utilities, or more flexible lease terms. Tenants may, in turn, gain greater negotiating power,” explains Zafirian.
However, she adds a note of caution: “Even as the rental market evolves and tenants may benefit from stronger negotiating power in the short term, we must not lose sight of a fundamental reality. For many households, buying a home remains one of the best ways to build long-term wealth and secure financial stability.”
In the province, the average rent for a one-bedroom unit was $1,703 in May 2025, down 1.0% from the same month in 2024, while the average rent for a two-bedroom unit was $2,154, down 2.0% year over year.[4]
Housing policies that resonate with Quebec renters
Many renters in Quebec are calling for concrete measures to improve housing affordability. When asked which policies they believe would be most effective, three clear priorities emerged: building more affordable housing (58%), strengthening protections against evictions and excessive rent increases (53%), and implementing stricter rent control measures (39%).
These priorities reflect a broader political climate in which rental housing legislation is taking centre stage in public debate, both provincially and federally.
At the federal level, the Canadian Tenants’ Bill of Rights,[5] announced in the 2024 federal budget under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, aims to establish a minimum framework of protection for all Canadians when it comes to rental housing. Although not legally binding in the provinces, the charter sets out fundamental principles, such as the right to affordable housing, protections against unfair evictions, and access to a safe and healthy rental environment. It also provides federal financial support to provinces that implement policies consistent with these objectives.
“The Bill sets important guidelines for tenants’ rights, but it remains largely symbolic,” explains Zafirian. “It serves as a framework for provinces and municipalities, but it doesn’t fundamentally change the day-to-day relationship between tenants and landlords. That said, it places rental housing at the centre of national priorities – something that is crucial in today’s environment.”
In the province of Quebec, Bill 31, passed in 2024 by the National Assembly,[6] has provoked strong reactions. This law makes significant changes to the rules governing landlord-tenant relations, particularly with regard to lease transfers, rent increases and tenant protection.
Despite the controversy it has generated, these new regulations limit excessive rent increases by tightening the conditions under which a landlord can significantly increase rent. Elderly tenants (aged 65 and over) also benefit from greater protection. The Bill also strengthens tenants’ rights with regard to lease renewal. In the event of renewal, tenants benefit from better protection against eviction without just cause.
In this context, the fact that nearly 40% of Quebec respondents are calling for better rent control reflects a certain dissatisfaction with current provincial policies, deemed insufficient by a significant proportion of the tenant population.
On the other hand, the provision in Bill 31 allowing landlords to refuse a lease transfer is seen by many as a weakening of an important safeguard against excessive rent increases. The legislation also grants landlords greater flexibility in managing leases, including more discretion in selecting tenants, a change that has raised concerns among tenant advocacy groups.
For Zafirian, the key lies in striking the right balance: “It’s crucial to maintain strong protections for tenants while allowing landlords to manage their investments with flexibility and fairness. As a broker, I see firsthand how these policies influence the decisions of both landlords and tenants, and it’s clear that ongoing review and adjustment of these measures will be necessary to ensure a vibrant and sustainable rental market.”
Royal LePage 2025 Canadian Renters Report – Data Chart: rlp.ca/2025-Canadian-Renters-Report-Chart
REGIONAL SUMMARIES
MONTREAL
While Montreal is widely recognized as Quebec’s rental capital, it is also home to many with a strong desire for home ownership. In line with the provincial average, nearly one in three Montreal renters (31%) considered buying a property before signing or renewing their current lease.
When asked why they chose to remain renters, many of those who considered buying a property cited challenges tied to Montreal’s real estate market, where prices are the highest in the province. Unsurprisingly, Montreal has the highest proportion of renters in the province (39%) who say they’re waiting for home prices to drop before pursuing ownership.
Nearly one third (31%) of tenants who considered purchasing a home say renting allows them to save for a sufficient down payment, while 26% are holding out for further interest rate cuts. For 22%, a lack of available properties is the main barrier to buying. Respondents could select more than one answer.
“In a context where the cost of living is reaching record highs, Montreal is holding its own relatively well. Compared to other major Canadian cities, it still offers a certain balance between income and rent. This relative affordability helps explain why many renters are able to maintain financial stability, even if it often means making compromises in their lifestyle.”
— Aline Zafirian, real estate broker, Royal LePage Village
In Montreal, only 7% of renters spend more than half of their net income on rent – one of the lowest rates in the province Quebec. However, a slightly higher proportion (47%) than the provincial average (46%) spend more than 30% of their income on housing. By comparison, 14% of renters in Toronto and 20% in Vancouver allocate over 50% of their net income to rent.
In Montreal, the average rent for a one-bedroom unit was $1,727 in May 2025, down 2.0% from the same month in 2024, while the average rent for a two-bedroom unit was $2,255, down 2.6% year over year.[4]
Looking ahead, Montreal renters are the most determined in the province to eventually become homeowners, with 60% expressing the intention to buy, including 17% aiming to do so within the next two years. Among those who don’t plan to buy, 52% say their income isn’t sufficient to purchase a home in their preferred neighbourhood, 39% believe renting remains more affordable, and 36% simply don’t want to take on the responsibilities of property maintenance.
“Homeownership remains one of the most powerful drivers of economic growth,” says Zafirian. “What we’re seeing in Montreal is a generation of renters who are realistic about the challenges, yet remain focused on their goal. They understand that buying a home is also an investment in their future and a way to build long-term financial security. That’s why the intention to buy remains strong, even in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty.”
Royal LePage 2025 Canadian Renters Report – Data Chart: rlp.ca/2025-Canadian-Renters-Report-Chart
QUEBEC CITY
Despite the marked rise in property prices in recent years, Quebec City reports the highest number of renters (35%) who considered buying before signing or renewing their current lease, both provincially and nationally.
“It’s encouraging to see that Quebec City stands out for its high proportion of renters who seriously considered buying a home this year. That’s especially surprising given the region’s notable rise in prices. It suggests a growing sense of urgency among renters – a desire to act before prices climb further or affordability worsens.”
— Louis Belzile, real estate broker, Royal LePage Blanc & Noir
When asked why they didn’t move forward with a purchase, 37% of renters said they are waiting for property prices to come down, while 20% are holding out for further interest rate cuts, and 20% of tenants said renting allows them to save for a sufficient down payment. Interestingly, more than a quarter (27%) reported unsuccessful attempts to purchase a property. Respondents were able to select more than one answer.
“Many renters have opted to wait for prices to drop before buying. Yet, real estate history tells a clear story: price declines are rare, short-lived, and almost always followed by renewed increases,” explains Belzile. “Betting on a lasting correction means risking a missed opportunity. It’s better to be financially prepared and ready to act when the right conditions present themselves, because good opportunities don’t last long.”
According to the survey, 45% of renters in Quebec City live alone – the lowest proportion in the province – while 50% live as a couple and 5% share accommodations with roommates.
In Quebec City, the average rent for a one-bedroom unit was $1,286 in May 2025, down 5.0% from the same month in 2024, while the average rent for a two-bedroom unit was $1,660, down 4.5% year over year.[4]
Nearly one-third of respondents (32%) spend between 21% and 30% of their net income on rent, while 10% spend less than 20%. Only 7% dedicate more than 50% of their income to rent, one of the lowest rates in the province of Quebec.
Looking ahead, 59% of renters in Quebec City plan to buy a home someday, including 19% intending to do so within the next two years, and another 26% in the next two to five years. Among those not planning to buy, 65% believe their income will not allow them to purchase in their preferred neighbourhood, while 37% don’t want the responsibilities of homeownership, and 33% feel renting remains more affordable.
Royal LePage 2025 Canadian Renters Report – Data Chart: rlp.ca/2025-Canadian-Renters-Report-Chart
OTTAWA-GATINEAU
The Ottawa-Gatineau area has the lowest proportion of renters who considered buying instead of renting before signing or renewing their current lease, with just 25% of respondents saying they thought about purchasing.
“The desire to own a home isn’t as urgent as it once was, especially among young adults. Since the pandemic, many are taking their time, focusing on saving and waiting for more financial stability. They don’t see home ownership as a race, but as a step they’ll take when it fits better within their lifestyle. Younger generations tend to move more – they want flexibility and new experiences. On the flip side, we’re also seeing baby boomers returning to the rental market after selling their homes – not necessarily for financial reasons, but to simplify their lives and avoid the hassle of home maintenance.”
— Karine Séguin, real estate broker, Royal LePage Vallée de l’Outaouais
Renters in the Ottawa-Gatineau region present a similar profile to those across the province, with 51% of renters living alone, 8% living with roommates and 41% living with their spouse.
The survey also found that 45% of renters in the region spend 30% or less of their net income on rent, including 11% who spend less than 20%. Meanwhile, 43% report that rent accounts for more than 30% of their income, and notably, 15% say their rent exceeds half of their income, the highest proportion among all Quebec regions surveyed.
In Gatineau, the average rent for a one-bedroom unit was $1,754 in May 2025, down 0.6% from the same month in 2024, while the average rent for a two-bedroom unit was $2,084, down 5.7% year over year.[4]
“For renters who aspire to become homeowners, it’s important to remember that buying a property is often a stepping stone – not the final destination,” Séguin explains. “Don’t be afraid to broaden your horizons, revisit your criteria, or explore financing options. Thinking long-term makes all the difference. A fully renovated, move-in-ready home is certainly appealing, but being open to making improvements yourself can really pay off in the end.”
Looking ahead, nearly one in two respondents (47%) plan to buy a home someday, including 14% intending to do so within the next two years. Among those who don’t plan to buy, 51% believe their income will not allow them to purchase in their desired neighbourhood, 48% say renting remains more affordable, 44% don’t want the responsibilities of home maintenance, and 21% prefer to invest their money in other financial vehicles. Respondents could select more than one answer.
Royal LePage 2025 Canadian Renters Report – Data Chart: rlp.ca/2025-Canadian-Renters-Report-Chart
SHERBROOKE
In Sherbrooke, nearly one in three renters (29%) considered buying rather than renting before signing or renewing their current lease.
“We’re seeing a boom in rental construction in Sherbrooke, but most new developments are targeting the high-end segment of the market. This does not align with the priorities of many renters, who are still waiting for more affordable options – as evidenced by the persistently low vacancy rate. Furthermore, a quarter of renters who gave up on buying a home this year cited precarious employment – a common issue in the region, where nearly 17% of workers hold unstable or temporary jobs. In this environment, it becomes difficult for many households to plan a transition to home ownership or even to find housing that fits their budget.”
— Jean-François Bérubé, real estate broker, Royal LePage Évolution EB
According to the latest data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Sherbrooke’s rental vacancy rate is 1.4%.[7]
Survey results show that 47% of Sherbrooke renters spend 30% or less of their net income on rent, including 7% who allocate less than 20%. Meanwhile, 47% spend more than 30% of their income on rent, with just 6% spending over 50% – the lowest rate in the province and across the country.
As for renter demographics in Sherbrooke, the city has the highest proportion of people living alone among the Quebec markets studied (58%); 30% live with a partner or spouse, while 8% live with roommates.
“Sherbrooke’s rental population is undergoing a major shift. There’s a growing wave of baby boomers choosing to remain renters, with no intention of returning to home ownership,” adds Bérubé. “For many, it’s a lifestyle choice: fewer responsibilities and more flexibility. However, the surge in rental construction hasn’t kept pace with this demographic change. While supply has increased, it’s largely focused on premium offerings, whereas demand lies elsewhere. With a majority of renters living alone and nearly half spending more than 30% of their income on rent, the shortage of affordable housing is impacting residents. The region’s aging population and the financial insecurity of some households call for a better alignment between housing supply and local needs.”
Sherbrooke reports the lowest percentage of renters in the province Quebec who plan to trade in their lease for a mortgage (41%), including 15% who say they hope to buy within the next two years, and 8% at some point in their lifetime. Among those who do not plan to buy, over half (55%) say their income will not allow them to buy a property in the neighbourhood they want to live in, a similar proportion (50%) say they do not want the responsibility of maintaining a home, 23% prefer the flexibility of renting, and 18% are investing their money elsewhere. Respondents could select more than one answer.
Royal LePage 2025 Canadian Renters Report – Data Chart: rlp.ca/2025-Canadian-Renters-Report-Chart
Royal LePage resources for aspiring homeowners:
To help aspiring homeowners, Royal LePage has published a number of online resources available at the following links:
- Moving to a new province? Here’s how to relocate like a pro
- Federal government announces landmark adjustments to mortgage rules for first-time buyers in Canada
- 5 financial factors first-time buyers should consider on their path to home ownership
- 30-year amortizations on insured mortgages for new build homes now available for first-time buyers
- From renter to homeowner: Your complete guide to home ownership in a competitive real estate market
- Real estate terminology 101
- Expert Q&A: What you need to know about buying a property pre-construction
- Saving for your first home? Here’s what you need to know about Canada’s First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
- What is the Home Buyers’ Plan?
About the Survey
Burson used the Leger Opinion online panel to survey 1,854 Canadian renters, aged 18+. A robust oversample was collected in Quebec (n=878) as well as in 9 major cities across Canada (Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa-Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Quebec City, and Montreal). The survey was completed between June 2 and June 9, 2025. Weighting was applied to age, gender, regions, and cities based on 2021 census figures. No margin of error can be associated with a nonprobability sample (i.e., a web panel in this case). For comparative purposes, a probability sample of 1,854 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2%, 19 times out of 20.
About Royal LePage
Serving Canadians since 1913, Royal LePage is the country’s leading provider of services to real estate brokerages, with a network of approximately 20,000 real estate professionals in over 670 locations nationwide. Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company to have its own charitable foundation, the Royal LePage® Shelter Foundation™, which has been dedicated to supporting women’s shelters and domestic violence prevention programs for 25 years. Royal LePage is a Bridgemarq Real Estate Services® Inc. company, a TSX-listed corporation trading under the symbol TSX:BRE. For more information, please visit www.royallepage.ca.
Royal LePage® is a registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada and is used under licence by Bridgemarq Real Estate Services® Inc.
For further information, please contact:
Dominic Blais
Burson on behalf of Royal LePage
dominic.blais@bursonglobal.com
438-988-6382
[1] Burson used the Leger Opinion online panel to survey 1,854 Canadian renters, aged 18+. A robust oversample was collected in Quebec (n=878) as well as in 9 major cities across Canada (Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa-Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Quebec City, and Montreal) The survey was completed between June 2 and June 9, 2025. Weighting was applied to age, gender, regions, and cities based on 2021 census figures. No margin of error can be associated with a nonprobability sample (i.e., a web panel in this case). For comparative purposes, a probability sample of 1,854 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2%, 19 times out of 20.
[2] Renting an apartment or house, Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, March 2025
[3] The shift to smaller households over the past century, Statistics Canada, October 2024
[4] June 2025 Rentals.ca Rent Report, Rentals.ca Network data and Urbanation Inc., June 2025. The data used in the National Rent Report analysis is based on monthly listings from the Rentals.ca Network of Internet Listings Services (ILS). The Rentals.ca Network of ILS’s data covers both the primary and secondary rental markets and includes basement apartments, rental apartments, condominium apartments, townhouses, semi-detached houses, and single-detached houses. Properties listed for greater than $5,000 per month, and less than $500 per month are removed from the sample. Similarly, short-term rentals, single-room rentals, and furnished suites are removed from the sample when identifiable.
[5] Blueprint for a Renters’ Bill of Rights, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, September 2024
[6] Gouvernement du Québec, Adoption du projet de loi 31 – Le gouvernement mettra sur pied d’autres outils afin de contribuer à résorber la crise du logement, 21 février 2024 (available only in French)
[7] Statistics Canada, Table 34-10-0130-01 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, vacancy rates, row and apartment structures of three units and over, privately initiated in census metropolitan areas, weighted average
