🍂🏡 October 2026 Market Update – Is This a Good Time to Buy?
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you might be wondering whether it’s better to make a move now or wait a little longer.
It’s a fair question.
The GTA market has been quieter compared to this time last year. Prices are still lower, buyers have more room to negotiate, and there’s generally less pressure to make quick decisions.
But October brought something interesting: home sales picked up compared to September, even though they’re still lower than last year.
So while the market hasn’t made a big comeback, things are moving.
And for buyers, that could mean some opportunities worth paying attention to.
📊 A Quick Look at October
Here’s what happened across the GTA:
🏠 Home Sales: 5,603 — down 7.9% from October 2025
🏡 New Listings: 14,173 — down 11.9% from October 2025
💰 Average Selling Price: $1,024,108 — down 2.7% from October 2025
📉 MLS® HPI Benchmark: Down 4.3% compared to October last year.
What stands out is that fewer homes are coming onto the market, but sales have improved compared to September.
For buyers, this means there are still opportunities, but it’s worth keeping an eye on inventory. As fewer homeowners list their properties, the number of available choices could become more limited.
💬 So, What Does This Mean If You’re Buying?
Right now, buyers have something they haven’t always had in recent years: a little breathing room.
You can take your time viewing properties, compare prices, ask questions and negotiate without feeling like you have to compete with five other offers every time you find a home you like.
And with average prices still below last year’s levels, there may be opportunities to find better value than buyers were seeing in previous years.
But here’s something I wouldn’t overlook.
A slower market doesn’t mean every home is a bargain.
Some properties are priced realistically and attracting interest, while others are sitting because sellers haven’t adjusted their expectations.
The important thing is knowing the difference.
A good buying opportunity isn’t simply a home with a reduced asking price. It’s finding the right property, understanding what it’s actually worth and making sure the numbers work for your budget.
🏡 Is It Better to Buy Now or Wait?
This is probably one of the most common questions buyers are asking.
And honestly, there’s no perfect answer.
Waiting could mean more time to save, pay down debt or feel more comfortable with your finances. But it could also mean facing fewer choices or more competition if buyer confidence improves.
On the other hand, buying now gives you the chance to explore a market where sellers may be more open to negotiating.
Rather than trying to predict exactly where prices will go next, I’d focus on three things:
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Affordability: Does the purchase comfortably fit your budget, including mortgage payments, taxes and other costs?
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Value: Is the home priced fairly compared with similar properties that have recently sold?
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Your plans: Are you buying something that makes sense for your lifestyle and how long you plan to stay?
If those three things line up, you may not need to wait for the market to be perfect.
🔍 What Should Buyers Be Watching?
As we head toward the final months of 2026, I’d keep an eye on inventory, interest rates and buyer activity.
If sales continue to improve while fewer homes come onto the market, competition could gradually pick up.
That doesn’t mean prices will suddenly take off, but the negotiating room buyers have today may not look exactly the same a few months from now.
It’s also important to remember that the market can look very different depending on the area and property type.
Condos, townhomes and detached homes don’t always follow the same trends. And what you’re seeing in Milton may be quite different from what’s happening in Oakville, Burlington or Mississauga.
That’s why local market information matters so much.
🌻 The Bottom Line
If you’re a buyer, October’s numbers offer a few reasons to stay optimistic.
Prices are still below last year’s levels, there’s room to negotiate, and you don’t necessarily have to rush into a decision.
At the same time, fewer new listings and improving monthly sales are worth watching as we move toward the end of the year.
My advice? Don’t wait just because you’re hoping prices will drop a little more, and don’t rush just because you’re worried about missing out.
Take the time to understand the market, know your budget and be ready when the right opportunity comes along.
The goal isn’t to buy at the absolute bottom of the market. It’s to find a home that makes sense financially and personally.
If you’re thinking about buying before the end of the year, I’d be happy to help you look at what’s available, compare recent sales and figure out where the opportunities are.
Sometimes, the best opportunities are there—you just need to know where to look. 🏡
Milton Real Estate Market
The average price in Milton $966,412
Burlington Real Estate Market
The average price in Burlington $1,046,822
Oakville Real Estate Market
The average price in Oakville $1,383,011
