I Finally Learned to Ski and It Feels a Lot Like Toronto’s 2026 Real Estate Market

In my head, I am flying down this Mount St. Louis green run! Thank you North Toronto Ski Club

My family loves to ski, and for years I stayed on the sidelines. I kept telling myself I’d learn when the timing felt right. In my head, it was all wipe-outs and tears. When I finally took the leap, it turned out to be slow, controlled, and far less dramatic than I’d imagined.

Toronto’s housing market feels similar heading into 2026 (stay with me here). Things are beginning to move again—think bunny hills, not double black diamonds. Slow and steady, with fewer surprises.

After hearing Benjamin Tal speak at a conference and reviewing the latest Royal LePage forecasts, here’s my take: 2026 is shaping up to be a more balanced Toronto market. With no major rate hikes or cuts expected, it may be a transition year toward a slightly improved 2027. *** For now, no wild downhill runs—just steadier terrain and modest shifts. While the overall Canadian forecast shows signs of modest growth, I am focusing on the GTA market.

Prices: Gentle Adjustments, Not Free Falls
Prices aren’t expected to go up, they may stay flat and in some pockets may soften modestly. Detached homes may see slight softening or levelling out, while condos are still on the slight decline due to higher supply. 

Inventory: More Choice, Better Footing
Inventory remains elevated, giving buyers more choice and negotiating room than in recent years. Many paused in 2025, waiting for further drops—but that’s not the expectation for 2026. With leverage still available, this is a moment to move before conditions tighten again. 

Rentals: A Shift in Balance
As prices adjusted from 2023, some owners—particularly condo owners—are choosing to rent rather than sell. This is adding to rental supply, which can ease pressure on availability and pricing. For renters, that translates into more choice and better options.

So, What Does This Mean for You?
A steady market with opportunity to make smart, strategic moves, and where sitting on the fence is no longer advantageous.

Buyers
If you’ve been on the sidelines waiting for a major crash, it’s worth knowing that large drops aren’t widely forecasted. What is predicted? Better leverage, more choice, and more room to negotiate.
✔ Connect with a lender now to understand your affordability range and options.
✔ Book a buyer consultation with me and let’s start touring homes. With more choice available, seeing what works—and what doesn’t—in person is invaluable.

Sellers
A return to sharp price spikes or bidding wars isn’t expected anytime soon. This steadier pace may be the new normal—and for many sellers, that means there’s no need to delay. If you’re selling and buying in the same market, any pricing softness on one side is often offset by stronger value on the other. That said, pricing and presentation matter more than ever.
✔ Start with a complimentary, detailed Comparative Market Analysis that looks at both what sold and what didn’t—pricing accuracy from day one is key.
✔ With higher inventory, standing out matters. Work with an agent who understands design and how to market a home beautifully (I happen to know someone 😉).

Renters
As more condo owners choose to lease their unit rather than sell, rental inventory is starting to build—creating more choice and better-fit options for tenants.
✔ Get listings tailored to your wants and needs delivered directly to your inbox.
✔ If ownership is on your mind, talk to an agent and financial advisor to compare long-term costs versus renting and what would be a good rental strategy in the interim.

2026 isn’t about speed or spectacle, it’s about a steady pace. With the right guidance and a clear strategy, this could be a very good year to make your move. I offer complimentary home audits, and buyer (or renter) consultations to talk things through. Let's chat!

PS: A quick shout-out to North Toronto Ski Club for making skiing genuinely fun. Proof that the right coaching and strategy makes all the difference.

*** The information and opinions expressed in this post are based on market data and conditions available at the time of writing and are provided for general informational purposes only. Market conditions may change, and forecasts or opinions are not guarantees of future results. Readers should obtain independent professional advice specific to their circumstances before making any real estate or financial decisions.