The September numbers are in! While prices remain soft, activity across the GTA is finally picking up.
We’re seeing more buyers calling, more showings being booked, and more movement overall — early signs that confidence is creeping back into the market. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and where things may be heading next.
GTA Market Highlights
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Sales: 5,592(+8.5% YoY)
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New Listings: 19,260 (+4% YoY)
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Average price: $1,059,377 (↓ 4.7% YoY)
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Benchmark price: $960,300 (↓ 5.5% YoY)
Sales were stronger than last year and slightly higher than in August, while new listings dipped month-to-month — suggesting some tightening in certain pockets. Buyers remain cautious but active, using the added choice in the market to negotiate prices downward.
What We’re Seeing on the Ground
We’ve noticed a real uptick in activity recently. More buyers are re-engaging, more showings are happening, and conversations are starting again — both with clients and among agents.
The recent Bank of Canada rate cut has improved affordability, and lower mortgage costs are giving households confidence to start planning moves again. At the same time, financial markets at record highs are creating a sense that things are stabilizing. And when people feel stable, they act.
That said, the economy still shows strain. With rising insolvencies and mortgage arrears, softened business activity, and labour market weakness continuing to weigh on consumer confidence.
Meanwhile, as Move Smartly recently highlighted, the once-popular strategy of “pricing low to spark a bidding war” is often doing more harm than good in today’s slow market. Only the top 10–15% of standout homes, those with exceptional features or locations, are still drawing multiple offers.
For most listings, underpricing is leading to weak bids and sellers accepting below-market offers. In this environment, pricing realistically and being patient often yields better results than chasing a failed bidding war.
Looking Ahead
All signs point to a period of stabilization. Prices are flat to slightly lower year-over-year, but buyer activity is clearly improving.
Are we at the bottom? Maybe not quite — but we’re likely close. With a few more expected rate cuts into 2026, affordability should improve further, and I’m confident we’ll see a rebound in housing prices next year as confidence builds.
For now, it’s a window of opportunity: a more balanced market where buyers can negotiate smartly and sellers who price right can still get results.
Thinking of making a move?
If you’re planning to buy or sell this fall, let’s talk strategy. Even in a stabilizing market, success comes down to timing, preparation, and understanding where the opportunities are.
📱Phone: 647-504-0690
📧 Email: steven@mistersauga.ca
*Your Trusted Partner in the GTA Real Estate Journey*