Looking Beyond The Headlines
If you’ve followed the real estate market for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed that most reports focus on year-over-year statistics. While those numbers can provide useful context, they don’t always tell us where the market is actually heading.
At AAProperties.ca, we prefer watching month-over-month trends because they often provide a better picture of current momentum. Buyers and sellers don’t make decisions based on what happened a year ago—they make decisions based on what’s happening today.
Throughout May, we noticed something encouraging across Durham, Toronto, and York Region. Activity continued to improve, buyer confidence grew, and many of the conversations we were having with clients shifted from uncertainty toward opportunity.
Durham Region Continues To Build Momentum
Durham continued to show positive movement throughout May. New listings increased by 2.86%, home sales climbed an impressive 13.56%, and the average selling price edged up by 0.84% to $851,065.
At first glance, a price increase of less than one percent might not seem significant. In reality, steady growth is often healthier than sudden spikes. Markets that rise gradually tend to create more stability for both buyers and sellers, reducing the chances of extreme volatility.
The strongest signal from Durham this month may actually be the increase in sales activity. A 13.56% jump suggests that more buyers are becoming comfortable making decisions rather than waiting on the sidelines.
Average days on market also increased slightly to 24 days. We don’t necessarily view that as a negative. In many cases, it means buyers have enough time to perform proper due diligence while sellers still benefit from an active market.
From our own experience working with clients across Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Oshawa, we continue seeing strong interest from buyers relocating from Toronto. Many are looking for more space, better value, and a lifestyle that includes waterfront trails, parks, and family-oriented communities.
As many of our readers know, Alex and his family live in Pickering’s Dunbarton neighbourhood and spend countless evenings biking along the waterfront and enjoying local parks. Those experiences often become just as important as the home itself.
If you’re considering a move east, you may also enjoy reading our article:
10 Things I Wish Every Buyer Knew Before Moving to Pickering.
A Closer Look At Durham Home Prices
Breaking the market down by property type tells an even more interesting story.
Detached homes increased modestly by 0.40% to $962,010, while semi-detached homes gained 1.68% to reach $700,983.
Townhouses and condominiums moved in the opposite direction, declining by 3.44% and 7.94% respectively.
Rather than viewing those decreases as weakness, many buyers may see them as opportunity. Entry-level housing continues to offer some of the best value we’ve seen in recent years, especially for first-time buyers trying to enter the market.
Toronto Is Finding A Healthy Balance
Toronto’s numbers tell a story of improving stability.
New listings increased by 4.32%, home sales rose 2.81%, and the average selling price climbed to $1,108,292.
Perhaps one of the most interesting numbers is the decrease in average days on market, which dropped by 10.34%. Properties are generally selling faster than they were a month ago, suggesting that buyers are acting with greater confidence.
In our conversations with clients, we’re seeing fewer people trying to perfectly time the market and more people focusing on long-term goals.
Toronto Property Types Continue To Evolve
The average detached home price declined 3.47%, while semi-detached homes posted a small increase.
Townhouses experienced a larger adjustment, down 13.41%, while condominiums increased 1.25%.
These shifts remind us that there isn’t one Toronto market—there are many smaller markets moving independently.
For buyers, especially those considering condominiums, today’s environment continues creating opportunities that were difficult to find just a few years ago.
York Region Remains Strong
York Region continued building positive momentum throughout May.
Home sales increased by an impressive 19.01%, average prices rose 4.06%, and new listings also moved higher.
At the same time, average days on market declined by 3.45%, showing that well-priced homes continue attracting buyers.
Communities like Markham, Richmond Hill, and Aurora remain popular with families looking for established neighbourhoods and strong schools.
York Region Home Prices
York’s detached, semi-detached, and townhouse markets all posted modest gains, while condominiums experienced a slight adjustment.
Again, this reflects something we’re seeing across the GTA as a whole. Different property types are moving at different speeds, creating opportunities depending on a buyer’s goals and budget.
What Does This Mean For Buyers And Sellers?
The overall picture from May is encouraging.
Buyers continue benefiting from more balanced conditions than we experienced during the peak years, while sellers who prepare and market their homes properly are still achieving strong results.
The biggest takeaway isn’t that prices moved a fraction of a percent higher or lower.
It’s that confidence appears to be returning.
More buyers are making decisions.
More homes are changing hands.
More families are moving forward with their plans.
Looking Ahead
If we had to describe May in one word, it would probably be momentum.
Not a runaway market.
Not a stagnant market.
A market that is gradually finding healthier balance.
As always, every neighbourhood tells its own story, which is why we continue sharing local insights instead of simply posting statistics.
If you’re thinking about buying, our Buyer’s Guide can help you prepare. If selling is on your mind, our Seller’s Guide explains how we position homes for success. You can also explore our Clients Stories, browse the AAProperties.ca Blog, or simply reach out for a conversation.
Whether you’re planning a move next month or next year, we’re always happy to help.
Written by Alex Antsyferov & Team
AAProperties.ca | Century 21 Kingdom Realty Inc.
Stay Up-To-Date With AA Properties
You’re more than a client to us, you’re a valued part of our inner circle. To get the most recent market news, see our latest listing, and get our newest blogs in your inbox each month, sign up to our newsletter.
