What’s Happening in the Kingston Housing Market?
The average residential sale price in the Kingston housing market remained essentially unchanged across all property types between 2025 and 2026, increasing marginally from $638,299 to $638,308. The number of sales decreased by 4.5 per cent over the same period, declining from 1,082 to 1,033. The number of listings also decreased by 6.8 per cent, falling from 2,511 to 2,339.
Looking ahead, average 2026 sale prices are expected to increase by approximately 1 per cent above 2025 levels, while the number of sales is projected to decline by about 3 per cent.
The broader Kingston housing market is experiencing buyer-favourable conditions, with elevated inventory levels and buyers taking more time to make purchasing decisions. Kingston proper remains more balanced and continues to outperform the surrounding region, with a July sales-to-listings ratio of 53.8 compared with 45.3 across the broader region. Overall market conditions have changed very little since 2025 and are expected to remain relatively stable through the remainder of the year.
Home prices remaining too high relative to buyer incomes is the biggest factor preventing more first-time buyers from entering the market.
According to Rob Colangeli, Broker at Kingston-based REMAX Finest Realty, the HST rebate has primarily benefited buyers who were already able to purchase new homes, including second- and third-time buyers. The rebate has done little to improve access for first-time buyers given current new-home prices and mortgage qualification requirements. However, lower new-home pricing has placed some downward pressure on the resale market, which may improve opportunities for first-time buyers considering resale properties.
The HST rebate initially generated significant interest in new construction, particularly semi-detached homes and townhomes priced between $500,000 and $700,000, as well as some detached two-storey homes. However, lengthy construction timelines have led many buyers back to the resale market.
Buyers are least willing to compromise on a home’s age or condition. At the same time, they have become increasingly open to townhomes and semi-detached properties as higher-density development expands and the cost of renovating older homes remains a concern.
Kingston has also experienced renewed interest in living within the city rather than in surrounding rural areas. This may reflect commuting costs and a greater return to in-office work. The market is expected to remain relatively stable, supported in part by less exposure to manufacturing-sector employment pressures.
According to Rob, the foreign buyer ban has had little impact on either affordability or new construction development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How have home prices changed in Kingston?
The average residential sale price in Kingston remained essentially unchanged between 2025 and 2026, increasing slightly from $638,299 to $638,308.
How have sales and listings changed in Kingston?
The number of sales decreased by 4.5 per cent, from 1,082 to 1,033, while the number of listings decreased by 6.8 per cent, from 2,511 to 2,339.
What is expected for Kingston home prices in 2026?
Average 2026 sale prices are expected to increase by approximately 1 per cent above 2025 levels.
What is expected for home sales in Kingston in 2026?
The number of sales is projected to decline by about 3 per cent.
What type of market is Kingston experiencing?
The broader Kingston region is experiencing buyer-favourable conditions, with elevated inventory levels and buyers taking more time to make purchasing decisions. Kingston proper remains more balanced and continues to outperform the surrounding region.
How does Kingston compare with the surrounding region?
Kingston recorded a July sales-to-listings ratio of 53.8, compared with 45.3 across the broader region. Overall market conditions have changed very little since 2025 and are expected to remain relatively stable through year-end.
What is the biggest barrier for first-time buyers?
Home prices remaining too high relative to buyer incomes is the biggest factor preventing more first-time buyers from entering the market.
How is the HST rebate affecting the Kingston housing market?
According to Rob Colangeli, Broker at REMAX Finest Realty in Kingston, the HST rebate has primarily benefited buyers who were already able to purchase new homes, including second- and third-time buyers. It has done little to improve access for first-time buyers given current new-home prices and mortgage qualification requirements.
Has the HST rebate affected the resale market?
Lower new-home pricing has placed some downward pressure on the resale market, which may improve opportunities for first-time buyers considering resale properties.
Where has the HST rebate generated the most interest?
The rebate initially generated significant interest in new construction, particularly semi-detached homes and townhomes priced between $500,000 and $700,000, as well as some detached two-storey homes. However, lengthy construction timelines have led many buyers back to the resale market.
What are buyers least willing to compromise on?
Buyers are least willing to compromise on a home's age or condition. At the same time, they have become increasingly open to townhomes and semi-detached properties as higher-density development expands and the cost of renovating older homes remains a concern.
What other trends are shaping Kingston's housing market?
Kingston has experienced renewed interest in living within the city rather than in surrounding rural areas, which may reflect commuting costs and a greater return to in-office work. The market is expected to remain relatively stable.
Has the foreign buyer ban affected affordability or new construction development?
According to Rob Colangeli, the foreign buyer ban has had little impact on either affordability or new construction development.
