# Arrondissement de Chicoutimi: Saguenay Market Rebalances with 480 Q2 Sales and Stable Rates Saguenay recorded 480 home sales in the second quarter of 2026, a 3 per cent increase from last year. National mortgage rates remain stable near 4.24% for five-year fixed terms, creating a mixed environment for local buyers and sellers. Published 2026-10-11. Evidence snapshot 2026-10-12. ## Key facts and reporting periods - Price Growth: 5 percent. Property type: All. Scope: Saguenay, QC. Reporting date: 2026-10-10. [Source](https://courticonnect.ca/en/broker-saguenay) - Population: 3 people. Property type: All. Scope: Saguenay, QC. Reporting date: 2026-10-10. [Source](https://courticonnect.ca/en/broker-saguenay) - Average Sale Price: 310000 cad. Property type: All. Scope: Saguenay, QC. Reporting date: 2026-07-31. [Source](https://www.honestdoor.com/market-updates/post/jonquiere-saguenay-july-2026) - Sales Volume: 1 count. Property type: All. Scope: Saguenay, QC. Reporting date: 2026-07-31. [Source](https://www.honestdoor.com/market-updates/post/jonquiere-saguenay-july-2026) ## Market summary Saguenay recorded 480 home sales in the second quarter of 2026, a 3 per cent increase from last year. National mortgage rates remain stable near 4.24% for five-year fixed terms, creating a mixed environment for local buyers and sellers. ## Central finding Saguenay's residential market showed modest activity with 480 sales in Q2 2026, up 3 per cent year-over-year, while national financing conditions remain stable but face renewal pressures. This suggests a balanced local market where buyers have negotiating room but sellers should expect moderate timelines. Sources: [Quebec’s Real Estate Market Gradually Rebalances in the Second Quarter - APCIQ - Site web](https://apciq.ca/en/quebecs-real-estate-market-gradually-rebalances-in-the-second-quarter/) [Best mortgage rates Canada | Compare Canada mortgage rates | Ratehub.ca](https://www.ratehub.ca/best-mortgage-rates) ## How the numbers connect Saguenay concluded 480 residential sales in the second quarter of 2026, up 3 per cent from the prior year. Calculation: 480 sales in Q2 2026; 3% year-over-year increase reported by APCIQ. Definitions: Sales volume is the count of concluded residential transactions. The period is the second quarter of 2026, measured at the city of Saguenay, QC. Limit: This calculation establishes a city-level transaction count and its annual change. It does not establish a neighbourhood-level sales volume, price, or inventory measure for Arrondissement de Chicoutimi. Sources: [Quebec’s Real Estate Market Gradually Rebalances in the Second Quarter - APCIQ - Site web](https://apciq.ca/en/quebecs-real-estate-market-gradually-rebalances-in-the-second-quarter/) ## Saguenay Sales Volume Shows Modest Growth Amid Stable Financing The Saguenay residential market concluded 480 sales in the second quarter of 2026, a 3 per cent increase from the prior year, according to APCIQ. This city-level metric indicates a steady transaction flow, though it does not establish a specific sales volume or price trend for Arrondissement de Chicoutimi. For buyers and sellers in the arrondissement, this suggests a market that is active but not overheated, providing room for negotiation without the urgency seen in tighter markets. Average sale prices in Saguenay were reported around $310,000 in July 2026, with price per square foot near $302. While these figures are city-wide, they provide context for the general affordability level in the region. The combination of modest sales growth and stable pricing implies that the market is rebalancing, with neither side holding dominant leverage. Buyers should monitor local inventory levels closely, as city-wide averages may mask variations within specific neighbourhoods. Sources: [Quebec’s Real Estate Market Gradually Rebalances in the Second Quarter - APCIQ - Site web](https://apciq.ca/en/quebecs-real-estate-market-gradually-rebalances-in-the-second-quarter/) [Jonquiere, Saguenay - July 2026 Real Estate Report | HonestDoor](https://www.honestdoor.com/market-updates/post/jonquiere-saguenay-july-2026) ## Mortgage Renewals and Rate Stability Shape Buyer Capacity National financing conditions remain stable, with the Bank of Canada holding its policy rate at 2.25% in September 2026. The lowest available five-year fixed mortgage rate in Canada was 4.24% as of mid-September 2026. However, the upcoming renewal of pandemic-era mortgages represents a significant test for household budgets, with an expected 15% increase in monthly payments for affected borrowers. This national dynamic may indirectly influence local demand as some homeowners reassess their financial positions. TD Economics projects that national sales will continue to rise through the second half of 2026, supported by pent-up demand and lower bond yields. While this national trend suggests improving market conditions, its transmission to Saguenay depends on local factors such as employment and migration. The stability in rates provides a predictable environment for planning, but the renewal wave introduces uncertainty that could moderate the pace of new buyer entry in the coming months. Sources: [Best mortgage rates Canada | Compare Canada mortgage rates | Ratehub.ca](https://www.ratehub.ca/best-mortgage-rates) [Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News | Canada's housing market poised for a fall rebound after a slow spring - Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News](https://blog.royallepage.ca/canadas-housing-market-poised-for-a-fall-rebound-after-a-slow-spring/) [https://economics.td.com/RealEstate](https://economics.td.com/RealEstate) ## Federal Infrastructure Funds Target Housing Enabling Projects The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) allocates $6 billion over 10 years to support housing-enabling infrastructure, including water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. Communities with populations over 30,000 must implement zoning changes allowing four units as-of-right to qualify for funding. While Saguenay meets the population threshold, the specific allocation of funds to local projects depends on provincial and municipal implementation decisions. These federal initiatives aim to remove infrastructure bottlenecks that constrain housing supply, potentially supporting long-term development goals. However, the direct impact on private housing supply in Arrondissement de Chicoutimi is mediated by local planning processes and project selection. The presence of these funds signals a supportive policy environment for infrastructure upgrades, which can enhance the livability and attractiveness of the area over time. Sources: [Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund - Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada](https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/housing-logement/chif-fcil/index-eng.html) ## The strongest counter-case National mortgage delinquency rates remain low at 0.24%, suggesting most borrowers are absorbing higher payments without distress. Additionally, TD Economics projects national sales will rise through late 2026 due to pent-up demand, which could counteract local softness if transmission occurs. Sources: [Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News | Canada's housing market poised for a fall rebound after a slow spring - Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News](https://blog.royallepage.ca/canadas-housing-market-poised-for-a-fall-rebound-after-a-slow-spring/) [https://economics.td.com/RealEstate](https://economics.td.com/RealEstate) ## Living here City-level amenities include École Saint-Denis, Parc du Bassin, Marché Métro, and CPE Le Jardin de la Rivière. These mapped points indicate basic service availability within Saguenay but do not establish specific access, quality, or price effects for Arrondissement de Chicoutimi residents. Sources: [École Saint-Denis](https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/352908247) ## The early signal The upcoming renewal of approximately 12% of all outstanding Canadian mortgages, representing the final wave of pandemic-era five-year fixed-rate loans. How it reaches the market: As pandemic-era mortgages come up for renewal, increased monthly payments reduce disposable income and borrowing capacity, potentially dampening new buyer demand and slowing price growth in markets like Saguenay. Typical lead time: Approximately 6 to 12 months before full price impact, as renewals occur over the next year. Sources: [Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News | Canada's housing market poised for a fall rebound after a slow spring - Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News](https://blog.royallepage.ca/canadas-housing-market-poised-for-a-fall-rebound-after-a-slow-spring/) ## Next 3 months, through December 2026 Prices: flat. Flat to slightly rising prices in Saguenay, not a measured target-locality result. Why: Stable national rates and modest city-level sales growth suggest continued balance. The 480 sales figure for Saguenay indicates steady but not surging activity. Buyers: wait. Buyers can continue to negotiate as inventory remains adequate relative to demand, with no immediate urgency to close. Sellers: either way. Sellers can list now if motivated, but should expect standard marketing periods rather than rapid multiple-offer scenarios. Watch: A drop in Saguenay quarterly sales below 480 or a sharp increase in average days on market. Confidence: moderate. Sources: [Quebec’s Real Estate Market Gradually Rebalances in the Second Quarter - APCIQ - Site web](https://apciq.ca/en/quebecs-real-estate-market-gradually-rebalances-in-the-second-quarter/) [Best mortgage rates Canada | Compare Canada mortgage rates | Ratehub.ca](https://www.ratehub.ca/best-mortgage-rates) ## Next 6 months, through March 2027 Prices: rising. Rising prices in Saguenay, driven by national demand recovery, not a measured target-locality result. Why: Mortgage renewal pressures may begin to affect household budgets, potentially moderating new buyer entry. National forecasts suggest sales grinding higher, but local absorption may lag. Buyers: buy now. Acting now allows buyers to secure properties before potential increases in competition from renewed pent-up demand later in the year. Sellers: list now. Sellers benefit from listing during the anticipated demand uptick, maximizing exposure to returning buyers. Watch: National bond yields rising significantly, which would push fixed mortgage rates higher and cool demand. Confidence: low. Sources: [https://economics.td.com/RealEstate](https://economics.td.com/RealEstate) [Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News | Canada's housing market poised for a fall rebound after a slow spring - Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News](https://blog.royallepage.ca/canadas-housing-market-poised-for-a-fall-rebound-after-a-slow-spring/) ## Next 12 months, through September 2027 Prices: flat. Flat prices in Saguenay, reflecting a return to equilibrium after short-term fluctuations, not a measured target-locality result. Why: Long-term stability depends on whether the mortgage renewal wave causes broader affordability issues. Current low delinquency rates suggest resilience, but sustained rate stability is key. Buyers: either way. Buyers have flexibility; waiting may offer better pricing if rates rise, while acting now secures inventory if demand accelerates. Sellers: wait. Sellers may prefer to wait until the market fully stabilizes post-renewal wave to avoid selling into a temporary dip. Watch: An increase in national mortgage delinquency rates above historical norms, signaling broader financial stress. Confidence: low. Sources: [Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News | Canada's housing market poised for a fall rebound after a slow spring - Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News](https://blog.royallepage.ca/canadas-housing-market-poised-for-a-fall-rebound-after-a-slow-spring/) [Housing research, finance and mortgage insurance in Canada | CMHC](https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals) Assumptions: National interest rates remain stable near current levels through the forecast period; No major local economic shocks occur in Saguenay that would alter employment or migration patterns. What would reverse this: A significant rise in national fixed mortgage rates above 4.5% or a measurable decrease in Saguenay's quarterly sales volume below 480 would indicate a shift in market dynamics and potential price pressure. Sources: [Quebec’s Real Estate Market Gradually Rebalances in the Second Quarter - APCIQ - Site web](https://apciq.ca/en/quebecs-real-estate-market-gradually-rebalances-in-the-second-quarter/) [Best mortgage rates Canada | Compare Canada mortgage rates | Ratehub.ca](https://www.ratehub.ca/best-mortgage-rates) [Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News | Canada's housing market poised for a fall rebound after a slow spring - Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News](https://blog.royallepage.ca/canadas-housing-market-poised-for-a-fall-rebound-after-a-slow-spring/) [https://economics.td.com/RealEstate](https://economics.td.com/RealEstate) ## Sources - [Quebec’s Real Estate Market Gradually Rebalances in the Second Quarter - APCIQ - Site web](https://apciq.ca/en/quebecs-real-estate-market-gradually-rebalances-in-the-second-quarter/): Source reference date 21 September 2026 (observation period not stated). Scope: city, Saguenay, QC. - [Best mortgage rates Canada | Compare Canada mortgage rates | Ratehub.ca](https://www.ratehub.ca/best-mortgage-rates): First captured 20 September 2026; publication date unavailable. Scope: National, CA. - [Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News | Canada's housing market poised for a fall rebound after a slow spring - Royal LePage Blog | Canadian Real Estate News](https://blog.royallepage.ca/canadas-housing-market-poised-for-a-fall-rebound-after-a-slow-spring/): First captured 20 September 2026; publication date unavailable. Scope: city; National, CA. - [https://economics.td.com/RealEstate](https://economics.td.com/RealEstate): First captured 18 September 2026; publication date unavailable. Scope: National, CA. - [Jonquiere, Saguenay - July 2026 Real Estate Report | HonestDoor](https://www.honestdoor.com/market-updates/post/jonquiere-saguenay-july-2026): Observation reference period: 31 July 2026. Scope: city, Saguenay, QC. - [Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund - Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada](https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/housing-logement/chif-fcil/index-eng.html): Source metadata date 18 September 2026; not a publication or event date. Scope: National, CA. - [École Saint-Denis](https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/352908247): date unavailable. Scope: city. - [Housing research, finance and mortgage insurance in Canada | CMHC](https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals): First captured 21 September 2026; publication date unavailable. Scope: National, CA. Prepared by Aurynge with AI-assisted research and writing. See /methodology for the evidence and publication policy.