The Ontario real estate inventory has surged across several markets in late 2025, shifting the balance of power toward buyers for the first time in years. With more listings, slower sales, and motivated sellers, Ontario’s property landscape is evolving fast. This article maps the areas seeing the biggest gains in inventory, explains what’s behind the rise, and outlines what buyers and sellers should expect heading into winter.

Ontario Inventory Trends: Where Listings Are Growing

• Hamilton–Burlington: Active listings up 27% year-over-year as more sellers return to the market. [1]
• Niagara Region: Inventory up 31%, with homes taking longer to sell and more price adjustments reported. [2]
• Durham Region: Listings increased 22% in September 2025, with Oshawa and Whitby leading. [3]
• Ottawa–Gatineau: Supply up 19%, largely due to higher new-build completions. [4]
• London–St. Thomas: Inventory growth at 25% year-over-year, giving buyers more negotiating room. [5]

Why Inventory Is Rising Across Ontario

• Rate fatigue: High borrowing costs continue to slow sales, prompting longer days on market. [6]
• Seasonal catch-up: Post-summer sellers listing now to meet pent-up demand from earlier rate-hold expiries. [2]
• Investor exits: Some small landlords are listing properties amid shrinking margins and higher carrying costs. [7]
• New completions: Pre-sold homes from 2021-22 construction cycles are hitting the market at once. [4]

The Shift: From Seller’s Market to Balanced Territory

In 2021-2022, many Ontario regions had less than two months of housing supply — a classic seller’s market. As of Q4 2025, the average stands at 3.9 months of inventory, edging toward balance. In markets like Hamilton and Niagara, inventory levels above 4.5 months signal growing leverage for buyers. [8]

What This Means for Buyers

• More negotiation power: Buyers can request repairs, upgrades, or longer closing terms. [9]
• Conditional offers returning: Home inspections and financing conditions are becoming common again. [10]
• Selective appreciation: Areas with strong employment (like Kitchener-Waterloo) may hold value better despite rising supply. [11]

What Sellers Should Know

Sellers must adjust to new realities — price competitively, improve curb appeal, and be open to concessions. Staging and presentation matter more than ever in 2025’s more balanced Ontario market. [9]

FAQs: Ontario Real Estate Inventory 2025

1. Which areas in Ontario have the highest inventory growth?
   Hamilton, Niagara, and Durham lead with 20–30% year-over-year listing growth. [1]
2. Does higher inventory mean prices will fall?
   Not necessarily — prices may flatten, but balanced markets prevent steep declines. [8]
3. Will this trend continue into 2026?
   If rates stay high and absorption slows, inventory may rise further before stabilizing. [6]
4. Is now a good time to buy?
   Yes — buyers finally have room to negotiate after years of tight supply. [9]

Sources:

1. “Hamilton Real Estate Market Statistics for September 2025” — Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd.
2. “Niagara Real Estate Market Report – September 2025” — NiagaraHomes.com
3. “Durham Region Market Update – September 2025” — Durham Real Estate News
4. “Ottawa Real Estate Market Q3 2025 Report” — Ottawa Real Estate News
5. “London & St. Thomas Market Update – September 2025” — LSTAR Real Estate Board
6. “Ontario Housing Market Cools as Inventory Climbs” — Financial Post
7. “Small Landlords Listing as Costs Rise Across Ontario” — Better Dwelling
8. “TRREB Market Watch – October 2025” — Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
9. “Ontario Real Estate Market Update – October 2025” — RE/MAX Canada
10. “Conditional Offers Return in Ontario’s 2025 Market” — Royal LePage Insights
11. “Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Trends Q3 2025” — KWAR Board Report

Sanjeevan

CTMO

Sanjeevan Premkumar is the Chief Technology & Marketing Officer at Bridge, specializing in digital strategy and real estate market research. He combines technical insight with a deep understanding of the property sector.

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