West Island Real Estate Market Report: Year-to-Date July 2026 Breakdown & Bank of Canada Rate Decision Impact

Presented by Pearl Kezele & Jason Fitzpatrick — Montreal West Island Real Estate Brokers, Team Kezele & Fitzpatrick (Royal LePage Village)

Welcome to our comprehensive real estate market update for the West Island of Montreal. As leading Montreal West Island real estate brokers, Pearl Kezele and Jason Fitzpatrick analyze key Centris® statistics for January through July 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, while examining how the Bank of Canada's September rate decision, Statistics Canada economic data, and BNN Bloomberg market insights impact local home buyers and sellers.

Macroeconomic Context: Bank of Canada Rate Hold, Statistics Canada & Market Impact
1. Bank of Canada Policy Rate Announcement (Held at 2.25%)
Policy Decision: On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the Bank of Canada kept its benchmark policy rate unchanged at 2.25%, leaving the Bank Rate at 2.50% and the deposit rate at 2.20%.
Mortgage & Prime Rates: Prime rates across commercial banks are expected to stay at 4.45%, keeping variable mortgage rates and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) unchanged.

Inflation & Risks: Headline inflation hovered around 3% in July due to elevated gasoline prices, while inflation excluding gasoline stood at 2.2% and core measures remained near 2%. The Bank cited potential risks from sustained energy costs, U.S. tariffs, and Canadian counter-tariffs.

Next Announcement: Scheduled for October 28, 2026, alongside an updated Monetary Policy Report.

2. Economic Indicators & Housing Demand (Statistics Canada) Q2 GDP Growth: Statistics Canada reported that Canada’s economy strengthened broadly in Q2, posting an annualized GDP growth rate of 3.3%.
Demand Drivers: Growth was supported by increased consumer spending, rising exports, strong business investment, and a rebound in residential housing activity.

3. West Island Market Outlook (BNN Bloomberg & Centris® Analysis)
Borrowing Cost Certainty: According to market commentary highlighted by BNN Bloomberg, the central bank’s rate hold offers interest rate predictability for buyers entering the autumn market.

Local Real Estate Momentum: Supported by broader economic resilience, West Island single-family home median prices remain firm across core neighborhoods.Executive Overview
Across West Island municipalities, the first seven months of 2026 demonstrated clear localized trends:

Pointe-Claire and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue led in overall dollar volume gains, driven by steady single-family and condo demand.

Beaconsfield and Kirkland saw moderate volume adjustments, while single-family median prices gained ground or held steady.

Baie-d'Urfé and Senneville maintained their status as premier residential enclaves.

1. Baie-d'Urfé
Municipality Overview
Total Sales Volume (2026 vs 2025): $34,552,250 vs. $44,836,258 (-23%)
Total Transactions: 28 vs. 33 (-15%)
New Listings: 82 vs. 66 (+24%)
Active Listings: 42 vs. 31 (+35%)
Average Days on Market (DOM): 56 days vs. 71 days (-21%)
Single-Family Home Median Price: $1,130,000 (0% change vs. 2025)
Single-Family Home Average Price: $1,287,154 vs. $1,453,625 (-11%)
Sale-to-List Price Ratio (Single Family): 99% vs. 98%

Sub-Area Breakdown
East Area
Total Sales Volume: $21,028,000 (16 sales) vs. $29,371,000 (19 sales)
New / Active Listings: 46 new / 25 active vs. 35 new / 17 active
Single-Family Average Price: $1,314,250 vs. $1,545,842
Single-Family Median Price: $1,175,750 vs. $1,235,000
Average DOM (Single Family): 63 days vs. 80 days

West Area
Total Sales Volume: $13,524,250 (12 sales) vs. $15,465,258 (14 sales)
New / Active Listings: 36 new / 17 active vs. 31 new / 14 active
Single-Family Average Price: $1,243,800 vs. $1,294,342
Single-Family Median Price: $1,090,000 vs. $900,000 (+21%)
Average DOM (Single Family): 31 days vs. 70 days

2. Beaconsfield
Municipality Overview
Total Sales Volume: $138,080,043 vs. $174,491,534 (-21%)
Total Transactions: 129 vs. 164 (-21%)
New Listings: 298 vs. 341 (-13%)
Active Listings: 120 vs. 120 (0%)
Average DOM: 43 days vs. 40 days (+8%)
Single-Family Home Median Price: $994,500 vs. $941,000 (+5.7%)
Single-Family Home Average Price: $1,133,943 vs. $1,103,349 (+2.8%)
Sale-to-List Price Ratio (Single Family): 97% vs. 98%

Sub-Area Breakdown
Beacon Hill (North East)
Total Sales Volume: $14,281,243 (18 sales) vs. $23,714,900 (30 sales)
Single-Family Median Price: $935,000 vs. $900,000 (+3.9%)
Single-Family Average Price: $965,113 vs. $912,571
Average DOM (Single Family): 31 days vs. 28 days

Beaurepaire (South West)
Total Sales Volume: $21,618,000 (17 sales) vs. $32,975,172 (29 sales)
Single-Family Median Price: $1,110,000 vs. $890,000 (+24.7%)
Single-Family Average Price: $1,271,647 vs. $1,137,075
Average DOM (Single Family): 78 days vs. 69 daysCentral South Area
Total Sales Volume: $25,916,300 (21 sales) vs. $36,766,350 (28 sales)
Single-Family Median Price: $1,100,000 vs. $1,175,000 (-6.4%)
Single-Family Average Price: $1,305,753 vs. $1,319,124
Average DOM (Single Family): 38 days vs. 43 days

Forest Gardens (Central North)
Total Sales Volume: $15,439,000 (18 sales) vs. $13,858,500 (17 sales) (+11.4%)
Single-Family Median Price: $820,500 vs. $780,000 (+5.2%)
Single-Family Average Price: $857,722 vs. $815,206
Average DOM (Single Family): 38 days vs. 36 daysSherwood (North West)
Total Sales Volume: $48,989,500 (44 sales) vs. $44,465,574 (39 sales) (+10.2%)
Single-Family Median Price: $1,146,250 vs. $1,150,000 (-0.3%)
Single-Family Average Price: $1,182,921 vs. $1,168,799
Average DOM (Single Family): 36 days vs. 29 days

South East Area
Total Sales Volume: $11,836,000 (11 sales) vs. $22,711,038 (21 sales)
Single-Family Median Price: $985,000 vs. $860,500 (+14.5%)
Single-Family Average Price: $1,076,000 vs. $1,087,302
Average DOM (Single Family): 51 days vs. 26 days

3. Kirkland
Municipality Overview
Total Sales Volume: $123,329,696 vs. $133,344,765 (-7.5%)
Total Transactions: 129 vs. 144 (-10.4%)
New Listings: 247 vs. 265 (-6.8%)
Active Listings: 92 vs. 93 (-1.1%)
Average DOM: 44 days vs. 40 days (+10%)
Single-Family Home Median Price: $952,000 vs. $906,625 (+5.0%)
Single-Family Home Average Price: $1,004,465 vs. $1,002,869 (+0.2%)
Sale-to-List Price Ratio (Single Family): 97% vs. 98%

Sub-Area Breakdown
North East Area
Total Sales Volume: $28,010,000 (24 sales) vs. $33,313,500 (29 sales)
Single-Family Median Price: $1,175,000 vs. $1,152,000 (+2.0%)
Single-Family Average Price: $1,187,304 vs. $1,148,741
Average DOM (Single Family): 68 days vs. 46 days

North West Area
Total Sales Volume: $35,861,000 (38 sales) vs. $43,337,997 (45 sales)
Single-Family Median Price: $900,000 vs. $850,000 (+5.9%)
Single-Family Average Price: $964,757 vs. $963,067
Average DOM (Single Family): 34 days vs. 38 days

South East Area
Total Sales Volume: $21,535,797 (24 sales) vs. $21,401,276 (27 sales)
Single-Family Median Price: $929,000 vs. $871,000 (+6.7%)
Single-Family Average Price: $936,911 vs. $933,774
Average DOM (Single Family): 22 days vs. 28 days

South West Area
Total Sales Volume: $19,870,499 (25 sales) vs. $18,555,492 (26 sales) (+7.1%)
Single-Family Median Price: $922,750 vs. $859,999 (+7.3%)
Single-Family Average Price: $928,094 vs. $953,199
Average DOM (Single Family): 61 days vs. 43 days

Timberlea Area
Total Sales Volume: $18,052,400 (18 sales) vs. $16,736,500 (17 sales) (+7.9%)
Single-Family Median Price: $987,500 vs. $999,500 (-1.2%)
Single-Family Average Price: $1,002,911 vs. $984,500
Average DOM (Single Family): 38 days vs. 36 days

4. Pointe-Claire
Municipality Overview
Total Sales Volume: $198,262,885 vs. $178,433,253 (+11.1%)
Total Transactions: 228 vs. 234 (-2.6%)
New Listings: 463 vs. 432 (+7.2%)
Active Listings: 209 vs. 161 (+29.8%)
Average DOM: 50 days vs. 41 days (+22.0%)
Single-Family Home Median Price: $749,000 vs. $742,500 (+0.9%)
Single-Family Home Average Price: $885,104 vs. $829,939 (+6.6%)
Condo Median Price: $595,000 vs. $540,000 (+10.2%)
Condo Average Price: $700,750 vs. $594,530 (+17.9%)

Sub-Area Breakdown
Central East Area
Total Sales Volume: $70,228,538 (90 sales) vs. $79,345,697 (107 sales)
Single-Family Median Price: $710,000 vs. $710,000 (0.0%)
Single-Family Average Price: $748,098 vs. $818,143
Average DOM (Single Family): 47 days vs. 34 days

Central West Area
Total Sales Volume: $33,841,021 (47 sales) vs. $34,886,700 (46 sales)
Single-Family Median Price: $750,000 vs. $705,000 (+6.4%)
Single-Family Average Price: $770,112 vs. $799,120
Average DOM (Single Family): 36 days vs. 23 days

North Area
Total Sales Volume: $18,120,800 (18 sales) vs. $14,755,700 (24 sales) (+22.8%)
Single-Family Median Price: $900,000 vs. $635,000 (+41.7%)
Single-Family Average Price: $862,811 vs. $652,094
Average DOM (Single Family): 37 days vs. 44 daysSouth East Area
Total Sales Volume: $46,164,999 (49 sales) vs. $27,215,200 (33 sales) (+69.6%)
Single-Family Median Price: $765,000 vs. $891,850 (-14.2%)
Single-Family Average Price: $1,071,680 vs. $930,344
Average DOM (Single Family): 61 days vs. 23 days

South West Area
Total Sales Volume: $29,907,527 (24 sales) vs. $22,229,956 (24 sales) (+34.5%)
Single-Family Median Price: $995,527 vs. $793,000 (+25.5%)
Single-Family Average Price: $1,270,549 vs. $957,725
Average DOM (Single Family): 57 days vs. 35 days

5. Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
Municipality Overview
Total Sales Volume: $32,736,051 vs. $21,641,900 (+51.3%)
Total Transactions: 42 vs. 29 (+44.8%)
New Listings: 119 vs. 90 (+32.2%)
Active Listings: 57 vs. 48 (+18.8%)
Average DOM: 40 days vs. 88 days (-54.5%)
Single-Family Home Median Price: $780,000 vs. $567,500 (+37.4%)
Single-Family Home Average Price: $752,341 vs. $631,992 (+19.0%)
Sale-to-List Price Ratio (Single Family): 99% vs. 99%

Sub-Area Breakdown
North Area
Total Sales Volume: $21,444,900 (26 sales) vs. $7,290,000 (9 sales) (+194.2%)
Single-Family Median Price: $790,000 vs. $695,000 (+13.7%)
Single-Family Average Price: $811,268 vs. $723,000
Average DOM (Single Family): 36 days vs. 50 days

South Area
Total Sales Volume: $11,291,151 (16 sales) vs. $14,351,900 (20 sales)
Single-Family Median Price: $529,000 vs. $524,000 (+1.0%)
Single-Family Average Price: $567,143 vs. $586,488
Average DOM (Single Family): 24 days vs. 42 days6. Senneville
Municipality Overview
Total Sales Volume: $3,950,000 vs. $9,450,950 (-58.2%)
Total Transactions: 3 vs. 7 (-57.1%)
New Listings: 16 vs. 29 (-44.8%)
Active Listings: 19 vs. 28 (-32.1%)
Average DOM: 72 days vs. 100 days (-28.0%)
Single-Family Home Median Price: $875,000 vs. $1,347,500 (-35.1%)
Single-Family Home Average Price: $1,316,667 vs. $1,515,000 (-13.1%)
Sale-to-List Price Ratio (Single Family): 98% vs. 96%

(Note: In smaller luxury enclaves like Senneville, limited sample sizes can create noticeable percentage shifts year over year).


Strategic Takeaways for West Island Buyers & Sellers

Rate Stability Boosts Buyer Confidence: The Bank of Canada’s decision to hold its policy rate at 2.25% provides mortgage stability for home buyers evaluating fixed and variable options.

Resilient Property Values: Single-family median prices across core West Island sectors posted year-over-year gains, highlighting the long-term value of local real estate.

Strategic Pricing & Marketing: Proper listing strategy remains essential. Properties priced accurately continue to see strong engagement and quick absorption.

Looking to buy or sell with experienced Montreal West Island real estate brokers? Reach out to Pearl Kezele & Jason Fitzpatrick at Royal LePage Village today for a custom home valuation or strategic consultation!


#MontrealWestIslandRealEstateBrokers #TeamKezeleFitzpatrick #PearlKezele #JasonFitzpatrick #RoyalLePageVillage #WestIsland #WestIslandMontreal #BeaconsfieldQC #PointeClaire #KirklandQC #BaiedUrfe #SainteAnnedeBellevue #Senneville #MontrealRealEstate #WestIslandHousingMarket #Centris #BankOfCanada #InterestRates #MortgageRates #MontrealRealtor #RealEstateMarketReport

 

Why Waiting for "Perfect" Rates Could Cost You Thousands: A West Island Real Estate Reality Check

West Island Montreal Real Estate, Pearl Kezele and Jason Fitzpatrick, Centris Real Estate Statistics, Mortgage Broker Financing, Buy Now Refinance Later, Montreal Housing Market Trends

A common sentiment currently circulating among prospective buyers across the West Island is a desire to wait for interest rates to drop further before entering the market. While waiting on the sidelines seems prudent on paper, real-world housing market data tells a very different story.

Interest rates were at historical highs of 18% back in 1981, yet buyers who acquired property during that era built substantial long-term wealth over time. Today, borrowing costs are significantly more manageable, making waiting on the sidelines a costly gamble. The smartest real estate strategy remains entering the market to secure the property now, and leveraging flexible financing options to lower your rate down the line.

1. Market Data: The Cost of Waiting

Delaying a home purchase in hopes of catching a lower interest rate often leads buyers directly into higher purchase prices:

Centris Statistics: Recent data from the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB) shows that despite fluctuating transaction volumes, prices remain resilient. The median price for a single-family home in Greater Montreal reached $649,000—a 4.0% year-over-year increase—while multi-unit plexes rose 6.1% to $880,000.

BNN Bloomberg & CREA Reports: National indicators confirm that sales activity and prices are stabilizing as inventory normalizes. As borrowing costs level out, sidelined demand continues to return to the market, tightening supply.

Statistics Canada Insights: Steady population growth combined with long-term housing supply limits continues to put upward pressure on Montreal real estate values.

When interest rates drop, buyer competition spikes, multiple-offer scenarios return, and home prices climb—effectively eroding any monthly savings gained from a slightly lower rate.

2. Why Working with a Dedicated Mortgage Broker is Essential

Navigating financing in today’s landscape requires more than just calling your local bank branch. Partnering with a skilled mortgage broker gives buyers a distinct strategic advantage:

Lender Access: While a standard bank branch only provides access to its own single institutional product suite, a dedicated mortgage broker taps into dozens of monoline and alternative lenders to find the right fit.

Rate Flexibility: Traditional bank branches typically offer standard posted or discretionary rates, whereas a mortgage broker provides wholesale access along with custom rate-buydown options.

Pre-Approval Precision: Standard bank pre-approvals rely on basic stress-test calculations, while a mortgage broker designs tailored structures featuring options for variable, short-term fixed, or built-in pre-payment perks.

Refinancing Strategy: Bank branches focus primarily on your initial sign-up, whereas a dedicated broker provides built-in market monitoring to help you seamlessly refinance the moment rates adjust downward.

A dedicated broker structures your financing so you can acquire the property today and optimize your payments as the market shifts.

3. Date the Rate, Marry the Home

Housing builds equity over time. The buyers who purchased homes decades ago during historical high-rate environments built substantial wealth simply because they entered the market and let appreciation work for them over time.

Instead of trying to time the bottom of interest rate cycles, focus on finding the right property in prime West Island neighborhoods like Beaconsfield, Baie-D'Urfé, Kirkland, or Pointe-Claire.

Ready to explore your options in the West Island market?

Contact Pearl Kezele & Jason Fitzpatrick today for personalized market insights and trusted real estate guidance.

For my opinions on the local real estate market and lots of helpful tips for home buyers and sellers, please visit my blog. I value your feedback and your input, so please feel free to comment on my blog posts.

Designing for ROI & Daily Life: The Ultimate Kitchen Renovation Blueprint for West Island Homeowners

Designing for ROI & Daily Life: The Ultimate Kitchen Renovation Blueprint for West Island Homeowners

Whether you are looking to boost your property value in Beaconsfield, Pointe-Claire, Kirkland, or Dollard-des-Ormeaux or simply want to upgrade your home’s central hub, a kitchen renovation is one of the most rewarding investments a homeowner can make.

As West Island real estate brokers, we regularly see how a thoughtfully designed, properly proportioned kitchen can dramatically elevate both your daily lifestyle and your home’s future resale value.

Today, we are breaking down the blueprint to a successful renovation—using precise spatial planning, modern functional trends, and strategic investment tips to help you build a kitchen you’ll love living in (and buyers will fall in love with later!).

1. Get the Blueprint Right: Standard Dimensions That Matter

A beautiful kitchen fails if it isn't functional. Getting clearances and standard dimensions right guarantees smooth traffic flow, easy cooking, and comfortable entertaining.

Here are essential spatial dimensions to keep in mind:

Feature / Clearance Standard Dimension Why It Matters

• Countertop Height 90cm Standard ergonomic working height for prep and cooking.
• Upper Cabinet Clearance 55cm above counter Provides ample space for small appliances (coffee makers, blenders).
• Walkway Clearances 100cm minimum Allows two people to pass comfortably without crowding.
• Bar Stool Height 65cm (for 90cm counter) Leaves roughly 25cm of leg room under the counter lip.
• Island Overhang 30cm to 45cm Comfortably accommodates knee clearance for counter seating.
• Pendant Lighting Distance 60cm apart Distributes light evenly across island surfaces without clutter.

Pro Tip: If your kitchen features an L-shape layout with an island, ensure you leave at least 100cm between the main counter and the island edge. This guarantees the dishwasher and refrigerator doors can open fully without blocking pathways.

Maximize Your Return: Should You Renovate Before Selling Your West Island Home?

By Pearl Kezele & Jason Fitzpatrick

Licensed Residential and Commercial Real Estate Brokers | Royal LePage Village

Preparing to sell your home triggers a unique blend of emotions. On one hand, your property has been a personal sanctuary filled with memories. On the other, it represents one of the most substantial financial assets in your portfolio. When you decide to place your property on the market, your primary focus shifts to driving maximum value, protecting your net equity, and securing strong financial cash flows.

A central question many homeowners ask when preparing to sell is: Should I renovate before putting my home on the market? In real estate, the answer almost always comes down to strategic timing, local market demand, and your return on investment.

When Pre-Sale Renovations Make Sense

If you are a contractor, architect, designer, or have access to direct trade pricing on construction materials and labor, undertaking pre-sale renovations can yield a net profit. Fully renovated homes appeal strongly to buyers seeking move-in-ready, turnkey properties who want to avoid handling renovations themselves.

However, unless you can secure trade pricing and significantly cut labor costs, major pre-sale overhauls rarely deliver a full financial return.

The Hidden Costs of Major Remodels

Generally speaking, major renovations are costly. Complete kitchen and bathroom overhauls typically recover only 50% to 70% of their original cost at closing.

When purchasing older properties across Montreal's West Island, buyers frequently plan to customize finishes according to their personal tastes. Investing $50,000 into a high-end kitchen with specific cabinetry or bold tile runs the risk of over-improving for your specific neighborhood or selecting aesthetics that fail to resonate with prospective buyers.

High-ROI, Low-Cost Strategies to Showcase Your Home

You do not need a full remodel to capture top market value. Unlocking your home's equity often comes down to high-impact, low-cost improvements:

Address Minor Maintenance Issues: Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, loose cabinet handles, and minor drywall cracks to show buyers the property has been well cared for.

Invest in Deep Cleaning: Clean the property top-to-bottom, paying special attention to grout lines, baseboards, and windows.

Apply Fresh Neutral Paint: Paint living areas in warm, bright neutral tones that maximize natural light and create a sense of expansive space.

Declutter Key Rooms: Remove personal items and bulky furniture so prospective buyers can easily visualize themselves living in the space.

Optimize Lighting Systems: Upgrade outdated fixtures to modern LED lighting and keep window coverings fully drawn during showings.

Strategic Priorities for Older Homes

Deciding whether to update an older property depends on your budget, overall home condition, and localized buyer demand:

1. Critical Systems & Safety First

Major structural or mechanical defects—such as roof leaks, failing HVAC systems, plumbing leaks, or aging wiring—will surface during a building inspection. Addressing these critical defects early prevents deal cancellations or aggressive price reductions.

2. Focus on Cosmetic Refreshes

Light cosmetic updates like fresh neutral paint, new cabinet hardware, polished floors, and sharp curb appeal deliver high visual appeal for minimal capital outlay.

3. Avoid Major Layout Remodels

Full tear-outs, removing structural walls, or adding luxury additions carry high capital costs and low average ROI at resale.

Common Renovation Missteps to Avoid

If you choose to complete updates before listing, avoid these common traps:

Underestimating Surprises: Older homes often conceal wiring or plumbing issues behind drywall. Maintain a 15–20% contingency fund to handle hidden repairs.

Chasing Fleeting Design Trends: Stick to timeless, neutral foundations for fixed elements like flooring and backsplashes, leaving bold trends to easily replaceable decor.

Sacrificing Usability for Aesthetics: Ensure updates improve functional daily living, such as choosing deep lower kitchen drawers over fixed shelving.

Changing Scope Mid-Project: Layout adjustments made after contractors start work lead to scheduling delays, material backorders, and budget spikes.

Skipping Municipal Permits: Unpermitted structural, electrical, or plumbing work can result in heavy municipal fines, listing delays, or title issues during escrow.

Strategic Guidance for Montreal West Island Sellers

Unless you hold construction expertise or a distinct trade cost advantage, saving your capital for your next home while presenting your current property in its cleanest, brightest light is usually the most profitable strategy. A thorough deep clean, minor repairs, and targeted cosmetic refreshes often yield a far higher net financial return than a full-scale renovation.

Every neighborhood micro-market across Pointe-Claire, Beaconsfield, Kirkland, and the greater West Island operates differently. Whether you are navigating a competitive seller's market or a slower buyer's market, expert guidance ensures your home is positioned for maximum success.

Ready to maximize your home's equity? Contact Pearl Kezele & Jason Fitzpatrick today for a personalized home market valuation and a strategic pre-sale consultation tailored to your property.