A new report ranking Canada’s best cities to buy real estate in 2025 puts Fredericton, New Brunswick at the top, as high housing prices and economic uncertainty continue to push homebuyers beyond traditional urban markets like Toronto and Vancouver.
The report, released by Zoocasa in collaboration with MoneySense.ca, evaluates cities across the country based on affordability, market conditions, income levels, healthcare access, and safety. As the Greater Toronto Area continues to see average detached home prices well above $1 million — with Mississauga hitting $1,561,922 earlier this year — the list points to more affordable and promising alternatives for buyers in 2025.
Fredericton, praised for its community feel and steady appreciation, scored 3.74 stars, with an average home price of just $310,925 and an impressive five-year growth of 72%. Real estate agent Molly Wilby noted that the city is “big enough that residents always have something to do, yet small enough to feel safe.”
Calgary, Alberta, came in second with average prices between $400,000 and $560,000 and strong neighborhood growth. Saint John, New Brunswick ranked third, continuing the east coast’s strong showing with its highly affordable average price of $311,225 and 71% five-year growth.
Here’s a look at the top 10 cities for buying real estate in 2025, according to the report:
- Fredericton, N.B. – $310,925 average price | 72% 5-year growth
- Calgary, Alta. – $577,367 average price | 41% 5-year growth
- Saint John, N.B. – $311,225 average price | 71% 5-year growth
- Greater Moncton, N.B. – $357,225 average price | 107% 5-year growth
- Edmonton, Alta. – $391,458 average price | 15% 5-year growth
- St. John’s, N.L. – $348,658 average price | 28% 5-year growth
- Rideau-St. Lawrence, Ont. – $557,833 average price | 75% 5-year growth
- Ottawa, Ont. – $640,508 average price | 50% 5-year growth
- Kingston, Ont. – $556,750 average price | 57% 5-year growth
- Saskatoon, Sask. – $396,200 average price | 29% 5-year growth
In contrast, markets in the GTA such as Mississauga were placed lower on the list due to their steep prices. The average benchmark price in Mississauga was reported at $1,068,283, making it less attractive to value-focused buyers.
Zoocasa CEO Carrie Lysenko noted that many Canadians are continuing to reevaluate their housing needs post-pandemic, leading to a shift away from expensive urban centers. “While the core areas of Toronto and Vancouver represent a significant portion of national home sales, we continue to witness a notable shift in interest as people reevaluate their living situations and the costs associated with urban life,” she said.