The average residential sale price in the Sault Ste. Marie housing market has increased by 0.9 per cent year-over-year across all property types in 2025, from $349,975 to $353,000. The number of sales transactions increased by 3.2 per cent for the same time period (from 875 to 903). The total number of listings increased by 9.9 per cent (from 1,251 in 2024 to 1,375 in 2025). Average residential sale prices will increase by one per cent going into 2026, compared to 2025. Sales are anticipated to fall by one per cent going into 2026, compared to 2025.
Trends in the Grand Bend Housing Market
Looking ahead to 2026, Sault Ste. Marie will transition to be a buyers-to-balanced market. In the East End, Rural, and Hill Top areas, buyers are leaning toward newer homes that require less maintenance while staying close to schools. The rural market remains popular, offering lower taxes, more space, and privacy—appealing particularly to the blue-collar community seeking a quieter lifestyle near the city. In 2026, single-detached homes are likely to be the most sought-after in the region. Buyers are increasingly focused on space, privacy and stability this home provides.
Buying/Selling Trends for homebuyers and sellers looking ahead to 2026:
- First-time Homebuyers: Prices are decreasing due to the influx of listings under $300,000 from fallout of the Investors that bought through COVID. Many are now being sold under Power of Sale.
- Move Up/Over Homebuyers: The upper end market has been depleted- there are not as many homes for up-sizers. Sellers of that market are wary to move because of the uncertainty of Sault market with the imminent layoffs at Algoma Steel.
- Retirees have more options for renting now with the recent opening of two major buildings in the area. Typical price range for sales here are in the $400,000 to $500,000 range.
- New-home construction activity is limited. There is a supply of new builds that have been on the market for over two years with no further movement. New home sales are not moving much in the region given the price to build is unpredictable and volatile.
Locally, Sault Ste. Marie is not in the same position relative to other regions. The local job market has been greatly affected by the layoffs at Algoma Streel. There is a predicted more than 1000 layoffs in the coming months heading into 2026. Rental prices remain high relative to what the average renter can afford. The region is still dealing with ripple effects from the investors that bought over 300 houses and are now being sold under bank sale. Also, there is NO appetite for rental property.
Inventory remains limited in the most sought-after properties. The region has many homes that require significant home renovation, and buyers are not as interested in these. The most important factor affecting housing market conditions in Sault Ste. Marie is the condition of the homes available for sale, along with the imminent job losses from Algoma Steel, the major employer in the region. Declining interest rates will have little to no effect on the market if these two factors are not addressed first. As usual, most buyers use online platforms like realtor.ca and social media for initial home searches. Following this, many are working with a local real estate agent to help them make more informed decisions.
