Durham Region ended September 2026 in a largely balanced, buyer-leaning market. Sales remained sluggish while inventory stayed high, giving prepared buyers more choice and making realistic pricing especially important for sellers.
September 2026 at a glance
- $829,382 average sale price across all reported residential property types—up 1.0% from August and down 6.1% from September 2025.
- 98.3% sale-to-list price ratio, meaning the average property sold below its final asking price.
- 30.2 average days on market to reach a firm sale with no remaining conditions.
- 5.4 months of inventory, representing moderate-to-high supply.
- 17.9 daily transactions—down 11.2% from August and 24.6% year over year.
- Just under $925,000 for the average detached-home selling price over the preceding 30 days.
Durham continued to offer the lowest average price among GTA regions in the cited report. That affordability advantage can attract buyers, but the regional average combines many municipalities, property types, conditions and price points.
Mortgage-rate context
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2, 2026, down from 5.0% in April 2024. Its next scheduled decision is October 28.
The cited market report said five-year insured fixed mortgages were being offered from 4.29% and five-year insured variable mortgages from 3.25% at the time of the snapshot. Actual rates and eligibility depend on the lender, product, down payment, credit profile and property. The report also cautioned that global instability could put upward pressure on borrowing costs.
What it means for buyers
More inventory creates choice and negotiating room, but attractive, well-priced homes can still draw competition or hold offers until a set date. Secure a current mortgage preapproval before shopping, compare the property with recent nearby sales, and keep appropriate financing, inspection and legal protections in your offer.
What it means for sellers
At 5.4 months of inventory, buyers have alternatives. Listings that begin above the market can lose momentum and spend longer online. Accurate pricing, strong presentation and broad exposure matter more when buyers can compare several similar homes.
Bottom line: Durham’s September market rewarded preparation on both sides. Buyers gained more selection; sellers still had opportunities when the property, price and marketing aligned.
Source: John Owen’s Durham Region Real Estate Daily Market Report, October 2, 2026 snapshot.
For advice about buying, selling or financing a Durham Region property, contact Tony Slavin at 905-767-0101 or tony@tonyslavin.com.
Data note: September figures in the October 2 snapshot were preliminary because additional MLS transactions were still being reported. The cited market-report page is updated daily, so figures displayed there now may differ from this September snapshot. Regional averages describe a broad market and are not an appraisal of any individual property.