MARCH 2026 UPDATE: GTA & DURHAM REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET

March brought stronger momentum to the Greater Toronto Area housing market as sales activity increased and market conditions tightened compared to last year. While affordability continued to improve due to lower prices, fewer listings entering the market began shifting leverage back toward sellers in certain segments heading into the spring market.

GTA Market Insights

GTA REALTORS® reported 5,039 home sales in March 2026, up 1.7% compared to March 2025. At the same time, new listings declined significantly year-over-year to 14,442 (↓ 16.7%), contributing to tighter market conditions across the region.

The average selling price reached $1,017,796, down 6.7% annually, while the MLS® HPI Composite benchmark declined 7.4% year-over-year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, both sales and new listings increased month-over-month from February, with sales rising at a slightly faster pace than inventory.

Buyers continued to benefit from negotiating power and improved affordability, but March showed early signs that supply constraints could begin stabilizing prices as the year progresses.

Durham Region Market Highlights

Durham Region experienced a noticeable rebound in activity during March, with sales increasing sharply month-over-month and homes selling more quickly. While average prices softened slightly overall, stronger competition and tighter conditions pushed the average SP/LP ratio back to 100%.

Key Metrics – Durham Region (March 2026):

• Average Sale Price: $835,985 (↓ 1.68% from February)
• Days on Market: 24 (↓ from 26)
• Sales: 640 (↑ 40.97%)
• New Listings: 1,576 (↑ 39.59%)
• Average SP/LP Ratio: 100% (↑ from 99%)

Area Breakdown

Oshawa

• Avg. Price: $716,411 (↑ 0.53%)
• Sales: 159 (↑ 25.20%)
• New Listings: 406 (↑ 55.56%)

Whitby

• Avg. Price: $863,471 (↓ 7.02%)
• Sales: 142 (↑ 37.86%)
• New Listings: 277 (↑ 25.91%)

Ajax

• Avg. Price: $857,526 (↓ 0.50%)
• Sales: 93 (↑ 55.00%)
• New Listings: 193 (↑ 36.88%)

Pickering

• Avg. Price: $931,827 (↑ 2.80%)
• Sales: 142 (↑ 97.22%)
• New Listings: 277 (↑ 28.84%)

Clarington

• Avg. Price: $736,001 (↓ 7.79%)
• Sales: 99 (↑ 54.69%)
• New Listings: 263 (↑ 41.40%)

What’s Driving the Market?

Tightening Inventory

New listings across the GTA declined substantially year-over-year, creating more competition in many market segments.

Spring Market Momentum

March marked a meaningful increase in buyer activity, with sales rising strongly both month-over-month and year-over-year.

Improved Affordability

Lower selling prices and stable borrowing costs continue helping buyers re-enter the market.

Negotiation Conditions Shifting

Buyers still hold leverage in many transactions, but faster-moving inventory and rising sales activity suggest conditions may become more balanced through the remainder of 2026.

Looking Ahead

For Buyers:

The market still offers opportunities to negotiate and purchase below peak pricing levels. However, tightening inventory could reduce flexibility if demand continues building into spring and summer.

For Sellers:

Buyer activity is improving, and homes priced correctly are attracting attention quickly. Preparation, presentation, and strategic pricing remain critical to maximizing results.

Bottom Line:

March showed clear signs of renewed momentum across the GTA and Durham Region. Sales activity accelerated, homes sold faster, and inventory conditions tightened. While affordability continues benefiting buyers, the balance between supply and demand is beginning to shift as the spring market gains traction.

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