Sunday, May 17, 2026 / by Shiela Balanay
Ontario MLS® Home Sales See Buyers Benefit From Above-Average Housing Inventory in April
Provincial Overview: Ontario Real Estate
Residential sales activity reported through the MLS® Systems of real estate boards in Ontario totalled 44,456 units over the first four months of the year, representing a moderate decrease of 4.7% compared to the same period in 2025. Despite softer sales activity, elevated inventory levels across the province continued to provide buyers with a wider selection of homes and greater flexibility in their purchasing decisions. During this same period, the comprehensive year-to-date average home price was recorded at $812,508, down 4.1% from the first four months of last year. As market conditions remain more balanced, buyers continue to benefit from increased availability and a less competitive environment compared to previous years.
Spotlight On: London, ON
This Year (Year-to-Date)
- A Cooler Market: Sales are down 7.3% compared to last year, indicating quieter buyer activity.
- Surging Inventory: Active listings have jumped 11.0%, giving buyers significantly more options.
- Buyer's Advantage: The Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio dropped to 36.8% (under 40% typically indicates a buyer’s market), and homes are taking longer to sell (median 28 days).
- Prices Softening: Prices have flattened, with the YTD average price dropping 3.2% to $622,628.
Last Month (April 2026)
- Listing Surge vs. Slower Sales: April sales fell 6.6% year-over-year, while new listings spiked 10.2%.
- 10-Year Inventory Peak: Active inventory hit 3,175 units (+11.8%), the highest volume of available homes seen in April over the past decade.
- Increased Negotiation Power: The average price for April dipped 4.9% to $618,665. The sale-to-list price ratio fell to 97.4%, meaning buyers are successfully negotiating deals below asking price.
London, ON Statistics: https://tinyurl.com/ywfye68e
