Toronto's real estate market is experiencing a shift that has left many homeowners struggling to sell their properties. Recent data reveals nearly 20,000 active listings, creating an environment where supply far exceeds demand. This article breaks down the numbers and explores what they mean for buyers and sellers heading into the spring market.
The Reality Behind the Headlines
A recent BlogTO article highlighted the surge in property listings, suggesting that Toronto homeowners are finding it increasingly difficult to sell. However, a closer look at the data reveals a more nuanced picture. As of January 2025, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reported 17,157 active listings—an impressive number, but still short of the 20,000 figure often cited. To put this in perspective, reaching 20,000 listings would represent a 12% increase from the current total.
What the Numbers Tell Us
Sales in January 2025 dropped by approximately 8% compared to the same month in 2024, with 3,847 homes sold versus 4,177 the previous year. While sales have slowed, new listings have surged by nearly 48%, rising from just over 8,000 in January 2024 to more than 12,000 in 2025. This sharp increase in inventory is a key factor contributing to the current market conditions.
Interestingly, despite the growing number of homes on the market, average property prices have remained relatively stable. The average price in January 2025 was $1,040,000, a modest 1.5% increase from the previous year. This slight uptick is considered seasonal and does not indicate a significant upward trend. Additionally, the average days on the market have remained flat at 37 days, with properties typically spending around 55 days from listing to sale.
Understanding the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Market
When discussing Toronto's housing market, it's important to recognize that the data often reflects the entire Greater Toronto Area, not just the city itself. The GTA encompasses diverse regions, including Mississauga, Oakville, Vaughan, Markham, and even areas as far as Bowmanville and Milton. Comparing downtown Toronto to outlying regions is not always an apples-to-apples comparison, as market dynamics can vary significantly between urban and suburban areas.
For example, while Toronto's downtown core is dominated by condominiums, many of the surrounding areas have a higher concentration of detached homes. This distinction is critical when analyzing market trends and making informed real estate decisions.
A Closer Look at Property Types
Of the 17,157 active listings, detached homes and condominiums each make up a significant portion, with over 6,000 listings in each category. Detached homes are especially prevalent in suburban areas, while condos dominate the downtown market.
Semi-detached homes, which are highly sought after in Toronto, account for fewer than 750 active listings across the entire GTA. This limited supply has kept demand strong, particularly in competitive neighborhoods where multiple offers are common.
Townhouses and row houses also represent a vital segment of the market, serving as a middle ground between condos and detached homes. Currently, there are around 1,100 active listings for both traditional townhouses and condo townhouses.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
For sellers, the current market presents challenges that require strategic pricing and marketing. With inventory levels high, properties need to stand out to attract buyers. Proper staging, competitive pricing, and professional marketing materials are more important than ever.
Buyers, on the other hand, may find increased opportunities as competition softens in certain segments. However, understanding the nuances of different micro-markets within the GTA is crucial. While some areas experience high demand and multiple offers, others may offer more room for negotiation.
Looking Ahead
While the market has not yet reached 20,000 active listings, the trend suggests that inventory could continue to rise in the coming months. This potential increase may further shift the balance between supply and demand, impacting pricing strategies and buyer behavior.
As we move into the spring market, staying informed about local trends will be key for both buyers and sellers. Relying solely on broad headlines can be misleading, as the GTA real estate landscape is complex and constantly evolving.
The Reality Behind the Headlines
A recent BlogTO article highlighted the surge in property listings, suggesting that Toronto homeowners are finding it increasingly difficult to sell. However, a closer look at the data reveals a more nuanced picture. As of January 2025, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reported 17,157 active listings—an impressive number, but still short of the 20,000 figure often cited. To put this in perspective, reaching 20,000 listings would represent a 12% increase from the current total.
What the Numbers Tell Us
Sales in January 2025 dropped by approximately 8% compared to the same month in 2024, with 3,847 homes sold versus 4,177 the previous year. While sales have slowed, new listings have surged by nearly 48%, rising from just over 8,000 in January 2024 to more than 12,000 in 2025. This sharp increase in inventory is a key factor contributing to the current market conditions.
Interestingly, despite the growing number of homes on the market, average property prices have remained relatively stable. The average price in January 2025 was $1,040,000, a modest 1.5% increase from the previous year. This slight uptick is considered seasonal and does not indicate a significant upward trend. Additionally, the average days on the market have remained flat at 37 days, with properties typically spending around 55 days from listing to sale.
Understanding the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Market
When discussing Toronto's housing market, it's important to recognize that the data often reflects the entire Greater Toronto Area, not just the city itself. The GTA encompasses diverse regions, including Mississauga, Oakville, Vaughan, Markham, and even areas as far as Bowmanville and Milton. Comparing downtown Toronto to outlying regions is not always an apples-to-apples comparison, as market dynamics can vary significantly between urban and suburban areas.
For example, while Toronto's downtown core is dominated by condominiums, many of the surrounding areas have a higher concentration of detached homes. This distinction is critical when analyzing market trends and making informed real estate decisions.
A Closer Look at Property Types
Of the 17,157 active listings, detached homes and condominiums each make up a significant portion, with over 6,000 listings in each category. Detached homes are especially prevalent in suburban areas, while condos dominate the downtown market.
Semi-detached homes, which are highly sought after in Toronto, account for fewer than 750 active listings across the entire GTA. This limited supply has kept demand strong, particularly in competitive neighborhoods where multiple offers are common.
Townhouses and row houses also represent a vital segment of the market, serving as a middle ground between condos and detached homes. Currently, there are around 1,100 active listings for both traditional townhouses and condo townhouses.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
For sellers, the current market presents challenges that require strategic pricing and marketing. With inventory levels high, properties need to stand out to attract buyers. Proper staging, competitive pricing, and professional marketing materials are more important than ever.
Buyers, on the other hand, may find increased opportunities as competition softens in certain segments. However, understanding the nuances of different micro-markets within the GTA is crucial. While some areas experience high demand and multiple offers, others may offer more room for negotiation.
Looking Ahead
While the market has not yet reached 20,000 active listings, the trend suggests that inventory could continue to rise in the coming months. This potential increase may further shift the balance between supply and demand, impacting pricing strategies and buyer behavior.
As we move into the spring market, staying informed about local trends will be key for both buyers and sellers. Relying solely on broad headlines can be misleading, as the GTA real estate landscape is complex and constantly evolving.
