Each year, July 1st marks a popular moving day for thousands of renters across the province of Quebec. In 2025, however, a notable share of renters in the province (31%) considered buying a property before signing or renewing their current lease, according to a new Royal LePage survey conducted by Burson.1 This is the highest proportion in the country – a clear indication that the dream of home ownership remains alive, even in difficult economic times.
While rents have decreased in several cities across the province over the past year, many households are still feeling financial strain. That said, Quebec continues to stand out on several fronts.
According to the survey, 45% of Quebec renters spend 30% or less of their net income on rent – the highest share in the country. By contrast, 46% spend more than 30%, compared to 52% nationally. Only 8% of Quebec renters spend more than 50% of their income on rent, versus 15% across Canada.
Quebec renters are also the most likely in the country to say they haven’t had to make financial or personal sacrifices in order to afford their rent (40%, vs. 30% nationally).
Among those who did make sacrifices, 31% cut back on food and groceries, 23% reduced their savings contributions, 16% increased their credit card debt, and 15% delayed or skipped medical or dental care. Respondents were able to select more than one answer.
Across the province, the average rent for a one-bedroom unit was $1,703 in May 2025,2 down 1.0% year over year. For a two-bedroom unit, the average rent stood at $2,154 in June, down 2.0% from the same month in 2024. These modest decreases suggest a slight market rebalancing, though affordability remains a concern in many areas.
Despite tighter mortgage lending conditions, the intention to buy remains strong among Quebec renters. More than half (56%) plan to purchase a home someday, including 16% within two years and 23% in the next two to five years.
“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. 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.”
— Aline Zafirian, real estate broker, Royal LePage Village, Montreal
The main barrier is financial: 50% of renters who do not plan to buy believe their income would not allow them to purchase a home in the neighbourhood where they want to live.
While home ownership remains out of reach for many, 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,” explains Zafirian. “That’s why many residential developments are being forced to pivot toward rental. We can expect a notable increase in supply over the next few years, especially in major urban centres. For landlords, this means offering better units, inclusive services or more flexible lease terms. Tenants, in turn, could gain more negotiating power.”
Quebec City leads the country, with 35% of renters saying they considered buying before signing or renewing their lease (compared to 28 % nationally and 31 % provincially).
“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
In Quebec City, the average rent for a one-bedroom unit was $1,286 in May,3 down 5.0% year over year, while a two-bedroom unit averaged $1,660, down 4.5%.
In Montreal, 31% of renters considered buying this year. When asked why they ultimately did not move forward, 39% said they’re waiting for prices to drop, 31% said renting remains more affordable, and 26% are holding out for further interest rate cuts.
Looking ahead, 60% of Montreal renters plan to buy a property, the highest rate in the province.
“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 May 2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom unit in Montreal was $1,7274 (down 2.0% year over year), while a two-bedroom unit averaged $2,255 (down 2.6%).
Only 25% of renters in the Ottawa–Gatineau region considered buying before signing or renewing their lease – the lowest share among Quebec cities surveyed. Looking ahead, 47% still plan to buy someday, including 14% within the next two years.
“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. 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.”
— Karine Séguin, real estate broker, Royal LePage Vallée de l’Outaouais
In Gatineau, average rents stood at $1,7545 for a one-bedroom and $2,084 for a two-bedroom unit in May 2025, down 0.6% and 5.7%, respectively.
In Sherbrooke, 29% of renters considered buying this year. However, only 41% plan to buy eventually, the lowest proportion at both the national (54%) and provincial (56%) levels, among regions surveyed. Among those not planning to purchase, 55% believe they can’t afford to buy in their preferred neighbourhood.
“Sherbrooke’s rental population is undergoing a major shift. There’s a growing wave of baby boomers choosing to remain renters. However, the surge in rental construction hasn’t kept pace with this demographic shift. Most new developments target the high end of the market, while the need is clearly elsewhere.”
— Jean-François Bérubé, real estate broker, Royal LePage Évolution EB
With the Canadian Tenants’ Bill of Rights and Bill 31 in Quebec bringing housing policy to the forefront, expectations are high. Renters in Quebec are calling for more affordable housing construction (58%), stronger protections against unfair evictions and excessive rent increases (53%), and stricter rent control (39%).
“It’s crucial to maintain strong protections for tenants while allowing landlords to manage their investments with flexibility and fairness,” says Zafirian. “I see firsthand how these policies influence the decisions of both landlords and tenants. Ongoing review will be essential to ensure a vibrant and sustainable rental market.”
Source
Roseline Joyal-Guillot
Director, Communications & Marketing, Quebec
Royal LePage
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