The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (SCHL) reported in September 2026 that the supply of housing in Montreal continues to fall short of the province's affordability objectives, and the shortfall has increased compared with previous assessments.
According to the agency, the gap between available units and the number needed to keep housing affordable for residents remains significant. The latest data indicate that the market is not keeping pace with demand, pushing the city further from its affordability benchmarks.
While the national picture shows overall housing affordability holding steady across Canada, the SCHL notes that major urban centres, including Montreal, still face persistent supply deficits. These gaps are identified as a key factor preventing the achievement of broader affordability goals set by federal and provincial authorities.
The agency's findings come amid ongoing discussions about housing policy in the province, with officials acknowledging that addressing the supply shortfall is essential to stabilising prices for renters and prospective homebuyers. SCHL's assessment underscores the need for targeted interventions to expand the stock of affordable units in the city.
Analysts point to the contrast between the relatively stable national affordability metrics and the challenges experienced in metropolitan areas. The SCHL emphasizes that without a substantial increase in housing construction and the conversion of existing properties to affordable units, Montreal's market is likely to remain misaligned with its affordability targets.
The report calls for coordinated efforts among municipal, provincial and federal stakeholders to close the supply gap. It also highlights the importance of monitoring future supply trends to gauge progress toward meeting the affordability goals set for the region.