How Many Realtors Are in Canada?
Canada has approximately 160,000 licensed real estate agents registered through the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). With so many agents competing for business, understanding the landscape can help you choose the right professional for your home buying or selling journey. This guide breaks down the numbers, explores provincial distribution, and explains why selecting an experienced local agent makes all the difference.
Canadian Realtor Statistics at a Glance
The Canadian real estate profession has grown significantly over the past two decades. CREA, the national association representing realtors, tracks membership data that reveals the scale and distribution of agents across the country.
160,000+
Licensed Realtors in Canada
90,000+
Agents in Ontario
70,000+
TRREB Members (GTA)
70+
Real Estate Boards
Provincial Breakdown of Licensed Realtors
Understanding CREA and Provincial Associations
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is the national organization representing realtors. To use the trademarked term "REALTOR" in Canada, an agent must be a CREA member through their local real estate board. CREA provides the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) system, professional standards, and advocacy on behalf of the industry.
Each province has its own real estate regulatory body that handles licensing and compliance. In Ontario, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) regulates all brokerages and agents under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA). This framework ensures consumer protection through mandatory insurance, continuing education requirements, and strict ethical guidelines.
Within Ontario, local boards like the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) provide MLS access, market data, and professional development for their members. The Mississauga real estate market falls under TRREB's jurisdiction, which is one of the largest real estate boards in North America by membership and transaction volume.
RECO Regulation
All Ontario agents must be registered with RECO and comply with TRESA consumer protection standards.
CREA Membership
CREA members adhere to a Code of Ethics and have access to the national MLS system and Realtor.ca.
TRREB Data
TRREB provides comprehensive GTA market data, enabling agents to deliver accurate pricing and market analysis.
Why Choosing the Right Agent Matters
With over 160,000 realtors in Canada and 90,000 in Ontario alone, not all agents offer the same level of experience, local knowledge, or service quality. Studies consistently show that the top 10% of agents handle the majority of transactions, while many agents complete fewer than five deals per year.
Choosing an experienced, full-time agent with deep local market knowledge can significantly impact your results. An agent who knows your neighbourhood's pricing trends, buyer demographics, and marketing strategies will position your property to achieve the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many realtors are there in Canada in 2026?
As of 2026, there are approximately 160,000 licensed real estate agents who are members of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). This number has fluctuated over the years, peaking at over 170,000 during the pandemic-era housing boom before settling to current levels as market conditions normalized.
How many realtors are in Ontario specifically?
Ontario has the largest number of registered real estate agents in Canada, with approximately 90,000 members through the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) and its local boards. The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) alone has over 70,000 members, making it one of the largest real estate boards in North America.
What is the difference between a realtor and a real estate agent?
A real estate agent is anyone licensed to facilitate real estate transactions in their province. A REALTOR is a real estate agent who is also a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and adheres to its Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Practice. Most licensed agents in Canada are CREA members, but the terms are not interchangeable.
How do I choose the right realtor with so many agents available?
Look for an agent with deep local market knowledge, a proven track record of sales in your neighbourhood, strong client reviews, and a comprehensive marketing strategy. Ask about their experience, average days on market, list-to-sale price ratio, and what services are included. An experienced local agent like Joe Battaglia, who has helped over 1,000 families and has 25+ years of experience in Mississauga, provides a distinct advantage over less experienced agents.
Why has the number of realtors in Canada grown so much?
The growth in Canadian realtors has been driven by the hot housing market over the past two decades, relatively accessible licensing requirements, the attraction of commission-based income, and the perception of real estate as a lucrative career. However, many new agents leave the industry within their first two years, as the profession requires significant effort, marketing investment, and relationship building to succeed.
Does having more realtors benefit consumers?
More agents can mean more competition and choices for consumers, but it also means quality can vary significantly. Many agents work part-time or have limited transaction experience. Consumers benefit most by selecting an agent with a strong local reputation, consistent sales volume, and specialized knowledge of their target market area.