Market Insight for April 11

Certain price-points, home types, and neighbourhoods are selling better than others, according to agents across the Greater Toronto Area.

Spring traditionally marks the busiest time in real estate. But this year, with the added complexity of shifting mortgage rates, potential tariffs, and an upcoming federal election, the market is experiencing more uncertainty than usual.

Buyers are more hesitant, sellers are often overly optimistic, and the window to make the most of the spring market is short. The next three months typically represent the peak of the yearly sales cycle. While we can’t influence external market conditions, we can focus on what’s within our control to help ensure a successful sale.

In a slower market, strategic pricing is everything. Certain price points are performing better than others right now. According to TRREB’s March data, there were 845 sales between $1,000,000 and $1,249,999, and 608 sales between $1,250,000 to $1,500,000, which means around 29% of total GTA sales were in the $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 range.

Detached homes are also selling better than any other housing type, accounting for 43% of total sales last month with 2,155 transactions reported. Semi-detached homes accounted for just under 10% of total sales in the GTA, and in Toronto, semis that have been priced right and staged well are generating strong interest.

It goes without saying that there are many first-time buyers trying to get into the housing market. For that reason, entry-level neighbourhoods see high demand and are an easier sell than others.

In today’s market, it’s important for properties to be as turnkey as possible, something there was less emphasis on when the market was more competitive. With the current market, buyers have more options, and you want to avoid giving them reason to hesitate.

The more effort you put in as a seller, the more you stand to gain. It signals to buyers that you’ve taken care of the home. Even a small flaw can make them question what else might be wrong. To sell quickly and for top dollar, a property needs to be presented as completely turnkey for it to get that fast result, to sell high and quickly.

We have to be more transparent with our clients about what’s realistically achievable in today’s market. This involves candid discussions with sellers about effective pricing strategies and clear guidance for buyers on their true purchasing power. Setting and managing expectations early not only streamlines the deal process but also reinforces our role as reliable and trusted advisors.