If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home in Ontario — this might be it.
A new market report reveals that Ontario now dominates the list of Canada’s most buyer-friendly housing markets, with seven out of the top eight cities for buyers located within the province. As the market shifts in favour of buyers, larger urban centres and smaller regional hubs alike are presenting opportunities not seen in recent years.
Market Conditions Are Shifting
The report, based on August 2025 data and compiled using sales-to-new-listings ratios, shows that many once-competitive markets have cooled considerably. This ratio is a key measure of housing activity:
Above 60% signals a seller’s market
Below 40% reflects a buyer’s market
Anything in between is considered balanced
Across Ontario, cities that were once tight or competitive are now solidly in buyer territory.
Here Are the Top Buyer Markets in Ontario Right Now:
Mississauga – 32%
Brampton – 30%
Barrie – 35%
Windsor-Essex – 39%
Niagara Region – 38%
Simcoe County – (Exact % not listed, but buyer-friendly)
Greater Toronto Area (GTA) – 37%
These numbers reflect a growing trend: inventory is building up, and buyers have more choice, more leverage, and often, more time to make informed decisions. Mississauga, for example, saw one of the largest shifts — dropping from a 40% ratio last year to just 32% in 2025.
What This Means for Buyers
For those who’ve been priced out in the past or frustrated by bidding wars, the current conditions present a refreshing change. Listings are outpacing sales, especially in larger markets like the GTA, creating more flexibility for buyers to negotiate, secure financing, and explore their options.
Smaller regions, like the Niagara Region and Windsor-Essex, also offer unique value, though their dynamics may shift quickly if inventory tightens — a reminder that timing still matters.
Balanced Markets Still Hold Potential
Not every Ontario city has tipped fully toward buyers. Areas like Hamilton-Burlington, Waterloo, London & St. Thomas, and Ottawa are currently classified as balanced markets, where neither buyers nor sellers have a clear advantage. These regions remain worth watching, especially for buyers who are flexible or looking for long-term value.
The bottom line?
Ontario’s real estate market is no longer one-size-fits-all, and many cities are offering conditions that favour buyers for the first time in years.
If you’re ready to explore your options or want to know how this shift affects your local market, I’d be happy to guide you through your next move.
Reach out to start your home search today. Let’s find the opportunity that’s right for you.
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