Explore how this price segment varies regionally from coast to coast.
10 years ago in 2014, when the average national house price was roughly $413,000*. When comparing the real estate markets of various cities, regions, and provinces across Canada, a home with a price tag of $1 million can differ greatly. As the nation’s supply deficit persists and buyers struggle with affordability, there remains a vast variation in the definition of a $1-million home across major markets.
Fast forward to today, ten years later in 2024, and the real estate landscape has evolved significantly. Despite a major slowdown in activity and only modest property price growth, the average home in Canada valued between $950,000 and $1,050,000 in December of 2023 had 3.2 bedrooms, 2.1 bathrooms, and 1,760 square feet of living space, inclusive of all property types.
Nationally, Canada’s major housing markets with a budget of $1 million in real estate market remains largely unchanged year over year as a result of a major slowdown in activity and only modest property price growth. By comparison, in December of 2022, a home worth approximately $1 million had, on average, 3.2 bedrooms, 2.6 bathrooms, and 1,763 square feet of space.
“Depending on the market that you are shopping in, a $1-million home can mean something very different. In Calgary, a budget of $1 million is considered the move-up price point for existing homeowners. In Vancouver, the same amount is often the starting point for entry-level buyers,”
- Karen Yolevski, COO, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.
“Years ago, a $1-million budget could buy a generous amount of square footage and access to sought-after neighbourhoods in almost any market. Over time, however, we have watched the purchasing power of $1 million vary more widely between cities. These days, this budget can buy a luxurious detached home in one location, or a two-bedroom condominium in another.”
There is a significant disparity in how much purchasing power a budget of $1 million offers in different regions across Canada. Buyers in major urban centers often need to compromise more on the type of home they can purchase, even with a budget exceeding one million dollars, unlike those shopping in smaller, more budget-friendly areas.
According to a recent Royal LePage survey conducted by Leger 1:
Two-thirds of Canadians (64%) believe that $1 million in today’s real estate market is a reasonable budget to afford a home that meets their household’s needs.
This includes 22% who say $1 million is ‘adequate’
another 41% who say it is ‘more than enough’ to afford a home that meets their household’s needs in their current city or region.
Meanwhile, 22% say it is ‘not enough’ to afford a house with the budget of $1 Million.
“Many buyers are expected to come off the sidelines this year as interest rates begin to come down. This increased activity will undoubtedly put upward pressure on property prices, perpetuating affordability challenges even as monthly carrying costs are reduced,” added Yolevski.
“Without a significant increase in supply, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the standard for a $1-million property will continue to evolve away from large homes.”
Here are a few highlights from the Royal LePage 2024 Million-Dollar Properties Report:
Edmonton boasts highest average square footage of all regions in the report (2,675 sq. ft.), while Vancouver records lowest (900 sq. ft.) in the $1-million category
Cities and greater regions of Toronto and Vancouver rank below national average in square footage for $1-million properties, while the Greater Montreal Area boasts an average home size of 466 square feet larger than the national average
Winnipeg and Halifax record largest average home size in $2-million category at almost 4,000 square feet
With the current market conditions, it leads us to no surprise that for buyers shopping in the $2-million range, a larger budget buys significantly more space. The average home in Canada valued between $1,950,000 and $2,050,000 in December of 2023 boasted 3.7 bedrooms, 2.6 bathrooms, and 2,501 square feet of living space, inclusive of all property types.
If you're looking to navigate these changes or have questions about real estate, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Royal LePage Estate Realty in Toronto, Ontario, where "Helping You Is What We Do™."
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Written by Michelle McNally - Communications Managers, Royal LePage
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