Even with eleven straight quarters of improvement, housing affordability remains a real challenge across Canada. The latest data for Q2 2026 shows that about 41% of average household income goes toward housing costs—still a steep proportion, even after a 13-point improvement from the peak. Lower prices, better borrowing rates, and stronger incomes have helped, but the numbers can paint a rosier picture than many families actually feel. The measure is based on average disposable income, which can overstate how many households are truly comfortable. As someone who’s spent years helping Muskoka buyers and sellers navigate these realities, I see firsthand how affordability is more than just a number—it’s the difference between making a move and sitting tight. With incomes only inching up and interest rates stabilizing, further adjustments may still come from home prices themselves. For anyone weighing their next step, understanding the local market—and the true cost of ownership—is as important as ever.
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