A clear breakdown of January’s housing numbers, and what they mean for buyers, sellers, and investors in Durham Region.
 

What the Latest Sales Numbers Mean for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

The January 2026 housing market statistics for Durham Region are now available, and they offer a clear picture of how the market is starting the year.

The pace is slower than the peak years, but the data shows a market that is active, more balanced, and driven by strategy rather than urgency. Buyers have more choice, sellers need to be more precise, and local conditions matter more than ever.

 

The 30-Second Summary

• Durham Region is not a single market, conditions vary by town

• Most municipalities are buyer-leaning or balanced

• No town / city is currently in a seller’s market

• Homes are still selling, but pricing and preparation are critical

• Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR) clearly shows who has the advantage

(SNLR measures how many homes sold compared to how many new listings came to market.)

 

Understanding Market Balance (Simple Definitions)

• Buyer’s Market: SNLR below 40%

• Balanced Market: SNLR between 40%–60%

• Seller’s Market: SNLR above 60%

January 2026 Market Insights by Town
 

Pickering - Buyer’s Market

SNLR: 32.26%

Pickering buyers are firmly in control right now. Inventory levels are higher than last year, and buyers are selective, especially in premium price ranges.

What this means:
Negotiation is common. Sellers benefit from pricing accurately from day one.

Ajax - Balanced Market

SNLR: 43.90%

Ajax is currently balanced, meaning neither buyers nor sellers have a clear advantage. Sales activity remains steady for a winter month, and prices are holding relatively firm.

What this means:
Well-priced homes are selling, but buyers have time to compare options and negotiate. Strategy matters more than speed.

 

Whitby - Buyer’s Market

SNLR: 37.68%

Whitby has shifted into buyer-favouring conditions. With more listings available, buyers are taking their time and pushing back on pricing, especially at higher price points.

What this means:
Buyers have leverage. Sellers need realistic pricing and strong presentation to stand out.


 

Oshawa - Balanced Market

SNLR: 41.50%

Oshawa remains one of the most active markets in Durham Region. Its relative affordability continues to attract first-time buyers and investors, keeping demand consistent.

What this means:
Balanced conditions reward good decision-making on both sides. Overpricing is still being penalized.


 

Clarington - Buyer’s Market (Near Balanced)

SNLR: 39.62%

Clarington sits just under balanced conditions. The market has slowed seasonally, which is typical, and buyers are cautious but active when value is clear.

What this means:
Preparation and pricing are the difference between selling and sitting.


 

Uxbridge - Buyer’s Market

SNLR: 15.00%

Uxbridge is clearly buyer-favouring due to lower sales volume and higher relative inventory. Price ranges can vary widely, making local context especially important.

What this means:
Local expertise matters more than regional averages.


 

What These Numbers Tell Us Overall

January’s SNLR data confirms what many homeowners and buyers are feeling:

• The market has slowed from past peaks, but it hasn’t stopped

• Buyers have more choice and control

• Sellers can still succeed, if expectations match today’s reality

• One-size-fits-all advice no longer works in Durham Region
   

Looking Ahead

As we move closer to spring, buyer activity typically increases and more listings come to market. If that happens, we’ll be watching closely to see whether these buyer-leaning conditions begin to tighten or remain balanced.

The takeaway for January 2026 is simple:
Markets reward preparation, pricing, and local knowledge, not guesswork.


 

Stay Updated

I share monthly Durham Region housing market updates, like this one, with clear explanations and town-by-town insights so you can stay informed without digging through reports. Watch for February's market update around this time next month. 

 

Stay Connected with Market Watch

Market Watch is my free printed monthly newsletter, mailed directly to homeowners, buyers, and investors to keep them up-to-date on what's happening in the Durham Region real estate market.

Each issue includes:

• A clear snapshot of local housing market trends

• Monthly sales and pricing updates (explained in plain language)

• What the latest numbers could mean for homeowners and buyers

• Local insights you won’t find in headlines

If you’d like to receive Market Watch by mail each month, simply leave your name and mailing address, and I’ll make sure it’s delivered to your home.

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Thanks For Reading Today’s BLOG!

Brian Kondo
Sales Representative / Team Leader
The Brian Kondo Real Estate Team
Re/Max Hallmark First Group Realty Ltd.
905-683-7800 office
905-426-7484 direct
brian@briankondo.com
www.BrianKondo.com
www.BrianKondoTeam.com


If you or anyone you know is considering making a move in the next little while, give me a call or pass on my number ... 905-683-7800 (Office) or 905-426-7484 (Direct).

If you would like to see any of my previous blog posts, please click here!