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

The Durham Region housing market remained balanced through May 2026, with inventory levels continuing to build across most communities while sales activity showed modest improvement compared to April in several markets.

For buyers, the increase in available listings continues to provide more choice and negotiating power than we saw during the highly competitive market conditions of previous years.

For sellers, properly priced and well-presented homes are still attracting attention, but today's market requires a more strategic approach as buyers have more options available.

 

Market Snapshot – May 2026

Durham Region Housing Market at a Glance

Understanding Market Balance (Simple Definition)

Seller's Market

More buyers than available homes.

Balanced Market

A relatively even balance between buyers and sellers.

Buyer's Market

More homes available than active buyers.

Most Durham Region communities continued to lean toward balanced or buyer-friendly conditions during May as inventory remained elevated compared to last year.

How We Measure Market Balance

Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR)

Interpretation:

• Above 60% = Seller's Market
• 40%–60% = Balanced Market
• Below 40% = Buyer's Market

Ajax and Whitby were the strongest markets in May, while Oshawa, Pickering, and Uxbridge remained more favourable for buyers.

The 30-Second Summary

• Inventory remains significantly higher than one year ago across most Durham Region markets.
• Buyers continue to benefit from increased selection and reduced competition.
• Sales improved month-over-month in Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, and Uxbridge.
• Average prices were mixed, with gains in Pickering, Whitby, Clarington, and Uxbridge compared to April.
• Ajax and Oshawa were the only areas to see a month-over-month price decline.
• Uxbridge continues to command the highest average sale price in Durham Region.
• Whitby remains the strongest major market by average price among the larger Durham municipalities.

May 2026 Market Insights by Town or City

Pickering – May 2026
 

• Sales decreased from 137 in April to 126 in May.
• Average price increased from $921,274 to $927,422.
• New listings declined from 348 to 329.
• Active listings increased from 437 to 457.

What this means:

Pickering prices remained resilient despite fewer sales. Inventory continues to build, giving buyers more options than a year ago while sellers face increased competition.

Ajax – May 2026

• Sales increased from 97 in April to 128 in May.
• Average price declined from $885,398 to $838,788.
• New listings decreased from 247 to 237.
• Active listings increased slightly from 264 to 270.

What this means:

Ajax experienced one of the strongest sales increases in Durham Region. While average prices softened, demand remained healthy and the market continued to perform within balanced conditions.

Whitby – May 2026

• Sales increased from 138 to 151.
• Average price rose from $910,830 to $949,657.
• New listings increased from 323 to 351.
• Active listings climbed from 360 to 421.

What this means:

Whitby delivered one of the strongest overall performances in May, with both sales and prices moving higher. Increased inventory is creating opportunities for buyers while maintaining solid seller confidence.

Oshawa – May 2026

• Sales increased from 167 to 183.
• Average price declined from $723,205 to $708,723.
• New listings rose from 462 to 514.
• Active listings increased significantly from 561 to 654.

What this means:

Oshawa continues to offer some of the best affordability in Durham Region. However, rising inventory levels are giving buyers more negotiating power and placing additional pressure on sellers.

Clarington – May 2026

• Sales increased from 125 to 142.
• Average price increased from $790,218 to $830,064.
• New listings rose from 337 to 346.
• Active listings increased from 385 to 419.

What this means:

Clarington posted a strong month with higher sales and rising prices. Demand remains healthy, although increasing inventory is helping keep market conditions balanced.

Uxbridge – May 2026

• Sales increased from 18 to 24.
• Average price increased from $1,023,606 to $1,117,125.
• New listings declined from 71 to 64.
• Active listings increased from 111 to 117.

What this means:

Uxbridge saw a notable increase in both sales activity and pricing. While inventory remains elevated compared to previous years, the market demonstrated renewed strength during May.

What These Numbers Tell Us Overall

The May 2026 statistics suggest Durham Region continues to transition toward a healthier and more balanced housing market.

Buyers benefit from:

• More inventory
• Less competition
• Greater negotiating opportunities

Sellers benefit from:

• Continued buyer activity
• Stable pricing in most communities
• The ability to stand out through proper pricing, preparation, and marketing

The days of dozens of competing offers on nearly every listing are largely behind us, but well-positioned homes are still selling successfully.

Why The Market Is Moving This Way

Many buyers and sellers are asking why, for the most part, we're still in a buyer's to balanced market despite lower interest rates than we saw in 2023 and 2024.

A large part of the answer is uncertainty.

Throughout 2026, consumers have been navigating a combination of economic and geopolitical events, including rising tensions in the Middle East, volatility in oil prices, ongoing inflation concerns, questions surrounding the upcoming CUSMA trade review, and a slower Canadian economy.

These factors can affect consumer confidence, even when borrowing costs remain relatively stable.

The recent conflict involving Iran has contributed to volatility in global oil markets. Higher energy costs can affect household budgets, increase inflationary pressures, and influence borrowing costs over time.

At the same time, many economists expect interest rates to remain relatively stable through much of 2026. While this provides some certainty, many consumers are still taking a wait-and-see approach when making major financial decisions.

The result is a market where buyers and sellers have become more cautious.

For buyers, that hesitation from other purchasers can create opportunities through increased selection and stronger negotiating power.

For sellers, it means pricing correctly and marketing effectively have become more important than they were during the highly competitive market conditions of previous years.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the summer market:

• Inventory levels will be an important trend to watch.
• Interest rate decisions will continue to influence buyer confidence.
• Buyers may find opportunities in markets where inventory remains elevated.
• Sellers who price accurately and present their homes effectively will continue to have the best results.

The market is no longer moving at the extreme pace seen in 2021 and early 2022, but opportunities exist for both buyers and sellers who understand today's conditions.

Thinking About Making A Move?

Whether you're buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or simply exploring your options, understanding current market conditions is the first step.

Many homeowners are waiting for the "perfect" time to buy or sell. The reality is that opportunities exist in every market when you have the right strategy.

That's why I offer proven systems and guarantees designed to help buyers and sellers move forward with greater confidence.

Seller Guarantees

• Your Home Sold Guaranteed Or I'll Buy It*
• Your Home Sold In 60 Days Guaranteed Or I'll Sell It For Free*
• Your Home Sold For Market Value Guaranteed Or I'll Pay You The Difference*

Buyer Guarantees

• Buy a Home With Us and if you're not satisfied with your purchase within 18 months, we'll sell it for free*
• Free Home Warranty on every home purchased through our team*
• If we don't negotiate at least $10,000 off the asking price, we'll pay you $1,000 on closing*

Thinking about making a move?

Complete the contact form below and tell us in the Comments section which of the following interests you:

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We'll send you the information that's most relevant to your situation.

Read last month’s market update here:
Durham Region Housing Market Archive

[Durham Region Housing Market Archive]

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!