In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for real estate in Nova Scotia, Canada. With strong economic growth for the region, coupled with strong employment growth, the population is rising, leading to high rental and purchase demand that’s outweighing supply.
Nova Scotia is an attractive destination for many, offering beautiful landscapes, coastal views, culture and industry. It is also home to several Universities and colleges that attract students from all over the world. Property prices, which are more affordable than in other provinces of Canada, have steadily risen over the past year, compared to a decrease nationally, which shows the province is experiencing increasing demand and the property market is stable. In June 2025, Nova Scotia achieved record-breaking home prices, setting a new all-time high.
With a range of properties and real estate opportunities available across Nova Scotia’s varying areas, we’re going to dive into the reasons why buying property in Nova Scotia is beneficial in 2025 – 2026.
Stable and promising market performance
The average house price in June 2025 in Nova Scotia was $488,760, an increase of 6.1% from June 2024. Data from The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) show, year-to-date home sales totalled 6586 units over the first seven months of 2025, up 2.1% from the same period in 2024. These figures show consistent and healthy market appreciation—especially when national markets face volatility.
The province’s property values are projected to rise 4–8% in 2025, outperforming the stagnating or declining real estate scenes in Ontario and British Columbia. Halifax–Dartmouth properties are in high demand too, over 42% of listings sell within a week, with most gone within a month.
Affordable housing and a better cost of living
The average house price in Nova Scotia in June 2025 is $488,760, which is significantly lower than the national average of $691,643. This is far less than areas such as Ontario, where the average house price is $852,036 and British Columbia, where the average house price is $954,065, making property in the province much more affordable, and giving you a lot more for your money.
Nova Scotia offers a vast range of different properties too. Located on the east coast of Canada, its varying landscapes and combination of coast and urban city means there is every type of property you could want from beach houses and country homes to city apartments, luxurious villas, cosy cottages and modern city condos.
The region offers many of the same amenities as bigger markets such as airports, universities, culture and a large urban centre but a significantly lower price points. Nova Scotia also offers a high quality of life with a combination of urban amenities and natural beauty. Residents have access to beaches, parks, outdoor activities, as well as a huge hub of culture within the city centres.
Nova Scotia also houses several renowned universities and colleges, which attract students from around the world, and contribute to a well-educated labour force. This influx in students drives demand for rental properties and starter homes, which provides a lucrative opportunity for any real estate investors in the region.
Nova Scotian mortgage rates are relatively moderate compared to other regions in Canada and property taxes are relatively low compared to the rest of the country. You get more for your money in Nova Scotia, with the general cost of living better than other areas and a great quality of life with a relaxed atmosphere.
Economic strength
Nova Scotia’s economy has shown resilience, with real GDP growth showing steady progress. Economic growth has a direct impact on real estate demand, as increase in employment offerings and income growth typically leads to increased housing needs. Due to the areas diverse economy, supported by sectors such as technology, healthcare, manufacturing, education and professional services, it continues to drive housing demand, particularly in urban areas like Halifax.
The province is also investing heavily into transportation, through its five-year highway improvement plan. This includes over 150 major construction and improvement projects, which aim to make Nova Scotia’s roads, highways and bridges safer. Around $450 million was invested into roadworks in 2023-2024 alone, with an additional $583 million allocated for six more major projects between 2025-2030.
On top of this, they’re investing into renewable energy projects with the aim to supply approximately 12% of Nova Scotia’s energy consumption through sustainable energy solutions. Shipbuilding, which is the cornerstone of Nova Scotia’s economy, is another area that has had huge investment. With a $500 million contract to maintain Halifax-class frigates and additional government contracts, this will provide many jobs in the region and further bolster the local economy.
Finally, digital connectivity is another area they’re focusing on enhancing. They aim to provide reliable, high-speed internet to 99.99% of homes and businesses in the region, making Nova Scotia one of the first provinces in Canada to achieve such extensive coverage, which further enhances the appeal for both residents and businesses.
All of these projects contribute significantly to Nova Scotia’s economic boom, and the ongoing improvements in energy, infrastructure, industry and digital connectivity further drive demand for land and real estate in Nova Scotia.
Employment growth
Nova Scotia has demonstrated a strong labour market with data showing employment levels in the region have shown positive trends, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, construction and the professional services. As detailed above, heavy investment into a range of areas are stimulating the economy and providing more job opportunities for people in the area, encouraging more professionals to move the region. A growing labour market supports a healthy real estate sector, as more people secure stable employment in the area, rental and purchase demand for housing increases.
Population increase
Nova Scotia’s strong job market, stable economy, affordability and beautiful landscape have made it a very desirable place to live, and it continues to attract newcomers. The province itself has seen an unprecedented population boom, mainly due to record-high levels of immigration.
In 2023, the province reported a record 29,134 new residents, and as of July 1, 2023, the population increased by 3.24% compared to the previous year. According to data from the Government of Nova Scotia, in absolute and percentage terms, Nova Scotia’s population grew faster from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023 than any other comparable period in modern data series.
This huge population growth was due to a sharp increase in net non-permanent residents (including students and temporary foreign workers), as well as continued immigration and net interprovincial migration. With more people, comes more demand – for housing, retail infrastructure, commercial spaces and leisure facilities. As such, prime retail land becomes increasingly valuable when population growth is both substantial and sustained, as it is here.
Retail sector stability
According to CBRE, Atlantic Canada’s retail sector, especially grocery-anchored and enclosed malls, remains highly resilient despite global economic uncertainties. Retail vacancy rates are at all-time lows, and competition for premium locations is heating up—resulting in higher rents and aggressive lease terms in favour of landlords.
In Halifax, prime retail rent ranges from $36 to $75 per square foot, a range that signals strong demand and willingness to pay for the most desirable spots. Land values soar when retailers are willing to pay a premium for footfall-heavy locations. Such inelastic demand indicates a high valuation floor—and compelling acquisition potential.
Now is the ideal time to buy real estate in Nova Scotia
2025 – 2026 is shaping up as a stellar time to purchase Nova Scotia real estate. The province brings together economic robustness, affordability, and exceptional lifestyle appeal. Whether you’re eyeing Halifax’s urban dynamism, exploring high-end waterfront properties, thinking of purchasing property to let out to students or craving rural tranquillity with modern convenience, there’s something here for everyone.
To find out more about opportunities to purchase property in Nova Scotia, get in touch with our team today.