Canada recorded 61,450 pre-mover households in March 2026, a sharp increase from 45,173 in February, signaling the early stages of the spring housing cycle.
This represents a +36% month-over-month increase, and puts activity well ahead of the slower winter months.
Spring Market Is Turning On
After a typical seasonal slowdown in January and February, March shows a clear inflection point.
- January 2026: 36,137
- February 2026: 45,173
- March 2026: 61,450
That’s nearly 25,000 additional households entering the market in just two months.
For marketers, this is when timing starts to matter again. These households are early in their move journey—researching, planning, and making big purchase decisions.
Ontario and BC Lead the Surge
As expected, the largest provinces are driving the majority of activity:
- Ontario: 28,355 (+42% MoM)
- Quebec: 12,370 (+9% MoM)
- British Columbia: 9,222 (+37% MoM)
- Alberta: 7,570 (+57% MoM)
Ontario alone accounts for nearly 46% of all pre-mover activity in Canada, reinforcing its importance for any national campaign.
Alberta stands out with the strongest growth rate, suggesting heightened housing activity in that market.
Broad-Based Growth Across the Country
Growth wasn’t isolated—it showed up across nearly every province:
- Saskatchewan: +88%
- New Brunswick: +85%
- Manitoba: +37%
- Nova Scotia: +83%
Even smaller provinces like PEI and Newfoundland saw meaningful increases, indicating a coast-to-coast ramp-up in housing activity.
What This Means for Marketers
This is the window where smart marketers get ahead.
Pre-movers haven’t committed yet—which makes them:
- Highly influenceable
- Actively researching options
- Preparing for major spending decisions
Miss this window, and you’re competing after decisions are already made.
Win here, and you shape the outcome.
Bottom Line
March marks the true start of the 2026 moving season.
Momentum is building quickly, and the next 60–90 days will represent the highest concentration of in-market households you’ll see all year.
If you’re targeting movers, now is the time to lean in—not wait.
📊 Leverage Cleanlist’s Pre-Mover Data
Cleanlist’s Pre-Mover dataset identifies households preparing to relocate — often weeks or months before the move occurs. With Cleanlist, you can:
- Target pre-movers by geography and household characteristics
- Reach consumers before competitors ramp up
- Align messaging with early decision-making moments
👉 Cleanlist offers self-service opportunity counts to help you size the market. See our consumer data page to explore available segments and activation options.
