The average residential sale price in York Region has decreased by 6.5 per cent across all property types between 2024 and 2025 from $1,314,462 to $1,229,218. The number of sales transactions decreased by 11.1 per cent for the same time period (from 10,442 to 9,278). The total number of listings increased by 13.9 per cent (from 26,937 in 2024 to 31,272 in 2025).
Trends in the York Region Housing Market
Average residential sale prices are expected to increase by four per cent going into 2026, compared to 2025. Sales are anticipated to rise by five per cent going into 2026, compared to 2025. York Region is presently a buyers' market, trending towards a balanced market in 2026.
The top three neighbourhoods anticipated to be the most desirable in the region in 2026 are:
- Markham: Unionville's new construction of single family homes in the Union Glen and Cornell Rouge areas. Also opportunities for first time condo buyers in Downtown Markham surrounding Markham's York University Campus.
- East Gwillimbury: Affordability for single family homes, easy access to downtown Toronto with the Go Station on Green Lane.
- Richmond Hill's Legacy Hill community will continue to be a draw for extended families wanting larger homes and a luxurious lifestyle. Construction of these homes is underway and buyers can take advantage of quick 2026 closings. There is easy access to Go and 404 from Elgin Mills as well.
- All York Region communities are surrounded by top ranked schools, ample parking space and forests, transit hubs by Metrolinx and easy access to freeways 404/407.
Single-detached homes are expected to see the most demand and sales activity in the region in 2026, due to a combination of limited inventory, sustained interest from move-up buyers and families, and continued population growth from new Canadians seeking larger, long-term housing options.
Here are key buying and selling trends for homebuyers and sellers to watch in 2026:
- First-time homebuyers are entering the market through York Region condos. One-bedroom units are now priced around $500,000 in Markham and Richmond Hill, with some Vaughan condos dropping to about $450,000.
- New single-family home construction, on hold for two to four years, have now begun pre-sales. Building activity is expected to pick up off the top of 2026, with completion by late Q3 and early Q4. These homes are planned across Markham, Richmond Hill, Georgina, Vaughan, and East Gwillimbury—essentially throughout the region.
- Although bungalow inventory is limited, they remain popular with empty nesters and retirees, with Stouffville drawing significant interest. Larger condos in Thornhill and Richmond Hill are also in demand.
- Single-family homes are set to return in 2025, with many subdivisions across the region beginning pre-sales and preparing for openings in the first half of the year.
- Developments in Union Glen, Cornell Rouge, and Legacy Hill (Markham and Richmond Hill) are underway. Stouffville has new single-family projects set to be completed by end of 2026. Keswick (Georgina) and Mount Albert (East Gwillimbury) are gaining traction due to attractive pricing, lake proximity, and improved transit access to the city.
Homes and condos listed for over 100 days are finally attracting showings and offers. While sales remain modest, activity is picking up, and buyer confidence is returning. Cautiously priced properties are now being sold. Buyers are aware of current market conditions and remain selective, looking for value. While average prices have declined, the drop is less pronounced than in other GTA areas. Well-priced homes are now selling faster.
Rental prices in the region are still maintaining their 2023/2024 levels. Condo inventory has increased, while desirable single-family homes remain limited. Investors are focusing more on purchase prices when evaluating properties, with some activity in the condo market. In contrast, single-family home sellers are less motivated to lower prices. With prices levelling out, savvy investors are seeking deals. When the price is right, there could be greater opportunities to sell tenanted properties, which are otherwise tougher to sell in a hot market.
York Region is beginning to see more buyer confidence, as Canadians are seeing that much of the initial market uncertainty is stabilizing. Buyers are generally savvy and are focusing on what matters the most to them: Making the right moves at the right time, for their family and their needs. Despite economic uncertainty, people are increasingly making decisions based on their own priorities and circumstances. In line with these observations, there has been a marked shift from the historically 25 to 30 year-old first-time buyer, to what is now a 35 to 40 year-old first time buyer. People are choosing to rent out or are staying with their parents longer to help save more for their downpayment. In addition, some seniors are selling their own homes to help provide the money necessary for their first-time home buyer children and grandchildren to be able to attain homeownership.York Region is beginning to see more buyer confidence, as Canadians are seeing that much of the initial market uncertainty is stabilizing. Buyers are generally savvy and are focusing on what matters the most to them: Making the right moves at the right time, for their family and their needs. Despite economic uncertainty, people are increasingly making decisions based on their own priorities and circumstances. In line with these observations, there has been a marked shift from the historically 25 to 30 year-old first-time buyer, to what is now a 35 to 40 year-old first time buyer. People are choosing to rent out or are staying with their parents longer to help save more for their downpayment. In addition, some seniors are selling their own homes to help provide the money necessary for their first-time home buyer children and grandchildren to be able to attain homeownership.
Conditional sales have become more common, as sellers are now more willing to accept conditions than in the past. Many of these sales are extending beyond the initial 30 to 45 day period, providing buyers additional time to sell their current property before completing the transaction. With prices easing, surrounding neighbourhoods such as Richmond Hill, Aurora, Markham, and Stouffville have brought back buyers who might otherwise have been priced out of York Region. Without these more accessible options, many of these buyers would have looked to nearby regions, such as Simcoe or Durham.
York Region is currently moving in an ideal direction for a bounce back. Decisions facing buyers and sellers need to be guided by an active real estate professional who can help them focus on the factors that truly matter.
