Homeownership Access: Shortage of Condominiums Raises Concern in Gatineau

Housing Crisis: Shortage of Condominiums Causes Concern in Gatineau

With information from Ici Ottawa-Gatineau

Buying a home has become increasingly difficult for middle-class households in Quebec, particularly in the Gatineau region. The Quebec Association of Property Managers and Co-owners (RGCQ) is sounding the alarm, highlighting the lack of new condominiums available for purchase — a situation that is worsening access to property ownership.

According to the 2025-2026 forecast from the Quebec Construction and Housing Professionals Association (APCHQ), the vast majority of upcoming construction projects will focus on rental housing. This is bad news for first-time buyers, who see fewer and fewer opportunities to purchase their first home.

One explanation for this trend is the growing preference among real estate developers to rent out condos instead of selling them, as rental is seen as more financially advantageous. "If we eliminate condominiums, despite their flaws, we remove a crucial gateway to homeownership," warns Richard Leblanc, a lawyer specializing in construction law. He fears that without strong support for condos, society could split into those who inherit property wealth and those who remain renters for life.

In Ontario, the situation is different thanks to the existence of a mandatory reserve fund. This fund requires condo owners to set aside money for building maintenance, reassuring buyers and encouraging the construction of new condos for purchase rather than for rent. A similar reform is being called for in Quebec to help stabilize and improve access to the condo market.

In an election context where access to housing is a major issue, the matter is drawing significant attention at both the provincial and federal levels. Many stakeholders are demanding concrete solutions to this growing crisis affecting Quebec households.

Listen to the full story from Ici Ottawa-Gatineau by here.