JANUARY 2026 UPDATE: GTA & DURHAM REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET

January opened the year with softer activity across the Greater Toronto Area as buyers remained cautious amid ongoing economic uncertainty. While inventory levels began to rise after the holiday slowdown, pricing continued to adjust, improving affordability and setting a measured tone for the early months of 2026.

GTA Market Insights
There were 3,082 home sales reported in January 2026, down 19.3% compared to January 2025. New listings entered into the MLS® System totaled 10,774, down 13.3% year-over-year.

The MLS® Home Price Index Composite benchmark declined 8% year-over-year in January, while the average selling price came in at $973,289, down 6.5% compared to last year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, sales dipped month-over-month from December, while new listings increased slightly. Both benchmark pricing and average sale prices trended lower, reinforcing buyer-friendly conditions at the start of the year.

With affordability improving, market momentum will depend heavily on economic confidence and employment stability as households evaluate long-term commitments.

Durham Region Market Highlights
Durham Region followed the broader GTA trend, with prices and sales declining month-over-month while new listings increased significantly coming out of December. The rise in inventory provided buyers with more choice, while sellers adjusted expectations to reflect current market realities.

Key Metrics – Durham Region (January 2026):

Average Sale Price: $818,694 (↓ 3.05% from December)
Days on Market: 39 (↑ from 38)
Sales: 412 (↓ 9.45%)
New Listings: 1,084 (↑ 104.91%)

Area Breakdown

Oshawa
Avg. Price: $709,605 (↓ 2.69%)
Sales: 127 (↑ 8.55%)
New Listings: 306 (↑ 104.00%)

Whitby
Avg. Price: $920,799 (↓ 2.90%)
Sales: 78 (↓ 3.70%)
New Listings: 207 (↑ 102.94%)

Ajax
Avg. Price: $880,133 (↓ 4.49%)
Sales: 54 (↓ 8.47%)
New Listings: 123 (↑ 68.49%)

Pickering
Avg. Price: $935,565 (↑ 0.11%)
Sales: 60 (↓ 10.45%)
New Listings: 186 (↑ 138.46%)

Clarington
Avg. Price: $728,964 (↓ 6.52%)
Sales: 63 (↓ 35.05%)
New Listings: 159 (↑ 84.88%)

What’s Driving the Market?
Cautious Buyer Sentiment: Many buyers are taking a wait-and-see approach as economic clarity develops.
Inventory Rebound: New listings increased sharply after December, expanding buyer choice.
Affordability Gains: Lower prices and stable mortgage rates continue to improve entry conditions.
Early-Year Reset: January typically reflects recalibration as both buyers and sellers reset expectations.

Looking Ahead
For Buyers:
With more listings on the market and prices adjusting, early 2026 presents an opportunity to negotiate from a position of strength before seasonal activity increases.

For Sellers:
Pricing accuracy is critical. Homes aligned with current market conditions are attracting interest, while overpricing leads to longer days on market.

Bottom Line:
January set a cautious but constructive tone for 2026. While sales volumes remain below last year, improving affordability and rising inventory are creating opportunities for informed buyers and prepared sellers. As confidence builds, market momentum is expected to follow.

Stats provided by TRREB & Independent Reporting Company RE Stats Inc. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and may vary by 2.5%.