As we wrap up 2025, December offered a clear snapshot of where the Greater Toronto Area real estate market stands heading into the new year. While activity naturally slows during the holiday season, the data from December reveals more than just seasonal trends — it provides insight into buyer confidence, pricing stability, and what we can expect moving forward.
Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or simply stay informed, understanding how the market closed the year is essential for making confident decisions in 2026.
A Market Influenced by Seasonality — and Strategy
December is traditionally one of the quietest months in real estate, and 2025 followed that pattern. New listings and overall sales declined across Durham, Toronto, and York Regions. However, this slowdown doesn’t necessarily signal weakness. Instead, it reflects seasonal pauses, cautious buyer behavior, and sellers waiting for stronger spring conditions.
For homeowners considering a sale in the coming months, this is an ideal time to start preparing strategically. Proper pricing, presentation, and marketing plans made now often lead to stronger results when activity picks up.
Learn more about how to position your home for success
Durham Region Market Overview – December 2025
Durham Region closed the year with reduced activity but steady pricing, especially in certain property types.
Key Highlights:
- New Listings: 529 (down 55.4% from November)
- Home Sales: 455 (down 26.9%)
- Average Price: $844,473 (up 0.43%)
- Days on Market: 38 (up 26.7%)
Detached and semi-detached homes showed resilience, while townhouses and condos experienced slight price adjustments. This suggests that well-prepared homes in desirable neighborhoods continue to attract serious buyers, even during slower months.
If you’re selling in Durham — especially in Pickering, Ajax, or Whitby — thoughtful marketing makes a measurable difference.
Read our proven marketing strategies
Toronto Region Market Overview – December 2025
Toronto experienced a more noticeable slowdown in December, along with modest price corrections.
Key Highlights:
- New Listings: 1,950 (down 53.3%)
- Home Sales: 1,363 (down 28.7%)
- Average Price: $986,542 (down 4.81%)
- Days on Market: 41 (up 20.6%)
While detached and semi-detached homes saw price softening, townhouses performed strongly, reflecting buyers’ focus on affordability and long-term value. This trend highlights the importance of understanding how property type and location influence pricing — not just overall market headlines.
Curious What Your Neighbours’ Home Sold For?
York Region Market Overview – December 2025
York Region maintained higher price points overall, with relatively stable values across most housing types.
Key Highlights:
- New Listings: 981 (down 53.7%)
- Home Sales: 683 (down 23.5%)
- Average Price: $1,204,046 (down 0.37%)
- Days on Market: 42 (up 20%)
Townhouses once again stood out, posting price growth while other segments saw mild declines. For homeowners in York Region, understanding your current market value is key before making any decisions in 2026.
Curious what your home is worth right now?
What This Means for Buyers Heading Into 2026
For buyers, December’s quieter conditions created an opportunity to move with less competition and more negotiating power. As we enter early 2026, prepared buyers may still benefit from motivated sellers and increased inventory before the spring rush.
If you’re actively searching, exploring available homes regularly is essential — especially as new listings begin to appear.
Discover how we present homes to attract serious buyers and maximize value
What This Means for Sellers Heading Into 2026
Sellers should note that while activity slowed, homes that were priced correctly and professionally marketed continued to sell. Buyers are selective, and success depends on preparation, strategy, and expert guidance.
Starting conversations early allows time to:
- Review pricing strategies
- Plan improvements or staging
- Align timing with market momentum
Looking Ahead: A Balanced Start to 2026
As we step into 2026, the market remains balanced and data-driven. Interest rate announcements will continue to influence sentiment, but long-term fundamentals — population growth, housing demand, and lifestyle shifts — remain strong.
The most successful buyers and sellers will be those who focus on local insight, preparation, and informed decision-making rather than reacting to headlines.
Final Thoughts
December 2025 closed the year with clarity. While the pace slowed, the market showed resilience and opportunity for those who understand how to navigate it properly.
If you’re considering buying or selling in 2026 — or simply want to understand what these numbers mean for your specific property — I’m always here to help.
Let’s move forward with confidence.
All market data provided by TRREB.
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