If you’re tracking the local housing market, you’ve likely felt the heat. A new report from RE/MAX Canada confirms it, naming Saint John one of the country’s hottest real estate markets for 2025.

The report highlights a significant 10.5% year-over-year increase in average home sale prices in Saint John as of August. This surge places our city among a select group of high-demand locations, outpacing many of Canada’s traditionally dominant urban centers.

What Makes a Real Estate Market ‘Hot’?

A ‘hot’ market isn’t just about high prices. According to the RE/MAX report, it’s a combination of several key indicators. These include low housing supply compared to high buyer demand, frequent multiple-offer situations on properties, homes selling faster than average, and consistent increases in property values. The report identifies several national trends fueling these conditions, such as population shifts to more affordable regions, the continued flexibility of remote work, and changing demographics.

Image Source: RE/MAX Canada

Atlantic Canada Leads the Way

Our region is getting significant national attention. Besides Saint John’s impressive 10.5% price jump, Fredericton also saw a 6.2% increase. The report notes that Newfoundland and Labrador are currently leading the country in annual home price increases, with St. John’s attracting new residents with its unique lifestyle and accessibility.

This trend shows that buyers and investors are increasingly looking to the East Coast for value and opportunity, moving away from overheated markets like Toronto and Vancouver.

Where Else is Booming in Canada?

While Atlantic Canada is a standout, other regions are also experiencing strong market activity. Here’s a quick look at other hot spots identified in the report:

• The Prairies: Cities like Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, and Winnipeg are showing strong sales and rising home values, driven by economic stability and affordability.
• Quebec: Montreal and Quebec City continue to attract buyers with their unique culture, lower cost of living, and strong price growth.
• Ontario: While major centers cool, markets in Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and Northern Ontario communities like Thunder Bay are gaining momentum.

For those in the Saint John market, this report confirms that our city is a dynamic and attractive place to invest in real estate. Whether you are looking to buy your first home, sell your current one, or invest in property, understanding these trends is essential. An experienced local real estate agent can provide the specific insights you need to navigate this competitive market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Saint John considered a hot real estate market?

According to a report from RE/MAX Canada, Saint John is a hot market due to a 10.5% year-over-year increase in average home prices and strong buyer demand that exceeds the current housing supply.

What other cities in Atlantic Canada are experiencing a hot market?

The report also highlights Fredericton, New Brunswick, and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, as hot markets. St. John’s, in particular, has seen the highest annual increase in home prices in the country.

What factors are driving these hot real estate markets?

Key factors include population migration to more affordable areas, increased remote work flexibility, economic diversification, demographic shifts, and strategic investor behavior.

Are Toronto and Vancouver still the hottest markets in Canada?

The report indicates a shift away from traditionally dominant markets like Toronto and Vancouver. While still significant, the ‘hottest’ markets are now emerging in more affordable regions across the country, including Atlantic Canada and the Prairies.