As we step into 2026, it’s important to acknowledge where the Niagara real estate market has just been — and why this year feels different. 2025 was, by nearly every measure, one of the most difficult years our market has experienced. Record-breaking inventory levels collided with historically low demand, creating a prolonged imbalance that defined the year from start to finish.
As we close the books on 2025, one thing is clear: this was one of the most challenging years the Niagara real estate market has ever experienced.
The story of September and October 2025 is clear: Niagara is still in a deep correction, and this fall has made the gap between inventory and demand even more pronounced.
After a quiet start to the season, summer brought a mix of activity and caution across Niagara’s real estate market.
If May felt like a turning point, June hit the brakes. Across Niagara, we’re now seeing over 3,400 active listings—the highest inventory level we’ve seen in years. And it’s not just us. Markets across Ontario are seeing the same trend: too many listings, not enough buyers. The result? A market that’s saturated and hesitant.
Let’s just say it: May was a month of mixed signals. On the surface, we saw what looked like a promising spring market—lower interest rates and warmer weather—but the expected boost in activity never materialized. Instead, we saw an influx of listings with a noticeable lack of buyer demand. The result? A market that feels… stuck.
Well, we’re glad to have April in the rearview mirror. It wasn’t a strong month for real estate across the region. A mix of political uncertainty, economic hesitation, and poor weather conditions kept both buyers and sellers on the sidelines, resulting in a significant slowdown in activity.
As spring unfolds, we’ve seen a predictable increase in housing inventory. Homeowners who achieved sales last year are re-entering the market, and we’re encountering new listings from those facing financial pressures. By mid-April, inventory levels significantly rose.
Looking back, 2023 presented its challenges, notably marking the lowest sales figures since the start of my career in real estate back in 2002. However, as we venture into March, there’s a tangible sense of optimism in the air. Encouraging developments in interest rates and market activities are signalling a more promising year ahead for us all.
The Bank of Canada’s recent announcement to hold interest rates steady, with a potential decrease later in the year, has injected a dose of positivity into the market. This decision is critical as it sets the tone for economic activities, including real estate transactions, and influences buyer and seller confidence.
Throughout the year, we’ve noticed a pattern similar to the previous year, particularly influenced by interest rates. The mid-year interest rates had a noticeable downward push on the market, leading us to what we consider the bottom. However, in the real estate cycle, hitting the bottom usually suggests an upcoming rise, which is what we’re anticipating for 2024.
The current climate, marked by high borrowing costs and economic uncertainty, has led to a noticeable slowdown in house sales. Many sellers opt to delay their plans, looking towards next year as a more opportune time to sell. However, it’s important to note that the Niagara region is experiencing its highest number of listings since the fall of 2014, with approximately 2,800 properties on the market.
