Immeuble locatif : est-ce encore un bon moment pour investir en 2026 ?
You’re thinking about buying a duplex, a triplex, or another income property? Many of my investor clients are asking me the same question these days: is 2026 a good time to start, or to grow an already established portfolio? Here’s where the market stands right now, in plain language.
Demand for rental housing is very strong
In Montreal, there are very few vacant units at the moment — about 1.5% only, whereas a balanced market is closer to 3%. In some neighborhoods like Plateau-Mom-Royal, it's even tighter, below 1%.
In practical terms, that means that if you’re a landlord, your units rent quickly and you have room to adjust rents at lease renewals. That’s good news for the profitability of an income property.
Financing requires a bit more preparation than before
Banks have become more cautious when a buyer already owns several rental properties. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible — but it does mean you need to shop around more: not all institutions lend under the same conditions for a second, third or fourth property. A well-prepared file, with the right numbers and the right lender, makes all the difference.
Three things to validate before buying
First, calculate your return realistically: don’t assume a 0% vacancy rate, even if the market is tight right now. Always build in a cushion.
Next, compare several lenders before you commit. Conditions vary a lot from one institution to another for income properties, especially if it’s your second property or more.
Finally, inform yourself about the down payment and qualification rules that apply to a rental property — they’re different from those for a primary residence, and they can change depending on the number of units in the building. A building with 2 to 4 units is often not assessed in the same way as a building with 5 or more units, for example, which can change the type of loan available.
My advice
The market remains favorable to owners, but financing requires a bit more strategy than before. This is exactly the kind of file where I can help you find the right lender and structure your offer correctly, whether it’s your first or your fifth property.
Do you have a rental purchase project? Let’s talk about it, with no obligation.