Extended Buyer Timelines: With generous local inventory, expect buyers to remain cautious, methodical, and unafraid to negotiate. Sellers will need to focus on meticulous home presentation and hyper-competitive pricing to avoid lingering on the market.

Price Plateau: The elevated supply-to-sales ratio suggests property values will continue to level off or mildly contract as we move into the fall, creating a highly balanced market environment.

Act Nor or Wait for 2027?

Acting Now (Fall 2026)

• For Buyers: The current elevated inventory—sitting near 3,800 active listings—offers a rare window of choice. Buyers have the leverage to negotiate without the pressure of bidding wars and can take the time to insist on thorough due diligence.

• For Sellers: The market is crowded. To successfully move a property before the traditional winter slowdown, a listing must be competitive on price and present well from day one.  

Wait (until early 2027)

• For Buyers: Overall inventory traditionally shrinks in the winter, which can  limit selection. However, if the Bank of Canada eventually cuts the current 2.25% policy rate, borrowing capacity could incrementally improve—though lower rates also tend to pull more competing buyers off the sidelines.  

• For Sellers: Launching a listing in late January or February can be a highly strategic move. It often captures serious, motivated buyers whose mortgage pre-approvals have just reset for the year, all while facing far less listing competition than during the typical spring rush.