This past summer, many homeowners in the Durham Region decided to pause their plans. Across Canada, more than 1 in 5 home listings (22.5%) were cancelled, the highest rate in years. That tells us many sellers hit pause while waiting for clearer signals from the market.
The good news is that conditions are shifting. Over the past few months, we’ve started to see renewed confidence, increased activity, and signs of balance returning.
What the Summer Taught Us
National cancellation rates reached record highs, showing hesitation among sellers.
Buyer sentiment weakened during the summer, but confidence is beginning to return.
RBC Economics reports a steady uptick in sales activity across major markets, including Toronto and Calgary, as affordability improves.
CREA notes that inventory and new listings are rising modestly, creating more balance between buyers and sellers.
The Bank of Canada’s rate cuts are beginning to improve affordability and buyer confidence across the country.
For Durham Region homeowners in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Oshawa, this means the pause might be ending, and the window of opportunity is opening again.
Why Things Are Starting to Shift
Lower Interest Rates Are Improving Confidence
The Bank of Canada’s recent cuts have already improved affordability and given more buyers the confidence to re-enter the market.Market Activity Is Picking Up
According to RBC, home resales have increased in several regions across the country, and Durham is starting to follow that same trend.Balance Is Returning Between Buyers and Sellers
A healthy increase in listings combined with more serious buyers means better conditions for those who prepare now.
What Sellers in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Oshawa Should Focus On
1. Check what’s really happening in your area
Work with your Realtor to analyze what’s selling, what’s sitting, and what’s getting the most attention. Look at showings, offers, and pricing trends in your specific neighborhood to understand what buyers are responding to right now.
2. Make smart improvements that matter
Instead of waiting for perfect timing, focus on affordable, high-impact updates that add real value: fresh paint, modern lighting, and stronger curb appeal. These upgrades can help your home stand out when activity strengthens.
3. Position yourself to benefit as demand returns
As more buyers come back into the market, being prepared now gives you a major advantage. A well-presented, correctly priced home will attract the most attention and best offers when the next wave of demand hits.
What This Means for Buyers
Buyers in the Durham Region are seeing more selection, improved affordability, and less competition compared to last year. For sellers, this creates an opportunity to attract serious, qualified buyers who are ready to move.
Why Work With Turnbull Real Estate
With years of experience in the Durham Region, I’ve seen every type of market shift. My background as a former construction business owner with more than 3,500 projects completed gives me a unique understanding of property quality and value.
Whether you’re buying, selling, upsizing, or downsizing, my goal is to make sure you have a data-driven strategy that works for your goals and timelines.
At Turnbull Real Estate, we help homeowners in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Oshawa make confident, informed moves through expert preparation, staging, and targeted marketing.
Let’s Talk About Your Home
If you’d like a data-based update on how today’s market is affecting your home, I’d be happy to prepare one for you.
Call or text: 905-409-3735
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.TurnbullRealEstate.com
Let’s make sure you’re informed, prepared, and positioned to take advantage of the next market shift.
Robert Turnbull
Turnbull Real Estate
Serving Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Oshawa