🏡 Ontario Real Estate Market Update
What’s Really Happening Right Now — and What It Means for You
After months (even years) of hearing about “record lows” in home sales, something interesting happened in late summer: Ontario’s housing market is stirring again. It’s not the 2020–2021 frenzy, but activity is definitely picking up — especially in Durham and York, where prices are still down as much as 30% from peak levels.
🔍 Reality Check — Should You Buy Now?
From my view: If you don’t need to buy right now, patience can still pay off. Prices could soften further, and fundamentals haven’t shifted enough to justify panic buying.
But life doesn’t stop for the market — people get married, have kids, get help with a down payment, or simply hit their breaking point with renting. That’s why homes are still selling, even in a tough market.
📊 What We’re Seeing on the Ground
✅ Pre-approvals are climbing — more buyers are getting ready.
✅ Purchase activity is up — still below long-term averages, but no longer “dead quiet.”
⚠️ Investors are nearly gone — today’s market is driven by real families and first-time buyers, not speculators.
🏠Move-up & move-down buyers are taking advantage of more inventory.
👩‍👩‍👦 First-time buyers (many in their 30s & 40s) are leaving the rental market behind after dealing with renovictions, rising rents, and a lack of control.
đź’¸ What It Really Costs to Buy in the GTA Today
Family income: around $100,000+
Down payment: typically $225,000 – $400,000  for homes valued at over $1M plus. But for a lesser amount or less than $1M, downpayment can still be minimum 5% to 10%.
Prices: townhomes/semis just under or at $1M; detached homes still over $1M at some areas but there are pockets in Toronto that have detached homes selling for below $1M.
(Tip: If you’re buying and selling at the same time, always sell first — unless you can comfortably carry two homes at once.)
đź“Ť Ontario Hot Spots
Durham & York: More listings, softer prices — buyers have choices.
Toronto Condos: Still under pressure; experts expect this market to stay weak for now.
Peel & Halton: Moderately active, but affordability still tight.
🧠The Bottom Line for Ontario Homebuyers & Sellers
Don’t mistake a slight bump in activity for a full rebound — fundamentals haven’t caught up yet.
If life is telling you it’s time to move — marriage, kids, upsizing, downsizing — there are opportunities right now, especially with motivated sellers and more selection.
If you’re simply curious or cautious, it might be worth getting pre-approved and running the numbers so you’re ready when the right home shows up.
📞 Thinking of Buying or Selling? Let’s Talk First.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or wondering if this is the right time to sell, having a plan matters more than ever. I’ll walk you through:
✅ How much you can safely afford in today’s rates
✅ Whether it’s smarter to wait or move now
âś… Strategies to buy and sell without unnecessary risk
👉 Book a quick call with me to talk about your mortgage options or your next move in Ontario’s market.
Markets change — but your life doesn’t wait. Let’s make sure your next step is the right one. 🏡