2026 Housing Market Reset

What Westport & Surrounding Areas Can Expect

Introduction: A Market Reset on the Horizon

The Canadian housing market has experienced significant turbulence throughout 2025, but according to Royal LePage’s latest 2026 Market Survey Forecast, a crucial reset is poised to occur this year. This forecast brings both clarity and opportunity for our beautiful communities of Westport, Rideau Lakes, Frontenac County, and Lanark & Grenville.
As local real estate experts who have served these regions for years, we’re here to break down what these national trends mean for our specific area’s unique waterfront and cottage country markets.

National Forecast: The Big Picture

Royal LePage’s comprehensive analysis reveals several key national trends that will shape the 2026 housing landscape:

Price Projections

• National aggregate home prices are expected to increase by 1% to approximately $823,016 by Q4 2026
• Single-family detached homes are forecasted to rise by 2%
• Condominium prices may see a decrease of about 2.5%

Market Activity

• Increased sales activity is anticipated as improved affordability gradually draws buyers back into the market
• A more balanced market environment is expected to emerge, reducing the extreme seller’s market conditions of recent years

Local Implications for Westport & Surrounding Areas

Our region’s unique characteristics, particularly our coveted waterfront properties and cottage country appeal, mean these national trends will play out differently here than in urban centres.

For Buyers: New Opportunities Emerging

• More Balanced Conditions: The frantic competition of recent years should ease, giving buyers more time to make informed decisions
• Improved Selection: With more properties expected to come to market, buyers will have better options to choose from
• Stabilized Affordability: While waterfront properties remain premium investments, price stabilization makes them more accessible
• Strategic Timing: 2026 presents an excellent window for securing waterfront properties before potential future appreciation

For Sellers: Strategic Positioning Required

• Modest Appreciation: While not the explosive growth of previous years, steady price increases are still anticipated
• Increased Buyer Interest: More buyers entering the market means better exposure for well-priced properties
• Waterfront Premium: Properties on Crosby Lake, Rideau Lakes, and other waterfront locations continue to command premium prices
• Professional Guidance: Strategic pricing and marketing become even more crucial in a resetting market

Why 2026 Is a “Reset” Year

After the economic and political shifts of 2025, 2026 represents a return to stability for the housing market. Several factors contribute to this reset:

• Increased housing supply gradually coming to market
• Lower borrowing costs making mortgages more accessible
• Easing competition as market psychology shifts
• Return of sidelined buyers who have been waiting for better conditions

For our region specifically, this reset means a return to more sustainable market conditions that benefit both buyers seeking their dream waterfront property and sellers looking to make strategic moves.

Price Reduction Opportunity: 372 Murphy Road #100, Crosby Lake

MLS® #: X12366467 | Price: $679,000

We’re pleased to announce a price reduction on this stunning Crosby Lake waterfront property. This beautiful ‘turnkey’ cottage has been well maintained and is now ready for a new family to enjoy the quintessential lakefront lifestyle.