Comparable Market Analysis (CMA)
Learn how a comparable market analysis (CMA) works in Canadian real estate and how it helps buyers and sellers determine property value.
June 06, 2025
What is a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA)?
A comparable market analysis (CMA) is a pricing report prepared by real estate professionals to estimate a property’s market value based on recent sales of similar homes.
Why Comparable Market Analysis Matters in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, CMAs are used by buyers, sellers, and agents to evaluate pricing and make competitive offers or listings.
A CMA typically includes:
- Sales of nearby properties with similar features
- Active listings and expired listings
- Price per square foot comparisons
- Adjustments for upgrades or deficiencies
While not a formal appraisal, a CMA provides insight into current market trends and helps avoid overpricing or underbidding.
Understanding CMAs is crucial for accurate home pricing, informed negotiation, and evaluating investment opportunities.
Example of Comparable Market Analysis in Action
Before listing her home, the seller’s agent conducts a CMA that compares five recently sold properties with similar size and condition.
Key Takeaways
- Estimates property value using similar sales
- Used for pricing, listing, and offers
- Prepared by licensed real estate agents
- Reflects current market trends
- Not the same as a formal appraisal
Related Terms
- Appraisal
- Fair Market Value
- Market Value
- Listing Price
- Sales-To-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR)


Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 






15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)

Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
The Mayfair West site and its surrounding context. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
