Davids & DeLaat Team
Hey, Niagara! Shawn DeLaat here with your April market update.
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.
A Month Marked by Hesitation
April brought with it a number of events that contributed to market instability: the Bank of Canada held interest rates mid-month, a federal election wrapped up at the end of the month, and concerns surrounding global tariffs lingered in the background. All of this created a “wait-and-see” environment. As a result, buyer demand stayed soft and sellers with top-tier properties continued to delay listing, waiting for better weather and more confidence in the market.
Pricing Strategy Is Everything
In a market like this, pricing makes all the difference. We’re seeing three distinct strategies from sellers:
- Some are overshooting completely—those homes won’t move.
- Others are pricing fairly and seeing slower, steady interest.
- But the sellers who are pricing aggressively? They’re getting action. These homes are selling fast and, in some cases, even attracting multiple offers.
What’s Working Right Now
Buyers are leaning toward well-maintained, owner-occupied homes that show pride of ownership. Properties that are clean, well-presented, and priced to the current market are still selling. Much of the inventory right now is made up of investor-owned rentals and new builds, which are seeing limited success. But when a great home hits the market, it stands out.
Sellers: Be Strategic, Not Stubborn
Sellers are doing everything they can to hold firm on pricing, but the reality is the market has softened. If you’re preparing to list, know this: buyers are still active—but they’re selective. Give them a good reason to move, and you’ll get a deal done.
A significant number of buyers right now are also sellers—people moving within the region. These are motivated and realistic clients who understand the current dynamics of the market
Looking Ahead
April saw a 40% drop in sales, but there’s reason to be optimistic. With the election behind us and warmer weather on the horizon, May is shaping up to be more active. Inventory is expected to climb, and with more listings comes more movement.
It won’t be a booming market, but we are anticipating better momentum as we head deeper into spring.
Stay tuned for next month’s update—and as always, if you’re thinking of making a move, let’s chat about the right strategy for your goals.
