April delivered another step toward a more active spring market across the Greater Toronto Area. Home sales increased year-over-year while the supply of new listings declined, tightening overall market conditions compared to last year. Buyers still benefited from negotiating power and improved affordability, but signs of increased competition began emerging in certain neighbourhoods and price points.
GTA Market Insights
GTA REALTORS® reported 5,946 home sales in April 2026, up 7% compared to April 2025. Meanwhile, new listings declined to 17,097 (↓ 9.3% year-over-year), contributing to tighter market conditions across the region.
The average selling price came in at $1,051,969, down 4.9% annually, while the MLS® HPI Composite benchmark declined 6.6% year-over-year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, both sales and new listings increased compared to March, but sales rose at a faster pace than inventory — an early indication that competition between buyers may be strengthening.
Lower home prices and borrowing costs continued drawing buyers back into the market this spring, particularly those looking to take advantage of improved affordability before conditions potentially shift further.
Durham Region Market Highlights
Durham Region remained active through April, with sales climbing again and homes continuing to sell more quickly. While average prices were relatively stable month-over-month, the increase in sales activity combined with rising inventory reflected a busy spring market taking shape.
Key Metrics – Durham Region (April 2026):
- Average Sale Price: $844,018 (↑ 0.96% from March)
- Days on Market: 23 (↓ from 24)
- Sales: 708 (↑ 10.63%)
- New Listings: 1,923 (↑ 22.02%)
- Average SP/LP Ratio: 99% (↓ from 100%)
Area Breakdown
Oshawa
- Avg. Price: $723,205 (↑ 0.95%)
- Sales: 167 (↑ 5.03%)
- New Listings: 462 (↑ 13.79%)
Whitby
- Avg. Price: $910,830 (↑ 5.48%)
- Sales: 138 (↓ 2.82%)
- New Listings: 323 (↑ 16.61%)
Ajax
- Avg. Price: $885,398 (↑ 3.25%)
- Sales: 97 (↑ 4.30%)
- New Listings: 247 (↑ 27.98%)
Pickering
- Avg. Price: $921,274 (↓ 1.13%)
- Sales: 137 (↓ 3.52%)
- New Listings: 348 (↑ 25.63%)
Clarington
- Avg. Price: $790,218 (↑ 7.37%)
- Sales: 125 (↑ 26.26%)
- New Listings: 337 (↑ 28.14%)
What’s Driving the Market?
Tightening Market Conditions
Sales growth combined with fewer listings year-over-year has reduced some of the excess inventory seen earlier in the cycle.
Affordability Improvements
Lower prices compared to last year continue encouraging buyers to re-enter the market, especially in family-oriented communities throughout Durham Region.
Pent-Up Demand
Many buyers are still waiting on the sidelines for additional economic certainty, creating the potential for stronger momentum later in 2026.
Faster Market Pace
Homes are selling more quickly across Durham Region, with average days on market now down to 23 days.
Looking Ahead
For Buyers:
Conditions remain favourable compared to recent years, but inventory trends suggest competition may increase if listings continue tightening through the spring and summer markets.
For Sellers:
Buyer activity continues improving, especially for homes priced correctly and presented well. Sellers entering the market now may benefit from stronger spring demand and improving momentum.
Bottom Line:
April reinforced the gradual shift toward a more active and competitive market across the GTA and Durham Region. Buyers still hold negotiating power in many situations, but improving sales activity and tighter inventory conditions suggest balance is slowly returning to the market as spring progresses.
Stats provided by TRREB & Independent Reporting Company RE Stats Inc. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and may vary by 2.5%.
Posted by Dan Plowman on
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