Why Listing Early in 2026 in the GTA Sets You Ahead

Real Estate

Timing and strategy always matters — not just when you sell, but also how you position your home in that market. As we head into 2026, a growing number of homeowners and real estate professionals are recognizing a key shift: listing earlier in the year can yield stronger results than waiting for the traditional spring rush. If you have worked with the Robertson Kadwell Team before, you know that this is something we have preached for many years.

This insight isn’t just anecdotal. When you look closely at the data from 2025 and leading indicators for 2026, it becomes clear that visibility, buyer motivation, and market dynamics all favour sellers who bring their homes to market sooner rather than later.

Market Snapshot: What Happened in 2025

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) housing market experienced noteworthy shifts throughout 2025:

Prices are lower but not unreasonably
The average home price in the GTA cooled, dipping to $1,059,377 — the lowest in roughly three years — as the market balanced out from post-pandemic highs. This is down 4.7% year-over-year but keep in mind that all stats refer back to that crazy 2022 high. Put into perspective, 2022 average price was $1.2M, 2025 average price is $1,059,377 If you have owned your home for longer than 4 years, your home is still a good investment Canada Housing Market
NOTE For Halton: Average price in November: $1,347,391 (-6% MoM; -9.5% YoY) OMDREB
Price Softening Was Widespread
Detached, townhome, and condo prices all saw year-over-year decreases — reflecting broader price softening rather than rapid collapse. But the condo market was especially hard hit. For example, median condo prices in the GTA dropped nearly 7.4% year-over-year by Q3 2025. Royal LePage
Sales Activity Was Muted
Total home sales in Ontario were down about 13% year-over-year by November 2025. This is probably the most important stat - buyers stayed out of the market. TRREB had estimated that 2025 would see around 72,000 sales but in fact we saw only around 58,000. Since interest rates are now in reasonable territory, it was the economic news that played the strongest role in this.
Inventory Remained Elevated
Across Ontario and the GTA, active listings expanded significantly in 2025 — after two quiet years, sellers wanted to move forward, so more homes came on the market than usual. This resulted in buyers having more choice and sellers needing smart positioning to catch their attention. November 2025 with 62,868 active listings saw the highest number of listings in over 15 years for that month, well above historical averages. WOWA
What this all adds up to is a market that no longer is depending on scarcity and urgency and is more defined by balanced conditions where pricing, presentation, and timing matter more than ever.

💡 Why “Earlier in the Year” Makes Sense Right Now

So how does this information support selling earlier in 2026? Here are the key reasons:

Be First in a Still-Cautious Market
In periods of slower sales and elevated inventory, homes that hit the market when buyer motivation is reignited — like January and February — often feel fresher and more appealing. Over the holidays, the pause in routine, the possible discussion of annual bonuses, and a natural reset of plans and goals, results in important conversations. This can lead to greater interest in making a move in the early part of the year. As inventory inevitably builds, buyers become overwhelmed by choice later.
Market insights from mid-December are also giving signs that improved job numbers could boost buyer confidence as we enter 2026 — another potential trigger for activity earlier in the year.
Avoid the Spring Surge Crowd
Spring (green grass, pools open, trees in leaf) creates a surge of competing inventory. Sellers believe that their home looks best in Spring. But this can work against sellers who wait. If your home is head-and-shoulders above the rest and priced according to the current market conditions, you may not have any problem. But it could also mean greater competition for every buyer’s attention.
Listing earlier — particularly in January or February — gives your home room to shine and reduces the risk of getting lost in the spring surge.
Capture Motivated Buyers
Buyers who begin searching early in the year tend to be serious and ready to act. This early momentum can help generate strong interest and offers before winter buyers step aside and before spring inventory piles up. After the holidays, many are motivated by:
- Goal-focused planning
- Job changes
- Tax or financial incentives
- School-year transitions
Position Yourself Ahead of Expected Shifts
Market forecasts have suggested that while affordability has modestly improved thanks to interest rate adjustments, confidence remains tentative. Many buyers may wait to see where the market is headed — but those who start their journey early are often the ones who act when they find the right home. Most economic sources are hesitant of what 2026 has in store for the economy (National and International) and political atmosphere. Ultimately giving way to buyers to make moves more promptly, earlier in the year to avoid any potential uncertainties.
Get more money for your home
Our data shows that homes sold in the period between the end of January and mid-March (these sales often have Summer closings) are sold for higher prices than any other month in the year. TRREB & PropTx

📌 So What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re thinking about selling in 2026 — whether you’re:

Upsizing or downsizing
Relocating for work or lifestyle
Exploring investment changes
Selling a family home to move on to your next chapter

…then the earlier you get your home on the market, the better positioned you’ll be for a strong outcome.

With a more balanced market, elevated inventory, and buyers still finding their footing after the holidays, strategic timing and expert marketing will make all the difference.

Let’s Talk Strategy for 2026

The notion that “you shouldn’t sell in winter” is outdated — especially in a market as dynamic as ours. At Robertson Kadwell, we can help you:

Understand current buyer demand ✔
Benchmark your home against local inventory ✔
Determine the best week to list for maximum exposure ✔
Craft a compelling presentation that drives interest ✔

If you’ve been thinking about selling this year, let’s connect. There are always people wanting or needing to make a move. Getting ahead of the crowd could be your biggest advantage heading into 2026.