Luxury units drive Montreal vacancy rate higher, but affordable rentals remain scarce: CMHC
AI Article Summary
The rental vacancy rate in Greater Montreal rose to 2.9% in 2025, driven by an increase in luxury unit availability. However, affordable rentals remain scarce with vacancy rates for cheaper units below $1,300 at 1.5%, highlighting continuing challenges for low and medium-income residents. Housing advocates are pushing for stronger rent control regulations, while landlords face difficulties renting out newer, high-end units. Slower population growth contributed to the overall increase in vacancy rates, according to CMHC.
What This Means for Canadian Contractors
For Canadian builders, this means opportunities may arise in constructing new affordable housing units, as there remains a significant demand for these. This project shows how builders might need to focus on price points that appeal to medium and low-income renters, possibly integrating prefab methods to reduce costs. Additionally, navigating government regulations and potential changes in rent policy could impact project timelines and funding opportunities in Quebec.
