Parc-Extension’s Rental Market Shows Mixed Signals as Pressures Persist

Parc-Extension continues to reflect the contradictions shaping Montréal’s housing market: rents that remain comparatively moderate by national standards, paired with persistent volatility and mounting pressure on local households.

According to recent rental market tracking by Zumper, the median monthly rent in Parc-Extension is approximately $1,785. The figure, based on current asking prices across active listings, places the neighbourhood below the national average while aligning closely with rental levels seen across much of the island of Montréal.

A closer look at available units points to a wide spread in pricing. Roughly 18 percent of listings are priced below $1,500 per month, while about two-thirds fall between $1,500 and $2,250. Higher-priced units remain in the minority, though they are becoming more visible as renovated apartments re-enter the market.

Longer-term data suggests uneven momentum. On a year-over-year basis, advertised rents in Parc-Extension have declined by roughly eight percent, a rare softening at a time when many Montréal neighbourhoods continue to experience upward pressure. More recent figures, however, indicate a reversal, with month-to-month rents rising by about four percent, highlighting the market’s sensitivity to short-term demand shifts.

By unit type, one-bedroom apartments average close to $1,600, while two-bedroom units approach $2,000 per month. Larger apartments command higher rents, reflecting both limited supply and sustained demand from families seeking multi-bedroom layouts.

In the broader Montréal context, Parc-Extension’s rent levels are no longer markedly lower than the citywide norm. While averages vary by data source and methodology, current estimates across Montréal fall within a similar range. What differentiates Parc-Extension is less the asking price itself and more the economic profile of the households competing for those units.

The neighbourhood’s high renter concentration, aging housing stock, and limited new construction continue to shape local dynamics. While some rent relief has appeared in older buildings, rising costs elsewhere in the city have redirected demand toward areas traditionally seen as more affordable, intensifying competition.

Housing advocates have consistently noted that moderate rents do not automatically equate to affordability, particularly where household incomes trail city averages. In such contexts, even modest rent increases can place significant strain on residents, especially when vacancy options are scarce.

Looking ahead, Parc-Extension is likely to remain a key indicator of Montréal’s lower- and mid-range rental market. Its proximity to transit, educational institutions, and employment centres continues to attract renters, even as availability tightens.

For policymakers, the message is increasingly clear. Stabilizing rents alone will not resolve affordability pressures. Long-term solutions will depend on expanding supply, preserving existing rental stock, and aligning housing policy with the economic realities of the residents most affected.