Cost- Months of inventory has risen in several major markets compared to a year earlier, generally shifting leverage toward buyers where that's occurred.
- Ontario and BC have generally seen higher months-of-inventory readings than the Prairies and Atlantic Canada through 2026.
- Interpreting the number correctly requires looking at both the trend and the specific segment (detached vs. condo), not just a single citywide figure.
What months of inventory actually means
Months of inventory is current active listings divided by the recent monthly sales pace — it answers "at the rate homes are currently selling, how long would it take to sell off everything currently listed?" A low number means listings are selling quickly relative to supply (favouring sellers); a high number means listings are accumulating faster than they're selling (favouring buyers).
How to read it without over-interpreting
Roughly, under 2-3 months of inventory is typically considered a seller's market, 3-6 months a balanced market, and above 6 months a buyer's market — though these thresholds vary somewhat by region and are better used as a general orientation than a precise cutoff. The number can also move sharply with seasonality (inventory typically builds through spring and summer, then thins in winter), so comparing to the same month a year earlier is more meaningful than comparing to last month.
Where it stands now
Consistent with the broader conditions described in our 2026 national price update, months of inventory has generally risen in Ontario and BC compared to a year earlier — particularly in the condo segment — while Prairie and Atlantic markets have generally stayed tighter. This directly underpins why negotiating leverage looks different depending on where, and what type of property, you're buying or selling.
See what current conditions mean for your own numbers on the affordability calculator or cost of selling calculator.
- Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) — accessed September 2026