The first full week of January brought the Simcoe County real estate market back to life. After the predictable year-end slowdown, both buyers and sellers started re-entering the arena — but not at the same pace. This week wasn’t a full market rebound yet. Think of it more like the lights turning back on after the holidays.
Sales climbed to 61 transactions, up 56% from the final week of December, signaling that buyers are slowly stepping back in. But the real headline? New listings exploded, jumping from 128 to 393 homes — a 207% surge as sellers wasted no time bringing fresh inventory to market once the calendar flipped.
That sudden wave of listings temporarily shifted market balance. The sales-to-new-listings ratio dropped from 0.63 to 0.16, meaning sellers briefly outpaced buyer activity. As a result, months of inventory rose to 11.9, up from 9.1 the week before — a short-term inventory bump typical of early January resets.
Prices saw natural volatility during this transition period. The average sale price landed at $709,326, down from $813,051 the prior week. Meanwhile, days on market improved — falling from 68 to 57 days — suggesting that well-positioned homes are still moving efficiently even in a reset phase. The list-to-sale ratio held strong at 95%, showing buyers are still willing to pay close to asking when value is clear.
Sellers have returned first. Buyers are returning next. This is a classic early-January pattern — inventory resets ahead of demand. Over the next few weeks, as buyer activity catches up, we’ll get a clearer read on true 2026 momentum. For those considering a move this year, this early window often presents opportunity before competition intensifies. Check out our Top 3 hints for selling in the winter.
1. Beat the Spring Rush Most sellers wait for spring — but early-year buyers are serious, motivated, and facing less competition. Listing now means standing out before inventory peaks.
2. Price for Precision, Not Guesswork With fresh listings entering quickly, accurate pricing matters more than ever. Homes priced correctly in January are still selling close to asking — the 95% list-to-sale ratio proves it.
3. Make Warmth Your Advantage Winter buyers respond emotionally. Cozy lighting, clear walkways, and a well-heated, inviting home go a long way when outdoor temperatures drop.
Early-year market resets like this create a valuable window for sellers. Inventory has returned first, buyer demand is following, and homes that are positioned correctly right now are still moving efficiently and close to asking. As more listings enter over the coming weeks, competition will naturally increase — making early clarity an advantage.
If selling has been on your mind for 2026, the smartest first step is understanding what your home could achieve in today’s market — not in last year’s, and not in a hypothetical spring rush.
Get a free, no-obligation home evaluation and see where your property stands right now. It’s quick, clear, and gives you real numbers to plan your next move with confidence.