Affordability is fuelling a quiet boom in this housing segment
Signs of a delayed spring real estate market emerged in June as buyers cautiously returned to detached housing in Canada’s largest urban centres, according to the REMAX Canada 2025 Hot Pocket Communities Report.
The report, which examined 83 markets across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley from January to June 2025, found 23% of markets posted sales on par or better than last year, while 19% reported price gains in detached homes.
Urban cores outperform suburbs
Activity was strongest in Toronto’s 416 area, where over 34% of neighbourhoods saw stable or increased detached sales, outpacing the 905 regions. Vancouver also saw gains, with a 29% rise in detached transactions compared to Fraser Valley.
“After a prolonged period of uncertainty, we’re starting to see slow but building momentum,” said Don Kottick, president of REMAX Canada. “Buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines for months are finally starting to make their moves.”
Toronto’s top performers included South Parkdale, Roncesvalles, and High Park-Swansea, with sales surging 56.5%. Other hot zones were The Beaches and East-End Danforth, up 27%, and Yonge-St. Clair to Casa Loma, up 31.3%.
In Vancouver, Port Moody and Belcarra led gains with a 31% increase in detached sales. Bowen Island and Squamish also posted strong demand, reflecting growing interest in year-round recreational living.
Affordability drives demand
Homes priced between $850,000 and $1.2 million in Toronto, and $1 million to $1.5 million in Vancouver and Fraser Valley, were most active. Buyers, particularly young professionals, are targeting walkable neighbourhoods near the downtown core.
“Today’s buyers are laser focused on value and will walk away from properties if sellers are unreasonable,” noted Tim Syrianos of REMAX Ultimate Realty Inc.
Prices inch upward in key pockets
While most markets remain below 2024 prices, some posted notable increases. Whistler/Pemberton led with a 12.1% jump in median value, while Toronto’s Bridle Path-St. Andrew-Windfields rose 11.5%. In Durham Region, Scugog saw a 7% gain, and Peel’s Caledon increased 5.6%.
In the Greater Toronto Area, detached home sales fell to 13,991 in the first half of 2025 – the lowest level in more than a decade and nearly 34% below the 10-year average. Still, the detached segment accounted for the largest share of residential sales year-to-date, representing 45.2% of total activity. In Vancouver, the segment dropped to 27.3% of total sales – its lowest share in a decade.
Looking ahead
With interest rate cuts anticipated and more stable economic conditions expected in the second half of 2025, REMAX forecasts further recovery and potential price growth across many Canadian housing markets.
What are your thoughts on the recent findings? Share your insights in the comments below.
