Halifax Real Estate Statistics (2026)

Halifax has become one of the fastest-growing and most competitive housing markets in Canada. As the economic centre of Atlantic Canada, Halifax has experienced significant population growth, strong immigration, and rising demand for homes over the past decade. 

While Halifax was once considered one of the more affordable urban housing markets in the country, rapid price growth since 2020 has transformed the city’s housing market. However, despite higher interest rates and increased housing supply, home prices in Halifax remain near record levels, supported by continued population growth and steady demand. 

Halifax Real Estate Statistics for Canadians

• According to the 2021 Census, the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) had a population of around 439,800 residents. 
• The population of Halifax grew by approximately 9.1% between 2016 and 2021, which was one of the fastest rates among major Canadian cities. 
• In April 2026, the average home cost around $657,100 in Halifax, while the Halifax–Dartmouth MLS® benchmark home price was approximately $570,900.
• Detached homes averaged approximately $703,500, townhouses around $548,700, and condominiums approximately $485,200 in April 2026. 
• Average home prices in April 2026 were around 8.9% higher than they were in April 2025. 
• Halifax’s housing market was considered balanced in April 2026. 
• Approximately 424 residential properties were sold in April 2026, which was nearly 17% fewer than the year before. 
• Halifax recorded over 5,600 housing starts in 2025, with around 81% consisting of purpose-built rental homes. 
• New home prices increased by just under 5% during 2025, which was the fastest rate among major metropolitan areas in Canada. 

Halifax Housing Market Overview

Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada’s largest urban centre. It is located on one of the largest natural harbours in the world and serves as the economic, cultural, and transportational hub for the Atlantic region. It is also an important centre for international trade and maritime industries. 

According to Statistics Canada, the Halifax Regional Municipality had around 439,800 residents in the 2021Census. The city’s population grew by approximately 9.1% between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, which was a considerably higher rate than the national average. More recent estimates place the population at roughly 510,000 residents, reflectingHalifax’s growing appeal among interprovincial movers, immigrants, national and international students, remote workers, and retirees. 

The local economy is supported by government services, education, healthcare, defence, shipping, finance, and tourism. Major employers in the area include the federal government, Nova Scotia Health, the Department of National Defence, and several universities. Halifax is widely regarded as one of the most desirable places to live in Canada. It offers a high quality of life, a vibrant waterfront, historic neighbourhoods, and easy access to parks, beaches, and the Atlantic coastline. 

Halifax House Prices

Over the past several years, Halifax has seen significant house price growth. The average home price in the region reached approximately $657,100 in April 2026, which represents an annual increase of 8.9%. 

The Halifax–Dartmouth MLS® benchmark home price, reflecting the value of a typical home, was in around $570,900 in April 2026, with benchmark prices increasing by arppoximately 1.6% year-over-year. This indicates more moderate home price growth in Halifax than suggested by average sale prices. 

In April 2026, the average prices by property type were approximately:

• Detached homes: $703,505
• Townhouses: $548,733
• Condominiums: $485,184

Although yearly price growth has moderated since the pandemic housing boom, home values in Halifax remain considerably higher than they were before 2020. The city’sstrong population growth, limited housing supply and sustained demand from buyers have continued to support property prices despite higher borrowing costs and a more balanced market. 

Halifax Real Estate Sales

Home sales activity in Halifax has moderated since the exceptionally strong market conditions seen during the pandemic years. In April 2026, the Halifax-Dartmouth area recorded approximately 424 residential sales, which was 16.7% lower than in April 2025. 

Despite lower transaction volumes, Halifax’s housing market activity has remained relatively healthy by historical standards. Buyer demand has continued, supported by strong population growth, even though higher interest rates and improved housing supply have slowed the pace of sales. 

The slowdown in transaction volumes reflects affordability challenges and changing market conditions instad of a lack of interest from prospective buyers. Detached homes continue to account for the largest share of sales in Halifax, while condominiums and townhouses remain popular among downsizers and first-time buyers. 

Housing Supply in Halifax

The number of available homes has increased significantly compared with the tight market conditions seen during 2021 and 2022. In April 2026, Halifax’s housing market had approximately 3.9 months of supply, meaning it was a balanced market. Historically, balanced market conditions are considered to exist when there are between three and five months of housing supply. 

The number of available homes for purchase has been supported by increased levels of residential construction. In 2025, Halifax recorded around 5,643 housing starts, which was among the highest annual totals recorded in the city’s history. Approximately 81% of the construction consisted of purpose-built rental housing. 

Despite Halifax’s strong construction activity, rapid population growth continues to absorb much of the additional homes entering the housing market. During the spring of 2026, the number of homes available for sale ranged between 968 and 1,426 properties, depending on the reporting period and property type. 

Halifax Condo Market Statistics

Condominiums have become an increasingly important part of the city’s housing market as rising prices of detached homes have encouraged more buyers to seek more affordable alternatives. In April 2026, the average condominium cost approximately $485,184 compared to $703,505 for a detached home. 

Condominium construction has expanded in Halifax in recent years, especially in Downtown Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, and other growing suburban neighbourhoods. Despite the increase in developments, demand remains strong among first-time buyers, students, retirees, and investors. 

Homeownership in Halifax

According to the 2021 Canadian Census, around 65% of Halifax’s households lived in owner-occupied homes, which was slightly less than the Canadian average of 66.5%. ‘

Halifax had a similar homeownership rate to the GTA (66%) and Ottawa (66%), but lower than Kitchener (68%), Hamilton (69%), Windsor (69%), and Mississauga (73%). Detached homes remained the dominant housing type in many suburban neighbourhoods, although rising prices have led more buyers to purchase townhouses and condominiums. 

Homeownership in Halifax is more common among older people and families. Homeownership rate also increases with household income and a more established immigration status. 

Halifax Housing Affordability

One of the biggest housing challenges in Halifax is the affordability of homes. In April 2026, the average home cost approximately $657,000, which has placed homeownership out of reach of many lower- and some middle-income households. 

However, Halifax still offers more affordable housing than, for example,Greater Vancouver ($1.21 million), Mississauga ($1.02 million), the GTA ($839,000), and Victoria ($890,000). However, homes in Halifax are more expensive than, for example, Calgary ($619,99), London ($619,000), Windsor ($565,000), and Saskatoon ($451,000). 

Although Halifax is still less expensive than some of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, home prices have increased faster than incomes over the last few years. The rental market also remains expensive, while vacancy rates have remained relatively low despite record levels of residential development. 

Halifax Real Estate Forecast

Most real estate forecasts suggest that Halifax’s housing market will remain balanced for the remainder of 2026 and beyond. RE/MAX projects that average prices will increase by approximately 3% in 2026, while sales activity is expected to increase by around 2%. 

CMHC forecasts relatively stable pricing with improved supply levels helping to moderate future price growth. However, ongoing population growth is expected to continue to support long-term demand. Many analysts expect that Halifax will avoid any sharp price declines thanks to demand driven by demographic growth.