After a decade of runaway prices and lightning-fast bidding wars, we’re finally seeing the market settle into a more balanced, grounded place. This might feel like a slowdown, but it’s really a reset moment to pause, reassess, and reframe expectations — for both buyers and sellers.
And for the first time in a while, buyers have options.
- Sales are down 23.1% year-over-year
- Price is down 2.5% year-over-year
- Listings are up 32%year-over-year
For Buyers: Patience Pays Off
Buyers are finally in the driver’s seat. With more inventory and less competition, there’s more room to plan, negotiate, do your due diligence and make strategic decisions. Sellers are increasingly open to conditions like financing, home inspections, and even price adjustments.
If you’ve been waiting for your moment — opportunity is here. Many who bought in 2020 with ultra low interest rates are having to renew this year and some might be in for a shock and need to sell. And with interest rate cuts likely on the horizon, affordability could improve even more in the coming months. If you have a need to move or want to get into the market, this is the time to start shopping!
For Sellers: Strategy Matters More Than Ever
This isn’t the time to chase yesterday’s prices. With inventory growing and buyer sentiment shifting, pricing your home correctly from the start is everything. The longer your home sit on MLS, the lower you are going to sell, IF you even sell.
That said, well-presented, accurately priced homes are still moving, some with multiple offers. In this market, it’s all about pricing precision, presentation, and patience.
Where’s All the Buyer Demand?
In March, the Bank of Canada lowered its policy rate by 0.25%, bringing it down to 2.75%. At the same time, bond yields declined, driving both 5-year fixed and variable mortgage rates lower. Although many buyers are staying on the sidelines, there are opportunistic buyers in the market trying to take advantage of the current market conditions to get in or upsize while these home prices have been relatively stable for the past year or two.
Global economic uncertainty continues to cloud the outlook. Between global trade tensions, market volatility, recession fears, employment insecurity and the upcoming federal election, many buyers are adopting a cautious, “wait and see” approach. Conditions currently favour buyers, and many are anticipating (or hoping) that prices may dip further.
Add to that the fact that Canada’s population growth is beginning to slow, possibly more than expected, has been pushing rental rates down. All of this contributes to a more tempered, rational market environment.
📊 Stocks Are Shaky — Here’s Why a Home Still Makes Sense
Late last week, U.S. stocks suffered their 11th-biggest two-day drop in modern history. The S&P 500 dropped a staggering 11%, wiping out US$6 trillion in value. Canada’s TSX followed suit, down 10%. Wall Street’s fear index (VIX) spiked to 45 — a level only seen during the 2008 crash and COVID.
That kind of volatility creates panic. Small investors feel the FOMO when markets are hot and the fear when they crash. In that loop, many people make the classic mistake: buying high and selling low. The truth is, trying to time the stock market rarely works.
Traders make money in bull markets. But investors build generational wealth in bear markets — if they stay the course. Patience, not prediction, is the key. And this is where real estate shines.
🏡 Your Home: The Investment You Can Sleep In
Unlike stocks, your principal residence isn’t something you check 10 times a day. It’s not tied to headlines or sentiment. It’s your home — and that fact alone changes how you think about it.
You don’t panic sell. You don’t try to time your purchase perfectly. You live in it, grow in it, and over time, build equity. Add in the capital gains exemption for your principal residence, and it becomes even more powerful.
Plus, owning the place you live in means you naturally take a long-term view. Time in the market beats timing the market.
Where Do We Go From Here?
This is the market we’ve been asking for: more balanced, less frantic, and grounded in fundamentals. The pandemic-era FOMO is gone, replaced by something healthier — time to think, plan, and act wisely.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, upgrade, or sell strategically, now’s the time to talk. Let’s build a game plan that fits today’s reality and tomorrow’s potential.
📩 Ready when you are — reach out anytime to chat about your next move.
📱Phone: 647-504-0690
📧 Email: steven@mistersauga.ca
*Your Trusted Partner in the GTA Real Estate Journey*