JANUARY 2026
The market has found its footing. It’s not frantic. It’s not frozen. It’s steady, strategic, and quietly full of opportunity.
And honestly? What a vibe.
Below is the real story behind the stats - what’s actually happening on the ground, how buyers and sellers are moving, and what this season rewards (hint: panic is not on the list).
What’s actually happening in the market right now?
The current market is balanced and intentional, with steady demand, supportive rates, elevated inventory, and buyers and sellers moving calmly—not urgently.
Market stats alone never tell the full story.
And right now, the story is nuance.
January gave us an early signal:
Buyers showed up before spring. Demand was real. People were paying attention.
Then - something refreshing happened.
The pace levelled out.
Not because interest disappeared.
But because the market found rhythm.
This isn’t a slowdown.
And it’s definitely not a frenzy.
It’s the sweet spot.
Is the market slow or competitive?
The market is neither slow nor overly competitive - it’s stable, allowing for thoughtful decisions without the pressure of rushed timelines.
Here’s the truth most headlines miss:
A calm market doesn’t mean a weak market.
It means a functional one.
Buyers aren’t scrambling.
Sellers aren’t throwing prices at the wall.
And deals are happening when expectations meet reality.
This is a market that rewards:
Clear thinking
Strong preparation
Realistic pricing
Confident, aligned decisions
Speed is optional.
Strategy is not.
YES. Nailed it.
Are interest rates supporting buyers right now?
Current interest rates are supportive enough for buyers to act confidently, especially when paired with increased inventory and negotiation leverage.
Rates aren’t perfect - but they are workable.
And when you combine:
More listings to choose from
Less emotional bidding pressure
Sellers open to conversation
Buyers don’t need to rush.
But they do need to be ready.
This is not a “wait and see forever” market.
It’s a “be informed, be prepared, and move when it aligns” market.
That’s the move.
What does elevated inventory mean for buyers?
Higher inventory gives buyers more choice, more breathing room, and more power to negotiate without the fear of missing out.
Inventory is still elevated - and that matters.
It means:
More options
More comparisons
Fewer panic decisions
Buyers get to ask better questions:
Does this actually fit our lifestyle?
Does this support the next chapter?
Does this feel right - or just available?
If you’ve been quietly watching, bookmarking listings, and thinking “maybe this year” - you’re not behind.
You’re exactly where you need to be.
What’s happening with rentals and leases?
Leases are up, with renting increasingly used as a strategic bridge rather than a fallback or failure.
Let’s clear this up:
Renting right now is not a pause.
It’s not a setback.
And it’s definitely not a failure.
It’s a bridge.
We’re seeing more people rent intentionally while:
Waiting for the right home
Transitioning between life chapters
Giving themselves space to decide without pressure
That’s not avoidance.
That’s emotional intelligence.
Obsessed with this shift, honestly.
Are sellers preparing for spring momentum?
Yes - seller activity and momentum are expected to build steadily as we move toward the spring market.
Behind the scenes, sellers are preparing.
They’re:
Decluttering
Strategizing
Watching buyer behaviour closely
And yes - momentum is expected to build as we head into spring.
But here’s the part that matters most:
The sellers who win in this market are not the ones who rush.
They’re the ones who prepare well.
Pricing, presentation, and positioning matter more than ever.
No shortcuts.
No ego pricing.
Just alignment.
What’s happening with home prices right now?
Home prices are rising gradually - not jumping -with fair, well-priced homes selling consistently.
Prices are inching up.
Not leaping.
And that’s healthy.
In markets like Burlington, we’re seeing:
Roughly 35 days on market on average
Well-priced homes moving
Overpriced homes sitting
This market is incredibly honest.
It doesn’t reward hope pricing.
It rewards fair pricing.
What a concept. lol
How long are homes taking to sell?
On average, homes are selling in about 35 days, with timing heavily influenced by pricing, condition, and strategy.
If you’re selling, this means:
You don’t need to rush - but you do need to be intentional.
Homes that are:
Thoughtfully prepared
Correctly priced
Strategically marketed
Are still moving.
Homes that aren’t?
They linger.
And that’s not a market problem - it’s a strategy one.
What kind of decisions does this market reward?
This market rewards calm, informed decisions, strong preparation, and clear guidance - without panic or pressure.
Let’s be very clear:
This is not a market for chaos.
It’s a market for clarity.
The people doing well right now are:
Asking better questions
Taking time to prepare
Working with clear guidance
Trusting timing over hype
No pressure.
No panic.
Just alignment.
Deep breath.
That’s the energy.
If I haven’t moved yet, am I behind?
No - buyers and sellers who are watching, preparing, and moving intentionally are right on time.
If you’ve been:
Watching quietly
Feeling curious
Wondering how this season applies to you
You are not late.
You are not missing out.
You are right on time.
The Village Takeaway
This market isn’t asking you to hurry.
It’s asking you to be ready.
Ready with:
Good prep
Honest strategy
Clear support
Because speed is optional.
But alignment? Non-negotiable.
Ready for next steps (without pressure)?
If you’re:
Buying and want clarity without chaos
Selling and want strategy without stress
Renting and planning your next move intentionally
Start here:
Our trusted Village partners: https://www.explorethevillage.ca/partners
No pressure.
No urgency theatre.
Just grounded guidance.
The Village
Where we gather + grow
