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Written By
Corinna Frattini
Jan 22, 2026
•Pre-Arrival
Canada’s rental market in 2026 is showing signs of easing, but affordability remains a challenge for newcomers. According to the CMHC 2025 Rental Market Report, vacancy rates rose, rent growth slowed, and landlords offered more incentives. For newcomers to Canada, rental market information can help you decide where to live, help you budget for rent, and improve your chances of securing housing. Explore the rental market in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and other major Canadian cities, including trends, vacancy rates, and regional differences.
Whether you’re arriving soon or preparing in advance, knowing how the rental market is evolving can help you. Discover what’s in store for the 2026 rental market so you can set realistic expectations and plan an effective housing search.
| METRIC | VALUE | NOTE FOR NEWCOMERS |
|---|---|---|
| National vacancy rate (purpose-built rentals) | 3.1% (up from 2.2% in 2024) | More listings = more choice |
| Average 2-bedroom rent (purpose-built) | $1,550/month (+5.1% Year-over-year) | Budget accordingly |
| Average 2-bedroom rent (condo rentals) | $2,305/month | Higher cost for condos |
| Rent for new tenants | Declined in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Halifax | Incentives improve negotiating power and can lower your rent |
Why it matters: Higher vacancy rates mean more choice, more listings, and better negotiating power, even if overall rents remain high.
What’s happening: A surge in new rental and condo completions, combined with fewer international students, pushed vacancy rates up. Many landlords now offer incentives like free rent or move-in bonuses.
Newcomer solution: Focus on older purpose-built buildings, look for listings with incentives, and negotiate lease terms outside peak rental months.
What’s happening: Competition from condo rentals and slower population growth eased demand. Rent growth slowed most for studios and 1-bedroom units.
Newcomer solution: Explore transit-friendly suburbs and pick purpose-built apartments over condos, and compare listings before signing a lease.
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GET FREE GUIDEWhat’s happening: Rent growth (~3.4% year-over-year) mainly comes from units turning over to new tenants, a trend seen in many Canadian cities.
Newcomer solution: Look in transit-connected suburbs, choose purpose-built apartments over condos, and move when new units start leasing. For more guidance on where to live, see our best Ottawa neighbourhoods for newcomers guide.
What’s happening: Large volumes of new rental housing supply came online. Landlords offered incentives to prevent vacancies from rising.
Newcomer solution: Calgary offers affordable housing options; compare multiple listings, negotiate with landlords and explore our best Calgary neighbourhoods for Newcomers to discover renter-friendly areas.
What’s happening: Steady rental construction kept the market balanced despite population growth.
Newcomer solution: Edmonton offers good value for newcomers; look for newer purpose-built rentals with competitive pricing. Check out our guide to the Best Edmonton Neighbourhoods for Newcomers to find areas that suit your lifestyle and budget.
What’s happening: New supply slightly increased vacancies, but rents continue to rise, especially for long-term tenants.
Newcomer solution: Budget carefully, apply early, and be prepared with complete rental documents.
Changes to Canada’s immigration levels, study permits, and work permits sharply reduced rental demand, especially in Ontario and British Columbia.
Slower hiring and higher youth unemployment limited new household formation, especially in Ontario and British Columbia. Up-to-date labour market data is available through Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey.
Condo owners in Toronto and Vancouver rental markets shifted units to rentals, increasing competition for purpose-built apartments. Near-record growth of rental units also points to continued supply growth in the rental market in Canada in 2026.
Rent growth has slowed, and new-tenant rents fell in some cities, but overall rents remain high.
Edmonton and Calgary generally have lower rents and higher vacancy rates than Toronto or Vancouver. Read more about rental affordability in Canada and how to balance housing costs with location, household needs, and long-term stability.
Yes. Many offer free rent, reduced deposits, or move-in bonuses to attract tenants.
Waiting is not always necessary; focus on timing moves with new-unit availability and have your documents ready.
🏠 Find rentals that fit your budget and household needs. Explore Rentals for Newcomers to see options across Canada!
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor and Content Director, Prepare for Canada
Corinna researches and writes content to help newcomers make informed decisions about housing, employment, banking, and aspects of settling in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada. Her writing combines research, practical guidance, and clear language to support newcomers on their journey.
© Prepare for Canada 2026
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