After years of aggressive bidding wars, limited inventory, and skyrocketing prices, Ontario’s real estate market has made a dramatic shift — and it’s now tilted in favour of buyers. According to June 2025 data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Ontario has officially entered a buyer’s market, characterized by rising active listings, slower price growth, and longer days on market.
For SLG Home Buyer clients — especially first-time buyers, relocators, or investors — this change brings new leverage, greater flexibility, and stronger negotiation power.
Let’s break down exactly what’s happening, what it means for you, and how to use this window of opportunity to your advantage.
📊 Market Snapshot: June 2025 in Ontario
| Market Metric | June 2025 | Change YoY | vs 5-Year Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Listings | 45,022 | +8.5% | +8.3% |
| Active Listings | 78,605 | +18.0% | +48% |
| Months of Inventory | 4.6 months | +0.6 months | +2.0 months |
| Average Home Price | $852,036 | –3.9% | — |
| Total Sales | 16,961 units | +1.1% | –14% |
Sources: CREA, WOWA.ca, and TRREB (June 2025 Reports)
🧭 What Is a Buyer’s Market?
A buyer’s market occurs when housing supply outpaces demand. This typically results in:
- Slower price growth or outright price declines
- Homes sitting longer on the market
- Greater flexibility for buyers to negotiate terms
- Sellers offering more concessions (e.g., flexible closing dates, included appliances, price reductions)
In Ontario, the sharp rise in active listings and months of inventory (now at 4.6, well above the 10-year norm of 2.6) signals a major shift in dynamics. Homes are no longer flying off the market in bidding wars. Instead, buyers are in control — and this changes everything.
💡 Why This Shift Is Happening
- High Interest Rates (Still Above Pandemic Lows):
While the Bank of Canada has begun cutting interest rates, mortgage rates remain high enough to temper buyer demand. Many would-be buyers are still sitting on the sidelines waiting for more affordability. - Delayed Spring Rush:
Many sellers postponed listings in early 2025 due to market uncertainty. This led to a surge of listings in late spring and early summer, flooding the market with supply all at once. - Economic Uncertainty:
With inflation still hovering near 3%, many households remain cautious about large financial commitments. This lowers overall demand, despite price softening.
📈 Chart: Inventory vs Sales in Ontario (Last 12 Months)
A bar graph or line chart showing total listings steadily increasing while sales stay flat from July 2024 to June 2025. This highlights the growing gap between supply and demand — a core sign of a buyer’s market.
🔍 Regional Hotspots Where Buyers Hold Power
Here are some Ontario regions where inventory is high and homes are sitting longer — great targets for SLG Home Buyer clients:
| Region | Avg Price (June) | Change YoY | Months of Inventory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham Region | $934,500 | –4.2% | 5.1 months |
| Hamilton | $808,200 | –6.1% | 5.4 months |
| London | $632,000 | –2.9% | 6.2 months |
| Ottawa | $728,400 | +5.5% | 3.9 months |
| Peel Region | $1,002,600 | –3.3% | 4.8 months |
Note: Areas like Ottawa still see price growth due to limited inventory and high demand, but regions like Hamilton and London offer greater buyer power.
🛠️ How SLG Home Buyer Clients Can Benefit
Here’s how you can use the market shift to your advantage:
✅ 1. Negotiate Better Deals
With more homes on the market and less competition, you can now:
- Offer below asking price
- Request repairs or upgrades
- Add financing or home inspection contingencies
✅ 2. Take Your Time
Instead of racing to beat out 10 other offers, you now have the luxury of doing your due diligence, scheduling multiple showings, and thinking carefully before submitting offers.
✅ 3. Get More Value
Sellers are now more likely to include extras — like appliances, furniture, or even covering closing costs — just to close a deal.
✅ 4. Avoid Overpaying
Gone are the days of $100,000 over-ask. You can now align your purchase with fair market value, and in some cases, below appraised value.
💬 What SLG Recommends Right Now
At SLG Home Buyer, we specialize in helping Ontario homeowners buy and sell properties — even in changing markets. Here’s our current advice:
- If you’re buying:
Now is the time to act, especially in suburbs and smaller cities where inventory is highest. You’ll have more leverage and better deals. - If you’re selling:
Be realistic with your pricing. Work with our team to position your home competitively and attract serious buyers.
🏁 Final Takeaway
The Ontario housing market is no longer moving at breakneck speed. Instead, balance has returned — and for the first time in years, buyers are calling the shots.
If you’re looking to buy a home, move up from a condo, or relocate for work, this shift in market conditions is your opportunity. With the right strategy, timing, and team behind you, you can secure a great home at a smart price.