Happy New Year!

First, I would like to once again thank all our loyal clients – old and new – for making 2025 another successful year for us despite a rather challenging market.

Thanks to your support, Amanda Lirusso & I were fortunate enough to be in the Top 2% of all Royal Lepage agents in Canada in 2025. Not bad I guess since we work in a relatively small market here in Centre Wellington. Just shows you how many people want to move here!

The real estate market in 2025 was a tough one to figure out with all the uncertainty out there, and frankly things are not getting a lot more clear or certain as we head into 2026.

I will make one bold prediction for 2026 (that really isn’t that bold): Sales activity will be higher in our market in 2026 – because let’s be honest – things really cannot get any slower than 2025.

As far as pricing goes, I think that will be another matter. Other than a slight seasonal uptick in late January to April on better listings, I continue to predict a pretty flat year price wise, with downward pressure on pricing continuing overall.

So, if you have been holding off selling thinking 2026 will be a lot better, I’m not sure you are going to get the result you were hoping for.

Having said that, I think our market will be a lot “healthier” in 2026, meaning expectations of many sellers and buyers will better align in 2026 – leading to the higher sales volumes I am predicting. That’s a good thing. Your home will have a better chance of selling in 2026 compared to 2025.

Interest rates seem to have stabilized – with no further cuts anticipated in the short term. In other words, interest rates will not be the determining factor on whether you buy or sell in 2026.

Level of uncertainty with respect to other economic developments moving forward and geo-political factors will be major drivers of how the housing market unfolds this year.

Of course, “life” will be the biggest factor. Jobs, health, estate sales, changing relationships, growing families – these are the things that always drive activity regardless of the economy.

Again, I reiterate that buyers are out there and ready to enter the market – the question is when will more buyers feel confident enough to jump in. That is a question I cannot answer today.

But I will mention a listing I had in December that backs up my prediction with respect to activity in 2026. Admittedly, we priced it right, and despite needing work, it was clear it had potential. Over 28 viewings in less than a week and multiple offers shows buyers are out there.

Add to that the fact I had more conversations with potential sellers in December compared to a year ago suggests something is happening on the ground as we enter 2026.

I will be keeping an eye on many indicators moving forward, including new home sales. 2025 was not a great year for new home sales locally (a rather large understatement).

If we start to see an uptick in this segment in the spring, that will be a positive development for the overall housing market.

If you are thinking of selling in 2026, let’s start a conversation. Give me a call anytime at 519-766-3716 for an honest, straightforward discussion on your real estate needs.

Until next month, take care.

George