From a Buyer’s Perspective: Should You Buy Now or Wait?
If you’re planning to become a homeowner, the end of 2025 quietly offers some really solid opportunities.
Right now, buyers have more leverage than they’ve had in years. Homes are sitting longer, competition is lighter, and sellers are much more open to negotiation on price, conditions, and even possession dates. The overall sales-to-active listings ratio sits at 12.6%, which is right at the level historically associated with slight downward pressure on prices, especially for detached homes (9.7%).
Pricing has already softened a bit:
Detached benchmark: $1,900,600 (down 4.3% year-over-year)
Apartments: $714,300 (down 5.2%)
Townhomes: $1,065,600 (down 4.4%)
If you’re ready financially and emotionally to buy, waiting solely for a “perfect” market timing rarely works. Interest rates are expected to remain fairly stable into the new year, and real estate is less about catching the absolute bottom than buying a great home you can comfortably afford. Today’s market gives buyers something they haven’t had recently, choices, negotiation power, and less pressure to rush decisions.
That said, if you’re not quite ready or still need to strengthen your down payment, waiting doesn’t mean missing out. The market is likely to remain calm into early 2026 unless buyer confidence suddenly shifts.
From a Seller’s Perspective: What Should You Be Doing Right Now?
For sellers, this slower period is actually a great time to prepare, even if you’re not planning to list immediately.
With inventory elevated and buyers being selective, homes that stand out perform best. Use this quieter season to get your property fully market-ready: tackle small repairs, touch up paint, address cosmetic updates, and complete any minor renovations that improve first impressions. Condo owners should also review upcoming building projects, special levies, and strata maintenance schedules so you can address questions proactively and build buyer confidence well before listing.
If you’re thinking about selling and buying at the same time, this market can work in your favour. While you might sell for slightly less than peak pricing, you’re also purchasing your next home at a meaningful discount compared to past years. Often, the savings and negotiating power on the buy side outweigh the softer conditions on the sale, meaning you can come out ahead overall when making a move in the same market cycle.
For homeowners contemplating a change in lifestyle, upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, waiting for the “perfect” market may not improve your real-world outcome. A well-prepared home with a clear pricing strategy can still sell successfully today, while simultaneously unlocking strong purchasing opportunities on your next property.
Final Thoughts
This end-of-year market isn’t about speed, it’s about strategy.
Buyers have more time, options, negotiating room, and reduced competition.
Sellers benefit most by preparing early, presenting well, pricing realistically, and leveraging strong opportunities on their next purchase.
Whether you’re making a move now or planning for the new year, the current market can work to your advantage with the right approach.
If you’d like to talk through how these trends apply to your personal situation, we’re always happy to walk through your options and build a strategy that fits your goals.
