Demand for Detached Housing in the GTA & Durham Region Continues to Strengthen

Well-Priced Houses for Sale in Key Toronto Area Neighbourhoods Selling with Multiple Offers

While overall housing sales in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have declined compared to year-ago levels, demand for detached housing continues to bolster the market, with the segment representing nearly half of total sales., according to a new REMAX Canada report. First-time buyers have been driving detached sales in recent weeks, spurred by the increase in May’s average price, with many realizing that as detached property values rise, the window of opportunity is closing.

Certain microcosms within the Toronto market — including Leaside, East York, Riverdale, Trinity-Bellwoods, High Park, Davisville, and Little Italy — are experiencing healthy activity in the $850,000 to $1.2 million price range, with some properties selling in multiple offers. Average days on market in the central core, for instance, was considerably less than the overall average at this price range, with most homes moving within 19 days during the first six months of the year. The market for homes priced between $1.8 million and $2.2 million is also solid across the city, particularly in established traditional neighbourhoods.

In essence, the delayed spring market has finally arrived. Interest appears to be piquing with more listing views, more showings, and more offers. However, the buyer mindset has two settings — deal or no deal. They’re prepared to walk if the seller is unreasonable. Sellers, on the other hand are prepared to hold firm or, in more dire circumstances, end up setting new benchmarks for prices in their neighbourhood. Pent-up demand remains contained, as a result, at least until one or two more interest rate cuts can really stimulate activity.

The swing market, encompassing properties priced between $2.8 million and $3.3 million, has been the most affected during this challenging period. Listing inventory is high at the entry-level to the luxury price point and sales are few and far between. Conversely, the luxury market, priced around $3.8 million to $4 million, has been less impacted, as purchases in this range are often driven more by desire than necessity.

Greater Toronto Area’s housing market is navigating a complex landscape marked by varying levels of demand across different price segments. The delayed spring market — finally materializing in June — has injected new energy, with increased interest and activity, although buyers remain cautious and sellers steadfast. As external factors such as interest rate cuts and easing trade tensions come into play, GTA market’s dynamics may shift, potentially unlocking pent-up demand and fostering a more balanced environment.

Durham Region Housing Market Best Described As “Slow and Steady”

Rapid population growth has contributed to strong home-buying activity over the past decade in Durham Region, but buyers have pulled back in 2025 given the hesitation in the market attributed to overall economic uncertainty.

Affordability has been a major draw for buyers to the area in recent years, with single-detached properties often priced well below homes in the 416-area code. This year, however, the number of properties that have changed hands is down by almost 17 per cent throughout the region, while average prices are holding relatively stable. Just one market — Scugog — reported values on par or ahead of 2024 levels in the first six months of 2025.

Buyers have started to trickle back into the market given healthier conditions that are more reminiscent of yesteryear. An ample supply of detached housing is available throughout the region, and buyers are taking their time viewing homes listed for sale — without the urgency present in the pandemic/post-pandemic period.

With current market conditions expected to persist throughout the coming months, the outlook for detached home sales in the Durham Region is best characterized as “slow and steady.” Detached home sales are expected to come close or slightly surpass levels reported in 2024, while average price in Durham Region is anticipated to move marginally ahead of year-ago figures.