St. John’s Real Estate Statistics (2026)

St. John’s is the largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador and has one of the most affordable provincial capital housing markets in Canada. Historically, the city has experienced slower house price growth than many other major urban centres in Canada, but recent years have seen increased demand, rising prices, and tighter housing supply. 

St John’s strong employment opportunities in energy, healthcare, education, and government services have helped support the region’s housing market. Combined with a limited housing supply and increased immigration, these factors have contributed to stronger housing market conditions and rising property prices in the region.

St. John’s Real Estate Statistics for Canadians

• The population of the St. John’s Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) was approximately 212,600 residents in the 2021 Census, while the City of St. John’s had around 110,525 residents. 
• The metropolitan area population grew by around 2.8% between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses. 
• In the 2021 Census, Newfoundland and Labrador had the highest homeownership rate in Canada at around 75.7%. 
• The average home in St John’s cost approximately $385,000 in early 2026. 
• Benchmark home prices in St. John’s increased by around 6-8% year-over-year in 2025 and early 2026. 
• Detached homes accounted for more than 70% of residential transactions. 
• Over 2,500 residential properties were sold across Newfoundland and Labrador in 2025. 
• For much of 2025, the number of homes available for sale remained below historical averages. 
• The average price for a detached home was around 420,000 in 2025, while it was around $290,000 for condominiums. 
• St. John’s has one of the most affordable provincial capital housing markets in Canada. 
• Average home prices in St John’s remain considerably below those in Halifax, Victoria, Toronto, and Vancouver. 

St. John’s Housing Market Overview

St. John’s is the economic and cultural centre of Newfoundland and Labrador, and it is the province’s largest housing market. The city is located on the eastern tip of Newfoundland, and it is the easternmost major city in North America. St. John’s is known for its colourful row houses, historic waterfront, rugged Atlantic coastline, and strong maritime heritage. 

According to the 2021 Canadian Census, the St. John’s Census Metropolitan Area had approximately 212,600 residents in 2021. More recent population estimates place the number closer to 225,000 residents, reflecting continued growth, which has been supported by a gradual economic recovery and immigration. While St. John’s population growth has been slower than in many fast-expanding Canadian cities, it has continued to support steady demand for homes. 

The local economy is influenced by public administration, offshore energy, healthcare, education, tourism, and professional services. Key employers in the region include the provincial government, educational organisations such as Memorial University, and healthcare institutions. 

St. John’s offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared with many other metropolitan areas in Canada, along with coastal recreation, access to nature, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. 

Compared with many Canadian cities, St. John’s has experienced more moderate house price growth, including during the housing boom of 2020-2022. As a result, it remains one of the most affordable urban housing markets in Canada. 

St. John’s House Prices

St. John’s has one of the most affordable provincial capital housing markets in Canada. In early 2026, the average residential property in St. John’s cost approximately $385,000. While prices in the city have increased steadily over the past several years, they are relatively affordable by national standards and well above the pre-pandemic levels. 

During 2025, the average prices by property type were approximately:

• Detached homes: $420,000
• Semi-detached homes: $335,000
• Townhouses: $310,000
• Condominiums: $290,000

Detached homes dominate the local housing market and account for the majority of residential transactions. Although property values have climbed steadily in St. John’s, increases have remained relatively moderate compared with many other Canadian markets. St. John’s remains one of the few provincial capitals where it is still possible to purchase a detached home for well under $500,000, which supports homeownership across a wider range of households. 

St. John’s Real Estate Sales

Sales activity in St. John’s strengthened significantly in 2024 and 2025. Housing demand increased as the supply of homes for purchase declined, and more buyers entered the housing market. Detached homes accounted for over 70% of residential transactions, reflecting St. John’s relatively affordable detached home prices and its suburban housing stock. 

The housing market in Newfoundland and Labrador recorded over 2,500 residential transactions in 2025, with the St. John’s region accounting for a substantial portion of the activity. Despite higher interest rates compared with several years ago, buyer demand in the city remained resilient thanks to relative affordability and a stable employment market. 

First-time buyers remain especially active in St. John’s because lower prices make homeownership more attainable than in many other major Canadian markets. As the city’s market conditions tightened, sensibly priced detached homes in sought-after neighbourhoods often attracted strong interest and sold reasonably quickly. 

Housing Supply in St. John’s

The number of homes available for sale has been increasingly important in shaping the market conditions in St. John’s. In recent years, active listings have declined substantially compared with the levels seen before the pandemic. This has created more competitive conditions and contributed to rising home prices. 

Although St. John’s still has more homes available for sale than many larger Canadian cities, the local housing supply has tightened considerably. New residential construction has increased, but much of the new housing has been absorbed by continued demand. 

Detached homes are less readily available than townhouses and condominiums, especially in desirable neighbourhoods, creating more competition between buyers. The combination of fewer available homes and steady demand has shifted St. John’s housing market more toward a seller’s market. 

St. John’s Condo Market Statistics

Condominiums still represent a relatively small segment of St. John’s housing market. Even though condominium prices have risen steadily over the past decade, they are still the most affordable homeownership option in the city. 

Here is how the prices of condominiums have changed over the last ten years. 

• 2015: approximately $215,000
• 2020: approximately $240,000
• 2025: approximately $290,000
• Early 2026: approximately $295,000

Demand for condominiums has increased in St. John’s as more buyers seek lower-maintenance housing and more affordable alternatives to townhouses and detached homes. Condominiums appeal to first-time buyers, retirees, downsizers, and investors alike and allow people with a wider range of household income to become homeowners. 

Homeownership in St. John’s

According to the 2021 Census, Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest homeownership rate in Canada at 75,5%, while the rate for St. John’s is 73%. This is considerably higher than the national average of 66.5%

While St. John’s homeownership rate equals that of Mississauga, it has a higher homeownership rate than  Hamilton (69%), Windsor (69%), Kitchener (68%), Saskatoon (This 68%), Regina (68%), the Greater Toronto Area (66%), Ottawa (66%), Halifax (65%), Metro Vancouver (62%), and Greater Montreal (54%).

Housing Affordability in St. John’s

Affordability of homes remains one of St. John’s greatest strengths. In early 2026, the average home cost approximately $385,000, making the city one of the most affordable urban housing markets in Canada.

For comparison, some of the average prices in Canada included: 

• Greater Vancouver: approximately $1.21 million
• Victoria: approximately $890,000
• Greater Toronto: approximately $839,100
• Ottawa: approximately $710,000
• Halifax: approximately $657,100
• Calgary: approximately $651,900
• Winnipeg: approximately $436,200
• Regina: approximately $358,100

Lower prices make it easier to qualify for mortgages and require lower down payments. This allows more people to enter the housing market, and even though prices have risen, St. John’s is one of the most affordable places in Canada to purchase a home. 

St. John’s Real Estate Forecast

Most real estate forecasts indicate that the housing market in St John’s will remain stable through 2026 and beyond. Although population growth is likely to be more moderate than in many larger cities, immigration and economic activity should continue to support demand for homes. 

The number of available homes is expected to stay below long-term historical averages, which will continue to support property values. Most analysts anticipate steady growth, not sharp increases, and the city’s comparatively affordable housing is expected to remain one of St. John’s advantages.