Family Access Program: a rare opportunity for first-time buyers in Quebec in 2026
Family Access Program: a rare opportunity for first-time buyers in Quebec City in 2026
The Family Access Program of the City of Quebec is experiencing unprecedented enthusiasm in 2026. Nearly 500 families have submitted their applications in hopes of receiving a financial boost to access homeownership — a reality that speaks volumes about the current pressure of the real estate market in Quebec City.
🔑 A major new feature this year
Since its launch in 2015, the Family Access program mainly targeted the purchase of new homes.
For the first time in 10 years, the City now allows using the financial assistance to buy an existing home.
👉 Great news for first-time buyers, since it is precisely existing properties that dominate the current market.
💰 What does the financial assistance consist of?
- 40 selected households
- Interest-free loan, repayable upon resale
- Maximum amount: $24,200
- Maximum property value: $440,000
- Selection by lottery, planned for January 15
This assistance directly targets the main obstacle for first-time buyers: the down payment.
📈 Why such enthusiasm?
According to several sector experts, the Quebec City region is still bearing the surge in real estate values that began during the pandemic.
Real estate specialist François Des Rosiers notes that :
- the scarcity of land
- the low number of new starts
- and the continuous rise in prices
are forcing many households to rethink their strategies… and sometimes their expectations.
Some forecasts even mention a rise of up to 12% in 2026 in the Quebec City region.
🏘️ Adjusting strategy to become a homeowner
In this context, several alternative solutions are gaining popularity:
- duplex or quadruplex
- townhouses
- denser residential projects
Homeownership remains possible, but it requires a good understanding of the market, a realistic strategy, and appropriate support.
🎯 What to remember
The Family Access program is an interesting opportunity, but also a revealer:
- the demand is extremely strong
- the conditions are tight
- chance plays an important role
👉 Hence the importance of not relying solely on programs, but building a solid and realistic purchase plan, adapted to the Quebec City market in 2026.