10/06/2026
September showed us one thing very clearly: there is no single “real estate market.”
Across the GTA, sales were down 9% year over year and the average price settled at $1,006,409, down 5.1%. But look closer and the story changes dramatically depending on where you are. Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
Burlington remained comparatively resilient, with the average price up 2.2% despite fewer listings and sales. Hamilton saw prices down 8.0%, while homes took longer to sell. Haldimand also experienced softer pricing, fewer transactions and substantially longer market times.
For sellers: this is not a market where you can simply pick a price and wait. Positioning, condition, marketing and the first couple of weeks on market matter.
The right pricing strategy in Burlington may look very different from the right strategy in Hamilton or Haldimand.
For buyers: softer sales and prices in parts of the market are creating opportunities. You may have more negotiating power, more time for due diligence and the ability to negotiate terms that were much harder to secure in stronger markets. But good properties in the right neighbourhoods can still attract attention quickly.
TRREB says there is still substantial pent up demand, but many buyers are waiting for greater confidence around employment, inflation and borrowing costs before making their move. Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
TRREB CEO John DiMichele also pointed to the bigger affordability picture, calling for governments to reduce barriers to homeownership and warning that a strong housing sector remains important to consumer confidence and economic growth. Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
The takeaway?
This market rewards strategy more than ever.
Thinking about buying or selling in Burlington, Hamilton, Haldimand or across the GTA? Connect with a Casora REALTOR® and understand what the numbers actually mean for your move.
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