December wrapped up a challenging but stabilizing year across the Greater Toronto Area. While annual sales declined amid ongoing economic uncertainty, improved affordability and elevated inventory continued to give buyers negotiating power. With prices and mortgage rates trending lower throughout 2025, the groundwork is being laid for a potential recovery once consumer confidence strengthens.
GTA Market Insights
For the full year, GTA REALTORS® reported 62,433 home sales in 2025, down 11.2% compared to 2024. New listings rose to 186,753 (↑ 10.1%), while the annual average selling price came in at $1,067,968, down 4.7% year-over-year.
In December 2025 specifically, GTA REALTORS® reported 3,697 home sales, down 8.9% compared to December 2024. New listings increased slightly year-over-year to 5,299 (↑ 1.8%).
The average selling price in December was $1,006,735, down 5.1% annually, while the MLS® HPI Composite benchmark declined 6.3% year-over-year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, sales dipped slightly from November, listings edged higher, and pricing remained largely stable month-to-month.
Lower borrowing costs and softer pricing improved affordability through the second half of the year. Stronger employment data toward year-end suggests conditions may be aligning for increased activity once households feel confident about long-term economic stability.
Durham Region Market Highlights
Durham closed out 2025 with quieter December activity, reflecting typical seasonal slowdowns compounded by cautious buyer sentiment. Sales and listings both declined sharply month-over-month, while average prices held relatively steady.
Key Metrics – Durham Region (December 2025):
Average Sale Price: $844,473 (↑ 0.43% from November)
Days on Market: 38 (↑ from 30)
Sales: 455 (↓ 26.85%)
New Listings: 529 (↓ 55.40%)
Area Breakdown
Oshawa
Avg. Price: $729,243 (↓ 0.24%)
Sales: 117 (↓ 31.18%)
New Listings: 150 (↓ 53.70%)
Whitby
Avg. Price: $948,272 (↑ 1.74%)
Sales: 81 (↓ 28.32%)
New Listings: 102 (↓ 50.24%)
Ajax
Avg. Price: $921,490 (↑ 1.47%)
Sales: 59 (↓ 11.94%)
New Listings: 73 (↓ 51.33%)
Pickering
Avg. Price: $934,518 (↑ 1.65%)
Sales: 67 (↓ 37.38%)
New Listings: 78 (↓ 58.06%)
Clarington
Avg. Price: $779,827 (↑ 1.19%)
Sales: 97 (↓ 13.39%)
New Listings: 86 (↓ 58.65%)
What’s Driving the Market?
Improved Affordability: Lower prices and mortgage rates throughout 2025 helped ease entry barriers for buyers.
Cautious Confidence: Many households remain sidelined while waiting for stronger economic clarity.
Seasonal Slowdown: December brought the usual year-end cooling, amplified by reduced inventory.
Recovery Setup: Stronger employment data and infrastructure investment point toward improving conditions in 2026.
Looking Ahead
For Buyers: With inventory still available and prices below last year’s levels, early 2026 could present meaningful opportunities before pent-up demand returns.
For Sellers: Serious buyers are still active, even in quieter months. Homes priced correctly continue to move, and preparing early for spring positioning can create a competitive advantage.
Bottom Line: December closed out a transitional year for the GTA and Durham Region. While 2025 reflected softer sales and pricing, affordability improved materially. As economic confidence rebuilds, the market is positioned for renewed momentum in 2026 — rewarding buyers and sellers who plan ahead.
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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