The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal sales climbed to 3,971 in January, up 17 per cent from 3,398 the year before.

Extreme poverty, inadequate housing and lack of security in an area where there are many young kids are problems, community groups say.

Tenants' rights advocates are continuing to draw attention to what they see as crisis for low income renters.

"There is place for everybody right now," said Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante.

With the arrival of the second wave of the pandemic Montreal's residential real estate market continues to outperform expectations.

The provincial and federal governments have announced a $3.7-billion investment for social and affordable housing in Quebec.

While the details of the agreement have yet to be revealed, the province could receive up to $1.4 billion to invest in social and affordable housing.

The City of Montreal has bought the building known as Hutchison Plaza for $6.3 million in order to turn it into 40 social housing units. 

The location, which has acted as an emergency shelter in past winters, was an isolation centre for homeless people who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this year. 

One year after having experienced its worst housing crisis in 15 years, Quebec is heading towards an even more catastrophic July 1.