As 2025 comes to a close, RE/MAX is signalling a cautious comeback — not a boom, but a more stable, balanced real estate market in 2026.

• National home sales are projected to rise by about 3.4% in 2026, as built-up inventory meets renewed buyer interest.

• At the same time, average home prices are expected to ease by roughly 3.7%, creating what RE/MAX describes as “balanced conditions” across many markets.

• The overall tone: 2026 is less about dramatic swings and more about predictability, modest affordability improvements, and a shift toward buyer-friendly conditions.

According to RE/MAX, this reset may offer buyers more negotiating power and more inventory to choose from — a relief after years of overheated demand and tight supply.

Reflection: How 2025 Compared to Last Year’s Forecast

Looking back, 2025 brought a fair bit of volatility and cooling across the country’s real estate markets. By many measures, RE/MAX’s more cautious 2026 outlook seems rooted in what unfolded.

• Across many major markets, 2025 saw declining prices, weaker sales, and rising listings — conditions that paved the way for a more “balanced” 2026.

• RE/MAX itself acknowledged late in 2025 that after “years of volatility… the market may finally be inching toward a turning point.”

• The 2026 forecast — modest price declines and rising sales — aligns with this reality: a market resetting rather than rebounding sharply.

In short: 2025 largely validated caution, and RE/MAX’s 2026 outlook reflects a realistic, tempered optimism rather than hype.

What Buyers and Sellers Should Expect in 2026

For buyers:

• More choices and more inventory across many markets. Balanced pricing + increased supply could mean better value, especially for first-time buyers or those priced out in recent years.

• Less frenzy, more stability. With prices softening modestly, negotiation may become more common — and successful.

For sellers:

• Competition may be stronger. Homes will still move — but sellers who price competitively, present well, and stay realistic will have the best shot.

For the overall market:

• 2026 may not deliver a dramatic rebound — but it could mark the start of a more sustainable, predictable environment.

• Gradual home-ownership activity could resume as affordability improves a bit and buyer confidence increases.

What This Means (or Could Mean) for Durham Region

RE/MAX did not provide a public 2026 forecast specifically for Durham Region. But looking at what we do know offers useful context:

• Most recent publicly shared data (from a regional roundup) puts the **average selling price in Durham at about C$840,833 (November 2025).

• By comparison: under the prior 2025 forecast from RE/MAX, the expected year-end average price was around C$855,085. (Your earlier data.)

That means Durham’s actual pricing is already slightly below what was forecast — suggesting moderate price softening in line with broader national trends.

Even without a 2026-specific Durham forecast, the national RE/MAX outlook provides an implicit signal: if conditions mirror the national trend, 2026 may bring more choice and slightly better affordability — which could benefit buyers in Durham. For sellers, realism remains key.

Final Word: A Calibrated Reset — Not a Rush, But an Opportunity

2026 isn’t being painted as the year of a runaway real estate boom. Instead, under RE/MAX’s new outlook, we may see a measured market reset, with more moderate pricing, steady demand, and healthier supply-demand balance.

For Canadians: it could mean a more stable, less stressful environment for buying or selling.

For Durham-area buyers and sellers: it’s a chance to approach the market with realistic expectations — and perhaps find opportunity in the balance.

Sources: REMAX Canada, Newswire, Canada Housing Market, Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, Yahoo Finance

Sales slow further, prices dip, and inventory remains elevated — creating more opportunity for savvy buyers.

🔍 By the Numbers: November at a Glance

• Total Sales: 5,010 (–15.8% YoY, –18.3% MoM) Toronto Real Estate Board+1

• Average Selling Price: $1,039,458 (–6.4% YoY, –1.4% MoM) Toronto Real Estate Board+1

• New Listings: –4.0% YoY, –1.4% MoM Toronto Real Estate Board+1

• Active Listings: 24,549 (+16.8% YoY, –11.2% MoM) Toronto Real Estate Board+1

• Sales-to-New Listings Ratio: ~ 45%

• Days on Market:

  • Property DOM: 56 days

  • Listing DOM: 34 days

• Months of Inventory: 4.90 months — a balanced market, but still favouring buyers

SOURCE: TRREB November 2025 Market Update

🧠 Top Takeaway

With sales dropping to a five-month low and prices continuing to soften — even as inventory remains elevated — November provides buyers with substantial choice and negotiating leverage, while sellers need strategy more than urgency.

What's happening locally? Durham Region Market Insights

Every city/town is unique as are the communities within them. Scroll through to find your town.

🏘 Segment Performance

• Condos: ~ 25.9% of sales, ~ 33.5% of active inventory, with 6.33 months of supply → Firm buyer’s market

• Detached Homes: 4.83 months of supply → Balanced, but trending toward buyer’s market

• Durham Region: ~ 3.46 months of inventory → Balanced

• City of Toronto: ~ 4.9 months inventory → Balanced, but leaning toward buyers

SOURCE: TRREB November 2025 Market Update

🏦 Economic & Financing Context

• The Bank of Canada (BoC) cut its policy rate to 2.25% in late October — its lowest point in years — aiming to support the economy amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties. Bank of Canada+1

• That cut lowered borrowing costs and helped affordability, but the BoC has signalled the rate-cutting cycle may be over for now, as inflation stabilizes and economic pressures recalibrate. Yahoo Finance+1

• As a result, many rate-sensitive buyers who acted on earlier cuts already benefited; new buyers may now need to factor in elevated supply and cautious lender sentiment.

SOURCES: Bank of Canada, Yahoo Finance

🔄 What’s Changing — and What’s Not

• Sales continue to pull back — November marked one of the slowest months for transactions in 2025.

• Prices remain soft — Average selling price saw further YoY decline, with more downward pressure likely until supply balances with demand.

• Inventory stays elevated — Nearly 25,000 active listings gives buyers strong selection and leverage.

• Condos remain buyer-friendly, while detached homes and certain suburbs show early signs of pricing stabilization — but require careful positioning.

• Rate cuts offer support, but uncertainty lingers — Economic headwinds, global trade tensions, and market caution continue to influence buyer confidence.

⚖️ Buyers vs. Sellers: What This Means

For Buyers:

• More options and lower prices — this is a good window for negotiation, especially for condos and mid-priced detached homes.

• Because inventory is deep, you have time to assess, compare, and negotiate — no need to rush.

• If you find a property that fits your needs and budget now, the odds favour securing a favourable deal.
  

For Sellers:

• Pricing aggressively and realistically matters more than ever — overpricing in a buyer-favoured market often leads to extended time on market.

• Presentation and marketing will matter — with many options available, the standout homes will get attention.

• For detached or resale homes in balanced zones like Durham, timing and proper positioning remain the keys to success.

🔮 Quick Verdict

✅ Bottom Line

With steep price drops in 2025, high inventory, and softer demand, November 2025 reinforced a more buyer-favoured market.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling — or just curious where this market is headed — reach out. We’ll help you navigate intelligently and confidently in this evolving real-estate landscape.

👉 Contact us today to get started.