Real Estate Talk:
Purchasing in 2026

The residential purchase process in a volatile world of heightened buyer risk

Par Joseph Marovitch

February 19, 2026

The world has not experienced global events like those shaping now since World War II. The global political landscape of tolerance and cooperation is being replaced by a form of national socialism in which diplomacy is replaced by financial transactional deals for land, commodities, and mutual protection. It is a “we do you a favour if you do us a favour” mentality. This form of politics creates division, fear, and instability among nations, and, in turn, conflict.

In a world of political conflict, economic instability, and questionable health policies, issues arise, such as sanctions against other countries that lead to war and health concerns. These issues and more cause global disruptions and a slowdown of the supply chain of goods and services. This, in turn, causes economic inflation and rising interest rates. The result for this column is an uncertain real estate market.

On the surface, the Quebec market appears to be in a good position if buyers and sellers do not account for global and national factors. For buyers, interest rates are low, demand is increasing, and supply is still limited but growing. For sellers, with limited supply, values increase. However, for buyers who account for global issues, they are aware that a property can be purchased at a low interest rate for five years, but future carrying costs can increase significantly if global political policies lead to sanctions, embargoes, war, or a slowing or halt of the supply chain.

One has only to look at Cuba to see the devastating effects. The U.S. attacked Venezuela and influenced other countries to cut off the supply of oil. Cuba’s tourist trade has come to a halt, inflation is unmanageable, and the economy is about to be destroyed. The result for these buyers who want to purchase property is hesitancy due to the possibility that property expenses could be too high later and that the property value could decrease.

On the surface, the Quebec market appears to be in a good position if buyers and sellers do not account for global and national factors.

As it stands, the situation can improve, in which case the market will eventually improve. If not, there is always an opportunity. In either event, there are ways to enhance a sale or purchase and mitigate risk.

For sellers, there are two tools that, combined with preparation, marketing, negotiation and other standard sale practices, will provide an expedient sale at the maximum value:

• Tactical pricing: Pricing property in its mid-range motivates potential buyers, increases inquiries, visits, and offers, and maximizes the selling price.
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• Strategic marketing: Targeted marketing to the appropriate demographic, based on age, income, and location, decreases the time it takes to acquire an offer, finalize conditions, and go to the notary.

For buyers, global issues, financial capacity and risk tolerance must be considered when making a decision. If the market stabilizes and improves, these issues are less of a concern. If the issues remain or worsen, there is opportunity and risk. The opportunity is that if the buyer has the financial capacity, they may purchase at a low rate and manage the carrying costs should inflation rise and property values drop. When the market stabilizes, the buyer may find that the value of their property has risen significantly due to pent-up demand and low inventory, as has occurred in the last two Quebec referendums.

Risk mitigation

Under normal circumstances, buyers will purchase property in their own name and assume the liability for defaulting on mortgage payments, property damage, and accidents involving visitors or workers, such as contractors or electricians.

In an uncertain market where inflation may rise significantly, or a recession results from the previously stated issues, and the buyer does not have the assets to maintain the property, they can purchase the property through a corporation. This means the buyer controls all aspects of the property but is not personally liable.

If the mortgage payments cannot be met or suppliers cannot be paid, creditors do not come after the buyer; that can only sue the corporation, thereby protecting all personal assets. For this strategy, buyers must consult with their financial planner or accountant to ensure they are eligible.

The information in these articles is a summary. Should you have questions, comments or wish to discuss further, please refer to the comments section at the bottom of the page or contact me directly. As well, to view past articles, click here.

Next week, we will look at the actual selling process in 2026

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Feature image: Edge2Edge Media – Unsplash

Other articles by Joseph Marovitch