A new industry outlook from PwC Canada and the Urban Land Institute suggests Canada’s real estate sector is undergoing structural shifts, with purpose-built rental and seniors housing among the most resilient asset classes going into 2026.
The Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2026 report notes that elevated interest rates, construction costs, and affordability pressures continue to affect condo markets in major urban centres, while long-term demographic trends support demand for rental and age-specific housing types.
The analysis also identifies growing emphasis on sustainability, cross-industry partnerships, and innovative financing structures as key themes shaping the year ahead.
The authors say developers and investors are adapting to slower traditional capital flows by exploring alternative financing and public-private partnerships, and scaling models like modular construction to accelerate supply.
To explore the full details, including insights from more than 200 interviews, city-by-city market intelligence, and top projections for what's to come in 2026, read the report here.
