The average residential sale price in the Halifax housing market has increased by 4.1 per cent year-over-year across all property types in 2025, from $576,579 to $600,008. The number of sales transactions increased by 1.3 per cent for the same time period (from 4,501 to 4,559). The total number of listings increased by 8.8 per cent (from 6,014 in 2024 to 6,542 in 2025). Average residential sale prices will increase by three per cent going into 2026, compared to 2025. Sales are anticipated to rise by two per cent going into 2026, compared to 2025.
Trends in the Halifax-Dartmouth Housing Market
Looking ahead to 2026, Halifax will transition to a slight sellers' market moving towards a balanced market as consumer confidence returns and economic uncertainties settle.
The top three neighbourhoods anticipated to be the most desirable in the region in 2026 are Dartmouth, Sackville, and Bedford West. Dartmouth is close to downtown Halifax with easy access via the bridges or ferry. With a strong mix of housing options as well as revitalized urban areas, this is a great option for people who want a mix of nature, urban living and an easy commute. Sackville is known for being family-friendly offering more affordable options compared to Halifax or Dartmouth. With growing amenities like shopping centres and restaurants, it's great for consumers wanting a suburban lifestyle. Bedford West is one of the newest and fastest-growing master-planned areas. Offering newer, modern housing including townhomes, detached houses and upscale apartments, as well as great amenities, this area is a great option for families and professionals wanting new-build homes. Single-detached homes are expected to see the strongest demand and sales activity in the region in 2026.
Buying/Selling Trends for homebuyers and sellers looking ahead to 2026 and why…
- First-time Homebuyers are buying semi-detached and condominium inventory in the $500,000 range seeking affordability.
- Move Up/Over Homebuyers are buying homes in the $750,000 range with several conditional sales in the market right now.
- Retirees are buying single level homes or condominiums as part of an effort to downsize, usually in the $700,000 to $800,000 range.
- New-home construction activity is comprised of semi-detached, fully detached and condo developments, aiming at entry level pricing to drive up demand. However some development has stalled as developers wait to see how the increased inventory impacts the market.
- The market is seeing a return of consumer confidence. In 2025, there were many shifting factors in municipal, provincial and federal governments along with the US elections. After these factors have settled, consumer confidence and resiliency are returning.
The rental market is currently soft with a number of units coming on the market in the past year, softening rental rates. This may entice first-time buyers to stay in a rental situation a while longer. Investors are more likely to be particular about existing tenants or leases. They may also be firmer on prices putting pressure on multi-unit pricing. Through 2026, there may be mild price appreciation for the next few years, so buyers are still likely to benefit getting into the market sooner rather than later. Inventory remains the biggest determining factor. Buyer pool and demand is strong, but does the inventory match the demand? Given the mortgage renewals that some owners may be facing in the next year or two there could be an added amount of inventory in the market come late 2026/2027. The foreign buyer ban and the non-Nova Scotia resident deed transfer tax continue to play a role for some buyers – specifically for those buying properties for children attending university as well as recreational property buyers (from other parts of Canada). Social media provides more visibility to properties and people are using AI to market properties (through virtual staging, marketing plans and interactive AI chatbots).
