After a turbulent 2025 marked by economic uncertainty, high rates, and an oversupplied market, Canada’s housing market is finally showing signs of life heading into 2026. And this time, buyers may actually have the advantage.
A new national outlook suggests that pent-up demand + growing inventory = a major opportunity window for homebuyers, investors, and anyone looking to refinance or pull equity before the next upswing.
Here is what’s happening — and why Lendworth is seeing more Ontarians positioning themselves early.
📈 More Canadians Are Planning to Buy in 2026 — Especially First-Time Buyers
Re/Max Canada’s new market forecast reveals a powerful shift:
1 in 10 Canadians plan to buy a home in the next 12 months
50% of them are first-time buyers
25% believe housing in their region will become more affordable
After two years of rate shocks and stalled confidence, buyers are re-entering the market more motivated and financially prepared. The fear-of-overpaying cycle is fading, replaced by deal hunting, equity-building, and strategic investing.
This aligns with what we’re seeing at Lendworth:
More pre-approvals, more creative financing requests, and a surge in equity-based lending—especially among self-employed buyers who struggled with banks in 2025.
🏡 Sales Rebound Expected: +3.4% Nationally
From January to October 2025, 32 of 38 Canadian markets saw year-over-year sales declines.
But that trend has hit a turning point.
Re/Max now expects national sales to increase 3.4% in 2026, driven by:
Strong buyer interest
Stabilizing rates
Improved consumer confidence
A massive rise in inventory
Ontario leads the pack with a 21% jump in new listings, giving buyers something they haven’t had in a long time:
➡ Choice.
🏷️ Prices Expected to Drop 3.7% in 2026 — A Rare Buying Window
Prices haven’t fully corrected from the pandemic peak, but they are heading in the right direction for affordability.
Re/Max forecasts a 3.7% national price decline in 2026, a much-needed reset before the next growth cycle.
For motivated buyers, this is a rare short-term window to:
Buy before rates fall again
Build equity ahead of the rebound
Enter markets that were previously out of reach
Upsize or invest without bidding wars
This same affordability window is why Lendworth is seeing a spike in bridge loans, renovation financing, and fast approvals for buyers who want to capitalize quickly.
🔍 “Resilience Is Back” — Buyers Are Finding Creative Ways to Enter the Market
Re/Max Canada president Don Kottick says Canadians have shown surprising resilience and are returning to the market “with creative ways to save and enter.”
We’re seeing it firsthand:
Top Trends Lendworth Is Seeing From 2026 Buyers
✔ Self-employed buyers using equity-based approvals instead of bank income docs
✔ Homeowners tapping second mortgages to buy investment properties
✔ Renters using down payment assistance via home equity from family homes
✔ Investors using refinance strategies to prepare for lower rates in late 2026
✔ Buyers using 24-hour approvals to jump on underpriced listings
🔥 Why This Matters for Ontario Homeowners Right Now
Whether you’re buying, refinancing, or consolidating debt, the next 12 months will determine who gets ahead and who gets priced out again when rates eventually decline.
Here’s why Ontario homeowners are turning to Lendworth now:
✔ Access to Your Equity — Fast
Banks move slowly.
Lendworth approves in as little as 2 hours and funds in 24 hours.
✔ No Credit Score Requirements
Perfect for those recovering from 2023–2025 financial turbulence.
✔ No Income or Job Verification
Ideal for self-employed, commission-based, or credit-challenged borrowers.
✔ Up to 80% LTV Across Ontario
Including Toronto, Vaughan, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, and more.
When the market turns, the advantage goes to the buyer who is already financed, not the one waiting for their bank to respond.
📞 Need Fast Financing to Get Ahead of the 2026 Market Rebound?
Lendworth can help you move before the market shifts.
📞 Call Now: 905-597-1225
👉 Apply Online Today: Apply Here