Commercial real estate market data background

CRE This Week: The Trends Shaping Canada’s Commercial Real Estate Landscape

Canada’s commercial real estate (CRE) market is moving fast — and every week brings a new wave of data, transactions, and strategic insights that professionals can use to stay competitive. Thanks to Altus Group’s Canada Research Team, we now have a fresh snapshot of how the markets are shifting nationwide as we head toward the close of 2025.

If you work in real estate, mortgage, appraisal, development, or any related licensed profession, this week’s market pulse offers signals worth watching while you enjoy your morning coffee.

Market Movers: Notable Transactions Across Canada

Activity continues across major regions, with apartments, industrial properties, hotels, and retail assets trading hands at significant valuations.

Greater Toronto Area — Apartment

100 Tyndall Avenue, Old Toronto
$14,531,750

More regional transactions

Greater Vancouver Area — Industrial

7531 134A Street, Surrey
$10,988,000 — $443 per sq. ft.

More regional transactions

Greater Ottawa Area — Hotel

100 & 200 Coventry Road, Ottawa
$86,000,000 — $150,087 per room

More regional transactions

Greater Golden Horseshoe — Industrial

160 McGovern Drive, Cambridge
$6,000,000

More regional transactions

For professionals tracking national opportunities, the Altus commercial transactions database remains one of the most powerful tools available for due diligence and investment research.

Access Altus Group’s Commercial Transactions Database

Key Indicators: What’s Driving Canadian CRE?

Retail Spending Remains Surprisingly Resilient

Despite a softer national economy, retail sales are up 4.7% year‑to‑date. Winnipeg and Vancouver lead the pack, while Toronto and Calgary stay stable after inflation adjustments. This strength supports the rising appeal of grocery‑anchored and open‑format retail assets.

Toronto CRE Feels the Brake Pressure

Investment volume in Toronto sits 13% below last year’s levels. Economic uncertainty and post‑2024 slowdown effects have cooled activity. Altus Group’s Q3 Toronto update dives deeper into performance indicators.

Read the full Toronto market update

Construction Cools After a Hot Start

Construction investment eased in September, with residential leading but slowing. The Prairies and Quebec show the strongest momentum, while other regions soften. With population growth also tapering, construction activity nationwide may remain subdued into 2026.

Research Spotlights: Insights Worth Bookmarking

Montreal CRE Update — Q3 2025

Montreal’s multifamily sector stays strong while other asset classes shift. A must‑read for investors recalibrating strategy.

Read the full market update

Canadian CRE Valuation Analysis — Q3 2025

Retail edges upward, office remains pressured, and national valuations stabilize. This report helps investors anticipate 2026 positioning.

Explore the analysis

Industry Event: AI Meets Real Estate

Applying AI Functions and Technology in Real Estate

Speaker: Rich Sarkis, President, ARGUS Software & Data
Event: Toronto Real Estate Forum
Date: December 4, 2025 — 11:30 AM ET

Learn more

Meet the Altus Research Leaders

The insights above are brought to life by the Altus Data Solutions team — a group of analysts and strategists laser‑focused on understanding national CRE conditions.

  • Ray Wong — Vice President, Data Solutions
  • Peter Norman — Vice President & Economic Strategist
  • Edward Jegg — Research Manager
  • Jennifer Nhieu — Senior Research Analyst

Why This Matters for Real Estate Professionals

Whether you’re investing, brokering, valuing, or developing, keeping up with weekly CRE movements is now a core competitive advantage. Staying informed helps guide smarter decisions, sharper timing, and stronger long‑term positioning.

For aspiring and current professionals aiming to build credibility and earn their license, Cameron Academy continues to help bridge the gap between market knowledge and formal education — offering real estate, mortgage, insurance, and professional licensing pathways nationwide.

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Continue exploring weekly updates and market intelligence from Altus Group:

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Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

Florida’s Property Insurance Crisis Reaches Breaking Point as Lawmakers Hit Pause

Florida now leads the nation in property insurance costs, with many homeowners paying more than $10,000 a year for shrinking coverage and higher deductibles. Despite nearly half of hurricane‑related claims ending with no payout and appeals failing over 90% of the time, state leaders say reforms “need more time to work.” With key relief bills stalled and real estate professionals feeling the shockwaves, experts warn that legislative inaction is deepening a crisis that threatens homeownership and the state’s economic stability.

A Time of Reckoning for Commercial Real Estate

Banks are finally calling in billions tied to troubled commercial real estate loans, pushing delinquency rates to historic highs and ending years of “extend and pretend.” With more than 12% of office loans now delinquent and $875 billion in commercial debt maturing in 2026, regional banks and property owners are facing mounting pressure. As valuations drop and refinancing becomes harder, experts warn that tighter lending standards and broader economic ripple effects are on the horizon—making strategic preparation essential for today’s real estate and finance professionals.

Florida Ends FIGA’s 1% Insurance Assessment Two Years Early

Florida policyholders are getting rare good news: the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association is ending its 1% emergency insurance assessment on October 1—two years ahead of schedule. The decision follows a calmer hurricane season, fewer insurer insolvencies, and growing market stability. The early termination is expected to save Floridians up to $650 million, with the average homeowner seeing about $31 in annual savings. This marks another milestone in the state’s insurance market recovery after major legislative reforms in 2022 and 2023.

The Moment Real Estate Realized AI Isn’t a Toy Anymore

The real estate industry has officially moved past its AI honeymoon phase. What began as a fun, optional tool has quietly become the backbone of how agents create content, communicate with clients, and market properties. But with that shift comes rising concern about authenticity, legal risks, and whether consumers will start questioning what they’re really paying agents for. As AI blends into everything from listing descriptions to client advice, professionals now face a new challenge: proving the human value behind the technology.

Commercial Real Estate Is Finally Turning Around: Why 2026 Could Be the Big Rebound Year

After years of volatility, industry analysts say commercial real estate may finally be on the verge of a major comeback. Investment activity is rising, leasing demand is strengthening, and key cities like Manhattan are leading a broader national recovery. With vacancy rates expected to drop and high‑quality buildings outperforming the rest, 2026 is shaping up to be the turning point investors and professionals have been waiting for.

Rising Costs and Slower Premium Growth Signal a Tougher 2026 for P/C Insurance

AM Best warns that the property and casualty insurance market is heading into a more challenging 2026 as premium growth slows, inflation drives up claims costs, and combined ratios rise. Despite a strong 2025, moderating rates, higher repair and construction expenses, and ongoing reserve deficiencies are pressuring profitability. While commercial lines and personal lines both feel the strain, the E&S market continues to expand as traditional carriers pull back. This shifting landscape highlights the need for insurance professionals to stay sharp, informed, and adaptable.