If you are watching the market closely, January’s market watch update from TRREB sends a clear message. Sales are down, listings are rising, prices are easing, and homes are taking longer to sell. Together, these shifts are creating conditions that strongly favour buyers who are prepared and informed.

While this is not a full buyer’s market yet, the latest market watch data shows that momentum has clearly moved away from sellers.

Inventory Builds While Sales Slow

One of the strongest signals in this market watch report is the widening gap between listings and sales.

• Total sales fell to 3,082, down 19.3 percent year over year
• New listings declined to 10,774, down 13.3 percent
• Active listings rose to 17,975, up 8.1 percent

For buyers, this means more choice and less urgency. Homes are no longer disappearing overnight, and competition has eased across most property types. This inventory buildup is a defining trend in the January market watch numbers.

Prices Continue to Ease Across the GTA

Pricing trends are also working in buyers’ favour.

The average home price across all TRREB areas dropped to $973,289, a 6.5 percent decline compared to January last year. Median prices followed a similar pattern in many regions, especially where supply has increased the most.

This market watch shift gives buyers more room to negotiate and reassess value, particularly in areas that experienced aggressive price growth in previous years.

Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell

Time is another major advantage for buyers right now.

• Average days on market increased to 45 days, up 21.6 percent
• Average property days on market rose to 67 days, up 21.8 percent

This slower pace allows buyers to include conditions, complete inspections, and make thoughtful decisions without the pressure that defined earlier markets. According to this market watch update, urgency has been replaced with flexibility.

Where Buyers Are Finding Opportunity in January

The January market watch data shows clear regional differences across the GTA:

• City of Toronto: 1,074 sales, average price $948,698
• Peel Region: 609 sales, average price $929,058
• York Region: 554 sales, average price $1,110,582
• Durham Region: 412 sales, average price $818,694
• Simcoe County: 92 sales, average price $883,713

More affordable regions continue to see steady activity, while higher-priced markets like York Region are experiencing slower movement. This has created stronger negotiating opportunities for buyers willing to act strategically.

What This Market Watch Means for Buyers Right Now

The January market watch numbers paint a picture of a market that rewards patience and preparation. Higher inventory, longer selling timelines, and softer prices are giving buyers more control than they have had in years.

Interest rates still matter, but compared to peak market conditions, buyers now have far more leverage. For those waiting for the right window, this market watch suggests that window is opening.

What This Market Watch Means for Sellers Too

While buyers are gaining leverage, the January market watch data also sends an important message to sellers.

Homes are taking longer to sell, inventory is higher, and pricing is more sensitive than it was in previous years. This means strategy matters more than ever. Sellers who price correctly, prepare their homes well, and understand buyer expectations are still achieving strong results, even in a slower market.

This market watch environment rewards sellers who are proactive rather than reactive. With the right approach, realistic pricing, and strong marketing, sellers can stand out and secure solid outcomes while less-prepared listings sit longer.

Ready to Make Your Move?

Now can be a smart time to plan your next step. Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, selling with a strategy, or exploring investment opportunities, informed decisions make all the difference.

We help GTA buyers and sellers navigate today’s market with clarity and confidence.

• Contact The Daryl King Team to discuss your real estate goals
• Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly market watch updates and insights

The right move starts with the right information.