The Simcoe County real estate market showed a clear shift this past week, with sales activity slowing while inventory continued to build. This dynamic is reinforcing what we’ve been seeing more consistently in recent weeks: a market that is increasingly favouring buyers. While the number of homes sold declined noticeably compared to the week prior, the number of active listings continued to climb, pushing overall supply higher and giving buyers more choice and leverage.
A total of 96 homes sold this week, down from 129 the previous week, marking a significant pullback in activity. At the same time, active listings rose to 3,895, up by 130 week-over-week, while months of inventory increased to 8.11. This places the market firmly in buyer’s market territory, where supply outweighs demand and conditions shift toward more negotiation and flexibility. Homes are also taking longer to sell, with the average days on market increasing to 43 days, up from 38 the week before.
Despite the slowdown in sales and the growing inventory, pricing has remained relatively stable. The average sale price came in at $722,525, representing a modest increase of just over $10,000 compared to last week. Additionally, the list-to-sale ratio held steady at 97%, indicating that well-priced homes are still achieving strong results when they come to market. This suggests that while overall conditions are shifting, there is still demand for homes that are positioned correctly.
Looking at the broader trend over the past 30 days, the dominant story continues to be inventory growth. Active listings have been rising steadily week-over-week, and months of inventory has moved from the mid-6 range into the 8+ range, signaling a deepening buyer’s market. Sales activity, on the other hand, has been inconsistent, with stronger weeks followed by noticeable slowdowns. This pattern points to cautious buyer behaviour, where decisions are more deliberate and less reactive than in previous market cycles.
Another key indicator is the sales-to-new listings ratio, which remains in the mid-20% range. This tells us that new supply continues to outpace the number of homes being absorbed by the market, further contributing to rising inventory levels. While pricing has held steady so far, this is likely being supported by selective activity on well-priced homes rather than broad-based strength across all listings.
As we look ahead, the trajectory of the market will largely depend on how inventory and buyer activity evolve in the coming weeks. If supply continues to increase while demand remains measured, we could begin to see more noticeable pressure on pricing. For sellers, this means strategy is more important than ever. Proper pricing, strong presentation, and a clear plan to stand out in a more competitive environment will be key to achieving a successful outcome.
For buyers, this shift presents a meaningful opportunity. With more inventory available and less competition, there is greater ability to negotiate, include conditions, and take a more thoughtful approach to purchasing. This is a very different environment compared to the fast-paced market we saw just a few years ago.
This isn’t a slow market, it’s a strategic one. And for those who understand how to navigate it, there is real opportunity on both sides.
If you’re thinking about making a move, now is the time to understand exactly where your home stands in today’s market or what opportunities are available to you as a buyer.