Buying a Condo in Griffintown in 2026: What You Actually Need to Know

By Natalia Belyaev, Residential Real Estate Broker, RE/MAX Action Montreal

Wondering if now is a good time to buy a condo in Griffintown? Here's the short answer: yes, probably. The median condo price in the area sits around $430,000 to $435,000, inventory is up roughly 20% year over year, and sales have slowed by 7.4%. That means more choice and more room to negotiate. Natalia Belyaev, residential real estate broker at RE/MAX Action in Montreal, helps buyers settle into Griffintown every month. Call 514-947-8863.

Why is everyone still talking about Griffintown?

Ten years ago, Griffintown was mostly cranes and empty lots along the Lachine Canal. Now it's one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in Montreal. Walk down William Street or Notre Dame West, and you'll pass cafes, microbreweries, yoga studios, and young families pushing strollers along the canal. It draws mostly young professionals and first-time buyers who want to be close to downtown without paying Old Montreal prices. And honestly, I get it. It's one of the few spots in the city where you can walk to work, bike along the water, and never touch your car on a weeknight.

Is it a good time to buy a condo in Griffintown right now?

Right now, yes. The market has shifted. Two or three years ago, buyers were fighting to see a condo the same day it hit the market. That's not the case anymore. Inventory is up about 20% compared to last year, while sales have dropped 7.4%. That means more units to choose from, less competition, and more room to negotiate on price or conditions. This isn't a market that's crashing. It's a market that finally has room to breathe.

What should I watch for before buying an older Griffintown condo?

A lot of Griffintown buildings went up between 2012 and 2016. That means many are reaching the age where real repairs start showing up: roofs, garages, mechanical systems. Before I let a client make an offer, I always ask for the building's maintenance log and the state of the reserve fund. A syndicate that's set aside enough money is a good sign. An empty reserve fund is a red flag, especially in buildings close to the Lachine Canal, where water infiltration risk is worth checking during the inspection.

Is Griffintown convenient for getting around?

Yes, and it's probably its biggest strength. Lucien L'Allier metro station sits right in the neighbourhood, and Bonaventure station is less than a kilometre away. Access to the Ville Marie and Bonaventure expressways is quick, which matters if you're commuting to the South Shore or crossing the Champlain Bridge. A future REM station is also planned near the Bassins du Nouveau Havre. The one small tradeoff is groceries. There aren't a ton of grocery stores right inside the neighbourhood, so a lot of residents make a short trip out for a full shop.

By the Numbers

• $430,000 to $435,000: median condo price in Griffintown right now
• +20%: year-over-year rise in Montreal condo inventory, giving buyers more to choose from
• -7.4%: year-over-year drop in condo sales, a real sign of a buyer-friendly market
• $15,000: maximum grant available through Montreal's home ownership program for eligible first-time buyers, or a full welcome tax refund instead
• $1.5 million: new CMHC insured mortgage ceiling, opening the door to 30-year amortizations for first-time buyers
• 2012 to 2016: construction years for many Griffintown buildings, an age where major repairs start to appear
• 0.8 km: distance from Bonaventure metro to the heart of Griffintown, on top of Lucien L'Allier station already inside the neighbourhood

The Bottom Line

If you're shopping for a condo in Griffintown, this isn't the time to sit back and wait for a better price. It's the time to negotiate, not panic. Get the reserve fund checked before you sign, especially for buildings built before 2017. And if you're a first-time buyer, look into the assistance programs before you start touring units. They can shift your budget by thousands of dollars.

FAQ

Is Griffintown a safe place to live?
Yes, overall Griffintown is a safe neighbourhood for an urban area. It's well lit, busy in the evenings thanks to restaurants and cafes, and the paths along the Lachine Canal see foot traffic well into the evening. Like anywhere in the city, it's smart to stay aware at night, but it's not something that worries my clients once they've actually walked the neighbourhood.

Are condo fees high in Griffintown?
It varies a lot by building and what amenities it offers, like a pool or a gym. Generally, fees run between $0.35 and $0.55 per square foot per month. A building with very low fees isn't always good news. It can mean the reserve fund isn't being topped up enough.

Is 2026 a good year to buy?
Yes, especially compared to 2021 and 2022. Inventory is higher, sellers are more open to negotiating, and new federal programs make down payments more accessible for first-time buyers. This isn't a panic market. It's one where you can actually take your time and choose well.

What should I check before buying an older condo in Griffintown?
Always ask for the maintenance log, the state of the reserve fund, and the minutes from the last few syndicate meetings. That tells you if the building has been well managed and whether major work is coming. A proper pre-purchase inspection is still a must, especially for buildings built before 2017.

Is Griffintown a good rental investment?
Yes, rental demand stays strong thanks to how close it is to downtown, the Quartier de la Sante, and Old Montreal. Young professionals and grad students actively look in this area. Returns depend on the building and purchase price, so I always run the comparables before advising an investor client either way.

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Natalia Belyaev is a residential real estate broker at RE/MAX Action in Montreal. She works with buyers, sellers, and investors across Griffintown, Ville Marie, Old Montreal, NDG, and Côte des Neiges. Her approach: protect your interests, not just close deals.
514-947-8863 | nataliabelyaev.homes