More than a half of Canadians who own a residential property in the United States say they are planning to sell within the next year

With political turmoil heating up in the United States and ongoing tensions between our two nations, a growing number of Canadians are ‘buying local’ and curbing travel to the south. What’s more, those who own residential real estate in the U.S. are rethinking their long-term plans – some already have. 

According to a recent Royal LePage survey, conducted by Burson,1 more than half (54%) of Canadians who currently own residential property in the U.S. say they are planning to sell within the next year, among whom a majority (62%) credit the current political administration as the main reason. Meanwhile, 33% of them say they are motivated by other factors, such as personal and financial reasons, and another five per cent say it is due to increasingly extreme weather conditions, like hurricanes, flooding and forest fires. 

“The polarizing political climate in the United States is prompting many Canadians to reconsider how and where they spend their time and money,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage. “Canadians have been the most important foreign investors in America’s residential real estate market for years, and a significant wave of property sales would leave a noticeable mark on the regional economies that snowbirds support. 

“While wealthy buyers from China and other nations also spend a great deal on American residential real estate, purchasing expensive properties in major cities as investments, Canadians actually live in the neighbourhoods where they buy. They shop locally, dine out, volunteer and join pickleball leagues. Places like Florida, Arizona and California stand to lose millions in economic activity each year – and thousands of neighbours – if Canadian owners pull their capital from U.S. housing markets.”

Of those who sold their property south of the border within the last year, forty-four per cent say it was due to the current political administration, while 27% say it was for personal reasons, and 22% because of increasingly extreme weather conditions. 

“Not every decision to sell is politically driven. For many, the decision to divest will be due to changing personal circumstances, from reprioritizing financial goals to the simple decision to invest closer to home,” continued Soper. “For some, the upkeep and distance of a U.S. property has become more burden than benefit, and uncertainty around shifting, murky border rules is yet another layer of stress. For years, Canadians rarely gave the American border a second thought on their way to a winter break in the south. Now, many fear that easy neighbourly travel can no longer be taken for granted.”

Investment in U.S. real estate by Canadians on the decline

According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), Canadians have been among the top two largest contributors of foreign investment in U.S. real estate for the last two decades, although transactions have been significantly lower the last five years compared to the majority of the 2010s. Overall, real estate professionals in the U.S. have reported more than twice as many residential property sales by international clients over the last year, the largest group of whom are Canadians. 

“With so many Canadians citing concerns about the U.S. administration as a key reason for divesting, it’s evident that political instability is no longer just a talking point – it’s a catalyst for change,” said Soper. “This shift in sentiment is reshaping how Canadians think about cross-border investment. As uncertainty continues to cloud the U.S. political landscape, we anticipate more Canadians will redirect their capital into domestic real estate, reinforcing long-term confidence in Canada’s housing market and creating new opportunities for growth closer to home.”

When asked if they plan to reinvest the proceeds of the sale of their U.S. home into the Canadian real estate market, almost one third (32%) of respondents who have recently sold or are planning to sell within the next year answered ‘yes’. 

U.S. web traffic to royallepage.ca surges during key political moments 

It’s not just Canadians reconsidering their ties to the U.S. – many Americans are looking north as political tensions escalate at home.

Sessions originating from the U.S. to royallepage.ca – Canada’s most-visited real estate company website – have spiked significantly during key political events over the past year. In Week 24 of 2025 (week of June 8th), U.S.-based web traffic jumped 116% year over year and 84% week over week, coinciding with widespread protests in Los Angeles, following U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. 

This is not the first time this behaviour has emerged. Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, web traffic from American users increased significantly. On November 6th, the day after Trump was elected president for a second term, sessions originating from the U.S. jumped by 52%. Overall, traffic during election week (Week 45, week of November 3rd) rose 70% year over year, highlighting increased cross-border interest in Canadian real estate.

Another prominent surge occurred in Week 26 of 2024 (week of June 23rd), immediately following the first presidential debate between former president Joe Biden and now-president Donald Trump. During that week, U.S. traffic to the site rose 112% over Week 24 and 94% year over year.

Read the full press release and review the data chart for more details:

press release

data chart

In October 2025, I’ll be heading to the other side of the globe to participate in the Cambodia Challenge for Shelter!

For 5 days, I’ll be trekking alongside like-minded colleagues from coast to coast all in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. While my trek towards the picturesque temples of Angkor Wat will be immensely rewarding, it will not be easy! Days will be long, hot, and humid and jet lag will be intense. I will be going without the comforts of home, sleeping in a small tent, using rustic bathroom facilities and unplugging completely from cell service and technology.

To be eligible to take part, I will pay my own trek and travel expenses and must raise at least $6,000 for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Of the funds I raise, 80% will be directed to my local women’s shelter and 20% will fund national domestic violence prevention programs.

I was personally a victim of domestic violence in a past relationship. I know the feeling that exists out there for women. I know what it’s like to feel like you have no where to turn. I want to be not only a voice, but also a vehicle for change. I want to change and better the lives of women and children who are affected by domestic violence.

I know the adventure ahead will test me both physically and emotionally, but I’ve raised my hand because I believe that a house is only a home when the people who live there feel safe. As I face this challenge, I will draw strength knowing that every dollar I raise and every kilometer I walk will help make it easier for women and children to find the safety, hope and healing they deserve.

Will you join me by making a donation towards my fundraising goal?

Please click 'Donate Now' on the right hand side of this page to help me reach my fundraising goal!

Thank you for your support! Please note: The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation issues tax receipts in February for all donations of $20 or more made in the previous calendar year.

In this important publication, we take a broad look at the state of Intimate Partner Violence in Canada, while highlighting the meaningful ways the Royal LePage® Shelter Foundation™ is creating safer futures—ensuring everyone has a place to call home, free from fear and harm.

•  Why is our mission more critical than ever?

•  Who are we as an organization?

•  What values guide our vision and decisions?

•  Who makes our work possible, and where are we headed in the years to come?

These are just some of the questions explored in this year’s Impact Report—a reflection on how far we’ve come and a roadmap for the journey ahead.

Read the report here: https://rlp.ca/rlpsf-impact-report

Thanks to supporters like you, we’re making sure that everyone in our country has a safe place to call home – free from violence. 

Since its founding in 1998, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation has proudly grown to become the largest public foundation in Canada dedicated exclusively to funding women’s shelters and Intimate Partner Violence prevention. Royal LePage® is the only Canadian real estate company with its own charitable foundation.

Smart, simple additions to your home that help you stay safe and comfortable during any emergency.

We’ve all had one of those moments, caught in a storm, power out, phone dying, and wished we’d stocked up just a little more.

Whether it’s a sudden rainstorm that knocks out power or a cold snap that hits before you’ve winterized the house, weather events seem to be getting more intense, and less predictable. Having a few practical items ready to go can make a frustrating situation feel a lot more manageable.

Most homeowners know to keep the basics stocked: flashlights, bottled water, and a few extra snacks. But it’s the often-overlooked items that can make all the difference. A portable phone charger or power bank helps you stay connected. Backup batteries for essentials like flashlights, smoke detectors, or carbon monoxide alarms are easy to forget, until you need them.

And don’t underestimate the importance of a manual can opener. If the power’s out and your emergency food is canned, you’ll be glad you’ve got one. Stock a few ready-to-eat, non-perishable meals, and don’t forget pet food if you’ve got furry family members.

For warmth and comfort, keep extra blankets, candles, matches or a lighter, and a battery-powered radio on hand. A well-stocked first aid kit and a few days’ worth of any essential medications are also smart to include.

And don’t forget your vehicle. A basic roadside kit can be a lifesaver if you get stuck or stranded during a storm. Keep a small shovel, blanket, flashlight, phone charger, water bottle, and non-perishable snacks in your trunk, just in case. It’s also a good habit to keep your gas tank at least half full, especially as the temperature drops and unexpected delays become more likely.

You don’t need a complicated setup, just a few key items stored where you can access them quickly. A little planning now can save you a lot of stress later.

Make space in your budget now, so you can enjoy the season without the stress.

September always feels like a fresh start, but it can also bring a full calendar. Between back-to-school routines, cooler mornings, and early holiday planning, fall tends to pick up speed fast. It’s also the season where small expenses can quickly snowball, making it the perfect time to get ahead of your household budget.

Start with the essentials: seasonal maintenance. Booking a furnace inspection, cleaning gutters, checking your roof, and sealing windows and doors can prevent major (and expensive) issues in the months ahead.

With cooler weather on the way, it’s worth getting ahead of rising energy costs. Now’s a great time to review your utility usage and make small upgrades like a smart thermostat or energy-efficient light bulbs.

It’s also a good time to adjust your monthly budget to include seasonal expenses, and to review your spending and savings goals for the year, are you on track? If not, there’s still time to make meaningful progress. Max out tax-deductible contributions like RRSPs or charitable donations if you’re in a position to do so. And don’t forget to book final health or dental appointments to use up any remaining benefits before year-end.

And while we’re talking money, now’s the time to start getting ahead of the holidays. Simple steps include making a gift list early, tracking seasonal sales, or setting weekly savings goals. Consider setting a spending limit per person, or using a budgeting app to keep everything organized. Don’t forget to factor in extras like wrapping supplies, host gifts, and holiday travel.

Lastly, if you’ve been considering any home upgrades, focus on the ones that add comfort and value.

Practical, high-impact updates that improve livability and future marketability.

When it comes to renovating your home, there’s a sweet spot between what adds value and what adds joy. Some projects are exciting, like a home office upgrade, a creative space, or trendy finishes you spotted on Instagram, but they may not always boost resale value. That doesn’t mean they’re not worth doing, but if you’re looking to make smart investments, it helps to know which upgrades boost your home’s value and improve your everyday life.

Take the kitchen, for example. It’s consistently one of the top renovations for resale value in Canada, but it’s also where life unfolds every single day. A thoughtful kitchen upgrade like adding a large island or opening up a closed-off layout, can give you more space to cook, connect, and enjoy mealtimes together, turning a functional room into the heart of the home.

Bathroom upgrades are another high-ROI project that add immediate comfort. From spa-inspired finishes to improved storage, these updates can elevate your routine and make a big impression on potential buyers.

Don’t overlook the basement, either. Finishing a basement gives you additional living space, whether it becomes a cozy media room, home office, guest suite, workout space or playroom. It’s one of the few upgrades that adds usable square footage and versatility at the same time.

And let’s not forget curb appeal. Outdoor upgrades like decks, patios, or professional landscaping not only increase your home’s marketability, but they also encourage more time outside, hosting BBQs, sipping morning coffee, or just enjoying the fresh air.

The goal is to make upgrades that enhance your lifestyle now and pay off in the future. If a project makes your home feel more like you, and adds long-term value in the process, it’s a win-win. With the right upgrades, you really can have the best of both worlds.

Looking for tips and tricks to tackle your next renovation? Check out the Royal LePage blog for helpful resources and expert advice.

According to the Royal LePage House Price Survey and Market Forecast, the aggregate1 price of a home in Canada eased upwards modestly in the second quarter of 2025, increasing 0.3 per cent year over year to $826,400. When broken out by housing type, the national median price of a single-family detached home increased 1.1 per cent year over year to $870,200, while the median price of a condominium decreased 0.8 per cent to $592,000.

The start of the spring market – typically one of the busiest times of year for home buying and selling – was noticeably subdued in several regions this year, namely in Toronto and Vancouver, two of the country’s largest and most expensive markets. Amid global political and economic uncertainty, many homebuyers continued to take a cautious, wait-and-see approach. 

“Homebuyers approached the start of the 2025 spring market with hesitation, dampening what is typically the busiest season on the real estate calendar,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO of Royal LePage. “With trade disputes, a federal election, and international conflicts dominating headlines through the first half of the year, many prospective buyers chose to wait. Yet, market fundamentals remain sound; interest is strong while activity is subdued, reflecting the uncertainty weighing on consumer sentiment. Encouragingly, June’s robust employment report may help rebuild confidence and bring more buyers off the sidelines in the months ahead.”

The slowdown in activity was most evident in markets across Ontario and British Columbia, where rising inventory and stagnant demand have persisted for several months. Notably, activity began to pick up in the final weeks of the quarter – a break from the usual seasonal slowdown and an early signal that market momentum may be shifting.

“With borrowing costs stable and inventory levels continuing to build, the foundation is in place for a stronger market this fall – and signs of renewed confidence are beginning to emerge,” noted Soper. “After a market slowdown, there’s always the risk that a sudden surge in demand could reignite uncomfortable levels of house price inflation. But, unlike previous cycles, inventory is higher than recent norms, which should help absorb returning demand and keep price appreciation in check. This makes for a healthier, more balanced recovery as buyers come back into the market.”

Royal LePage is forecasting that the aggregate price of a home in Canada will increase 3.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to the same quarter last year.

1 Aggregate prices are calculated using a weighted average of the median values of all housing types collected. Data is provided by RPS Real Property Solutions and includes both resale and new build.

Learn more:

• National release: rlp.ca/Q2-2025-hps-release   

• Quebec Markets release: rlp.ca/Q2-2025-hps-release-QC   

• House Price Survey Chart: rlp.ca/house-prices-Q2-2025  

• Market Survey Forecast Chart: rlp.ca/market-forecast-Q2-2025

SURREY, BC – Fraser Valley home sales fell more than 20 per cent in August, but buyers who did get into the market were able to take advantage of favourable conditions including abundant choice, softer prices and more time to make decisions.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 931 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in August, down 22 per cent from July and down 13 per cent year-over-year. August sales were 36 per cent below the 10-year average.

The Fraser Valley buyer’s market remains strong with inventory levels holding relatively stable, down just two per cent to 10,445 active listings. Newly listed homes declined 19 per cent month-over-month to 2,793; up half a per cent year-over-year.  The overall sales-to-active listings ratio for August dropped to nine per cent, down two per cent from July. The market is considered balanced when the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.

“Current market conditions are allowing buyers the opportunity to make bold offers, especially for properties that have been on the market for a while and where sellers may be more motivated,” said Tore Jacobsen, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “As in all transactions, timing is everything and we expect to see more buyers come off the sidelines heading into fall to take advantage of the lower price floor.”

Across the Fraser Valley in August, the average number of days to sell a condo was 41 days; while for a single-family detached home it was 38 days. Townhomes took, on average, 32 days to sell.

“The economic uncertainty that has shaped the housing market for much of 2025 now seems to have been factored into market dynamics, as evidenced by a sustained softening of prices,” said Baldev Gill, CEO of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “Some buyers who had been holding off are starting to recognize that waiting for greater certainty could mean missing opportunities, particularly in a market where conditions now clearly favour buyers.”

The composite Benchmark price in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.9 per cent in August, to $936,200.

To read the full statistics package, click here.