Rent Café’s latest Canada Renter Interest Report cites affordability pressures, limited housing supply, and elevated home prices as the primary factors impacting renter households in 2025. While some rental markets experienced the usual late‑year slowdown, others saw intensified competition for available units.
Rent Café’s data shows that Moncton, NB, led the country as the most in‑demand rental market, holding the #1 position in the fourth quarter. Hamilton, ON, delivered the most dramatic shift of the season, jumping ten spots to reach #2, while Halifax slipped slightly to third place. Saskatoon and Regina rounded out the top five, reflecting a broader trend of renter interest spreading beyond Canada’s largest metropolitan areas.
Across the top 10 markets, demand was distributed almost evenly between large and mid‑sized cities rather than concentrated in a single province. This shift highlights how affordability and availability are increasingly shaping renter behaviour.
Moncton’s appeal
Moncton outperformed much larger markets thanks to strong engagement across several indicators. Page views on the platform rose sharply year‑over‑year, availability declined as renters moved quickly to secure units, and both saved searches and favourited listings remained steady. Together, these trends point to a market where interest is not only high but consistent.
Moncton’s draw extends beyond local renters. Significant interest continues to come from Halifax, Montréal, and Toronto, suggesting that the city’s affordability and quality of life remain powerful attractors.
Mixed performance in larger markets
Canada’s large rental markets showed mixed performance as the year came to a close. While Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Edmonton, and Calgary remained among the most searched cities, their engagement patterns varied.
Vancouver posted one of the strongest gains, climbing to #7 nationally. A sharp drop in available units suggests renters were acting faster, even as page views and saved searches declined. Edmonton held a top‑10 position but saw softer engagement, with fewer page views and favourited listings toward year‑end.
Toronto improved slightly in the rankings, landing at #12, though overall engagement fell compared to last year. Calgary, meanwhile, dropped out of the top 10 entirely, sliding to #15 as renter activity cooled. Montréal saw the steepest slowdown among major cities, ranking #24 after significant declines in browsing and listing interactions.
Mid‑sized cities gained ground
Several smaller and mid‑sized cities outperformed expectations, attracting more renter interest than their population size might suggest. These markets continue to appeal to renters seeking affordability, availability, and lifestyle advantages.
Saskatoon climbed to #4 nationally, supported by strong intent among active apartment‑seekers. Victoria rose to #6 as engagement increased across key indicators, reinforcing its reputation as one of western Canada’s most desirable smaller markets. Ottawa also edged upward, maintaining steady interest despite softer browsing activity.
Hamilton, however, was the standout story of the quarter. The city surged ten positions to reach #2, driven by a dramatic increase in favourited listings, rising page views, and a sharp jump in saved searches. Its strong performance reflects growing interest from renters looking for alternatives to Toronto’s high‑cost market.
For the full report, click here: Canada Renter Interest Report: Moncton is #1 in Q4 2025
