October Freehold Market Report

October saw a decline in the number of homes sold across most of the areas I monitor, with Oro-Medonte being the exception, recording the same number of sales as September.

In terms of average sale prices, Barrie experienced a decrease compared to September, while all other areas either maintained or saw an increase in their average sale price.

When comparing October 2026 to October 2025, the numbers tell a more challenging story. Both the number of homes sold and average sale prices were down in all areas, with the exception of Essa and Springwater.

What’s Influencing the Market?

The market continues to present challenges, with buyer confidence and overall activity remaining sensitive to economic conditions.

The Bank of Canada’s recent 0.25 percentage-point increase to the policy rate has likely had more of a psychological impact than a significant financial one for many buyers. To put it into perspective, the increase could translate to approximately $70 per month on a $500,000 mortgage, depending on the mortgage terms and rate structure.

That said, we may see a slight increase in market activity as buyers with existing mortgage pre-approvals look to make a purchase within their 90-day rate-hold period. For those buyers, there may be an incentive to move forward sooner rather than later to take advantage of the rates they were originally quoted.

Looking Ahead

With the U.S. midterm elections now behind us and the Democrats having secured control of both the House and Senate, there may be increased pressure on the U.S. administration to revisit tariffs with Canada and work toward a trade agreement.

I don't want to get political, but I do believe this is an important factor influencing our housing market. We have been hearing that a deal could be coming sooner rather than later, and I believe ongoing uncertainty surrounding trade relations is one of the biggest obstacles currently weighing on the market.

As I have said before, markets don't like uncertainty. Greater clarity and stability surrounding the Canada-U.S. trade relationship could have a positive impact on consumer confidence and, ultimately, help get things moving again in the real estate market.

Of course, there are many factors at play, and only time will tell how things unfold.

As always, I'll continue to monitor the market closely and keep you informed.

Barrie
Homes Sold. 100
Average Sale Price. 703,131
Average Days on Market. 38
Percentage of Asking Price. 97%

Innisfil
Homes Sold. 35
Average Sale Price. 816,023
Average Days on Market. 36
Percentage of Asking Price. 97%

Orillia
 Homes Sold. 27
Average Sale Price. 626,163
Average Days on Market. 48
Percentage of Asking Price. 95%
 
Oro-Medonte
 Homes Sold. 23
Average Sale Price: 983,065
Average Days on Market. 34
Percentage of Asking Price. 95%
 
Springwater
 Homes Sold. 21
Average Sale Price. 985,510
Average Days on Market. 31
Percentage of Asking Price. 96%
 
Essa
 Homes Sold. 16
Average Sale Price. 880,927
Average Days on Market. 30
Percentage of Asking Price. 98%

*All stats are based on listings sold with the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board

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