The Laurentians continue to attract buyers and investors in 2026. This popular region north of Montreal combines an exceptional natural lifestyle, prices that remain accessible compared to the metropolis, and a growing real estate market. Whether you are looking for a primary residence, a vacation cottage, or a rental investment, the Laurentians offer opportunities for every buyer profile. Here is our complete analysis based on the latest QPAREB data.
Source: Data presented in this article comes from the March 2026 report of the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB/APCIQ).
1. Market Overview
The Laurentians real estate market shows robust health in 2026. The median residential property price has reached $445,000, representing a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This growth is driven by several converging factors that continue to make this region attractive.
Remote work, now firmly embedded in the habits of many Quebec workers, continues to drive demand for properties in the Laurentians. Families who work remotely two or three days a week find in this region an ideal compromise between quality of life and accessibility to Montreal. The commute on non-remote days is manageable, especially with ongoing highway improvements.
Transaction volume also increased by 12% in the first quarter of 2026, a sign that the market is active and buyers are regaining confidence. Average selling times sit around 55 days, slightly down from the 62 days observed in 2025, indicating a market that favours sellers but remains accessible to buyers.
2. Prices by Municipality
Prices vary considerably from one municipality to another in the Laurentians, depending on proximity to Montreal, tourist appeal, and the dominant property type. Here is an overview of median prices by municipality:
| Municipality | Median Price | Dominant Type |
|---|---|---|
| Saint-Jérôme | $385,000 | Permanent residential |
| Sainte-Thérèse | $425,000 | Permanent residential |
| Mirabel | $475,000 | Residential / Mixed |
| Blainville | $510,000 | Upscale residential |
| Saint-Sauveur | $520,000 | Vacation / Residential |
| Mont-Tremblant | $580,000 | Vacation / Tourist |
Saint-Jérôme remains the most affordable gateway to the region, with a median price of $385,000. The city benefits from direct highway access to Montreal (approximately 45 minutes) and a complete commercial infrastructure. Mirabel, rapidly expanding with new residential developments, is becoming an increasingly popular choice for young families seeking modern homes at competitive prices.
3. Cottage vs Permanent Residence
The Laurentians real estate market divides into two distinct segments that evolve differently:
Vacation property market (cottages): Concentrated around Saint-Sauveur, Mont-Tremblant, Sainte-Adèle, and Val-David, this segment saw a significant surge during the pandemic and maintains elevated prices. Properties with direct lake access or near ski resorts command premiums of 30 to 50% compared to similar properties without these features. The tourist rental market (short-term Airbnb-style rentals) also supports demand significantly.
Permanent residential market: Municipalities in the southern Laurentians (Saint-Jérôme, Sainte-Thérèse, Blainville, Mirabel) primarily serve as Montreal’s residential suburbs. Prices are more accessible and growth is more stable, driven by families seeking more space at a lower cost than in the metropolis.
2026 trend: More and more vacation properties are being converted into permanent residences thanks to remote work. This phenomenon contributes to improved services in more remote municipalities as year-round populations grow.
4. Comparison vs Montreal and Laval
To put Laurentians prices in perspective, here is a comparison with neighbouring regions:
| Region | Median Price | Gap vs Laurentians |
|---|---|---|
| Laurentians | $445,000 | — |
| Laval | $530,000 | +19% |
| Montreal | $560,000 | +26% |
The price gap between the Laurentians and Montreal is significant: $115,000 less in median price. For a family, this translates to a reduced down payment, lower mortgage payments, and access to more spacious properties. A 10,000 sq ft lot is common in the Laurentians, while nearly impossible to find on the island of Montreal. This space advantage is particularly appealing for families with children who want yards and room to grow.
Improving transportation infrastructure, including the potential extension of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) northward and Highway 15 improvements, helps reduce the feeling of remoteness. The daily commute to Montreal is becoming increasingly viable for hybrid workers who only need to be in the office two or three days per week.
Note: The median price comparison does not account for differences in property size and type. In the Laurentians, the $445,000 median provides access to a detached single-family home, whereas in Montreal, $560,000 often corresponds to a condo or semi-detached property.
5. 2026 Outlook
Several factors point to continued growth in the Laurentians real estate market throughout 2026:
Declining interest rates: The Bank of Canada has begun a rate-cutting cycle that improves buyer borrowing capacity. Each 0.25% drop in the key rate increases purchasing power by several thousand dollars, stimulating demand in peri-urban markets like the Laurentians.
Infrastructure development: Investments in public transit and the road network make the Laurentians increasingly accessible from Montreal. The proposed REM extension to the Lower Laurentians, if realized, could have a major impact on property values in the affected communities.
Sustained demand for open spaces: The hybrid remote work trend is here to stay. More and more families are prioritizing a lifestyle where nature and space are central to their daily lives — exactly what the Laurentians offer in abundance.
Rental investment potential: Tourism in the Laurentians generates strong seasonal rental demand. Investors who purchase a cottage can generate significant rental income during ski and summer seasons, improving the overall return on their investment and making ownership more affordable.
Forecast: According to QPAREB analysts, the Laurentians market is expected to see an additional 5 to 8% growth by the end of 2026, supported by the gradual decline in mortgage rates and growing demand for properties outside major urban centres.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the median property price in the Laurentians in 2026?
The median residential property price in the Laurentians is $445,000 in March 2026, up 7% from March 2025 according to QPAREB data.
What are the best municipalities to buy in the Laurentians?
Saint-Jérôme ($385,000) and Sainte-Thérèse ($425,000) offer the best entry-level prices. For vacation properties, Saint-Sauveur ($520,000) and Mont-Tremblant ($580,000) remain the most popular.
Are the Laurentians more affordable than Montreal?
Yes, the Laurentians median price ($445,000) is 21% lower than Montreal ($560,000) and 16% lower than Laval ($530,000), offering better value for space.
Is the cottage market different from the permanent residence market?
Yes, the vacation property market has higher prices and seasonal demand. Properties near ski resorts and lakes command a significant premium over permanent residences.
Do the Laurentians offer good real estate investment potential?
Yes, with 7% growth in 2026, a dynamic tourist rental market and ongoing infrastructure development, the Laurentians offer excellent medium-term appreciation potential.