Fall Market Update: 54% of Canadians Say Now Is the Time to Buy
According to RE/MAX Canada’s newly released 2025 Fall Housing Market Update, Canadian buyers are regaining confidence—with 54% stating that now is a good time to buy a home.
After a slow start to the year, buyer activity is climbing again, fuelled by softening prices, market corrections in Ontario and B.C., and growing optimism around affordability.
📈 Key Highlights:
Home prices declined in two-thirds of Ontario and B.C. markets
Sales activity dropped in 64.8% of surveyed cities
Atlantic & Prairie markets remained strong with year-over-year price gains
Conditional offers surged by 25% in 33 of 37 surveyed regions
46% of Canadians believe the economy will stabilize over the next 6 months
While market uncertainty remains, Canadians are beginning to see opportunity again—particularly in regions like Waterloo Region, where inventory is slowly rising, and pricing is showing signs of adjustment.
👩👩👧👦 Who’s Buying?
The report notes a shift in buyer demographics:
First-time buyers are entering later in life (late 20s–40s)
Families, retirees, and newcomers are currently driving demand
Nearly 1 in 3 buyers have saved 15% or more toward their down payment
This indicates a more financially prepared, long-view buyer profile—and a market where negotiations are more common than bidding wars.
💰 What Could This Mean for Buyers?
With interest rates still hovering near peak levels, buyers are closely watching for movement. According to the Leger survey:
68% of prospective buyers say a 5–10% price drop could make ownership possible
64% say even a 0.5% rate reduction would help them feel ready
In other words, small shifts = big impact.
🧭 Local Insight:
In Waterloo Region, we’re already seeing:
More conditional offers accepted
Increased buyer-side conversations
Sellers repositioning prices to reflect today’s reality
Whether you're buying your first property, upsizing, or investing, this fall presents strategic opportunities—especially for well-prepared buyers with mortgage pre-approvals in hand.
📲 Questions?
Reach out to Nathan at 226-929-6369 or Charlotte at 519-575-1804 to talk through what’s happening locally—and how to position your next move.
✨ Magnolia Group Realty | Powered by Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty
🔑 Until next time… happy house hunting.