What’s Happening in the Niagara Housing Market?
The average residential sale price in the Niagara housing market decreased by 5.7 per cent across all property types between 2025 and 2026, declining from $674,367 to $636,136. The number of sales increased slightly by 0.8 per cent over the same period, rising from 2,873 to 2,896. Meanwhile, the number of listings decreased by 16.8 per cent, falling from 9,060 to 7,540.
Looking ahead, average 2026 sale prices are expected to decline by approximately sic per cent below 2025 levels, while the number of sales is expected to increase by about three per cent.
The Niagara housing market currently favours buyers, and these conditions are expected to continue through the remainder of the year. Market activity is following a pattern similar to recent years, with prices and sales strengthening during the first half of the year before softening in the second half. Overall, prices are somewhat lower than last year, while sales activity is marginally higher. The strongest activity continues to occur at or below the $450,000 price point.
Qualifying for a mortgage remains the biggest factor preventing more first-time buyers from entering the market. Consumer confidence is also affecting market activity. While interest in real estate remains strong, broader uncertainty and economic concerns are keeping some prospective buyers on the sidelines.
According to Wayne Quirk, Broker of Record and Owner of Niagara -based REMAX Garden City Realty Inc., the HST rebate has not yet changed the path to homeownership in the region. While some buyers have asked questions about the program, this interest has not translated into a noticeable increase in new-home activity.
Buyers are least willing to compromise on property type, and there has been no significant change in the types of compromises buyers are prepared to make compared with the past two to three years.
Incentives supporting new construction and accessory dwelling units are contributing to changes in the rental market. Vacancy rates have increased, while rental demand and rental rates have softened. A significant number of new rental units are also expected to come online over the next 12 to 24 months. At the same time, fewer international students have reduced demand for student rentals. Challenges associated with the Landlord and Tenant Board have also contributed to some smaller investors leaving the market.
According to Wayne, the foreign buyer ban has had little impact on affordability or new construction development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How have home prices changed in the Niagara Region?
The average residential sale price in the Niagara Region decreased by 5.7 per cent between 2025 and 2026, declining from $674,367 to $636,136.
How have sales and listings changed in the Niagara Region?
The number of sales increased slightly by 0.8 per cent, rising from 2,873 to 2,896, while the number of listings decreased by 16.8 per cent, falling from 9,060 to 7,540.
What is expected for Niagara Region home prices in 2026?
Average 2026 sale prices are expected to decline by approximately 6 per cent below 2025 levels.
What is expected for home sales in the Niagara Region in 2026?
The number of sales is expected to increase by about 3 per cent.
Is the Niagara Region currently a buyer’s market?
Yes. The Niagara Region is currently experiencing a buyer’s market, and these conditions are expected to continue through the remainder of the year.
What price range is seeing the strongest activity?
The strongest market activity continues to occur at or below the $450,000 price point.
What is the biggest barrier for first-time buyers?
Qualifying for a mortgage remains the biggest factor preventing more first-time buyers from entering the market. Consumer confidence and broader economic uncertainty are also keeping some prospective buyers on the sidelines.
How is the HST rebate affecting the Niagara Region housing market?
According to Wayne Quirk, Broker of Record and Owner of REMAX Garden City Realty Inc., the HST rebate has not yet changed the path to homeownership in the region. While some buyers have asked questions about the program, it has not resulted in a noticeable increase in new-home activity.
What are buyers least willing to compromise on?
Buyers are least willing to compromise on property type, and there has been no significant change in the types of compromises buyers are prepared to make compared with the past two to three years.
How are rental market conditions changing in the Niagara Region?
Incentives supporting new construction and accessory dwelling units are contributing to changes in the rental market. Vacancy rates have increased, while rental demand and rental rates have softened. Additional rental inventory is also expected to come online over the next 12 to 24 months.
What factors are influencing the rental market?
Fewer international students have reduced demand for student rentals, while challenges associated with the Landlord and Tenant Board have contributed to some smaller investors leaving the market.
Has the foreign buyer ban affected affordability or new construction development?
According to Wayne Quirk, the foreign buyer ban has had little impact on affordability or new construction development.
