We hope this email finds you well. As we step into September, the Waterloo Region housing market continues to show signs of stabilization. In August 2025, 536 homes sold through the MLS® System, down 1.3% compared to last year and 23.1% below the 10-year average for the month. While sales remain softer than historic levels, new listings are up and giving buyers more choice.
As we head into next week, all eyes are on the Bank of Canada’s interest rate announcement on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, with many economists predicting a rate cut that could influence buyer confidence and affordability.
Waterloo Region Home Sales – August 2025
Detached Homes:
320 detached homes sold in August, a 5.6% drop from last year.
Average sale price: $846,405
Down 4.6% from August 2024
Down 1.3% from July 2025
Townhouses:
101 townhouses sold, down 1.0% from August 2024.
Average sale price: $594,200
Down 3.2% year-over-year
Down 1.7% month-over-month
Condominiums:
62 apartment-style condos sold, up 1.6% compared to last year.
Average sale price: $433,113
Down 6.0% year-over-year
Up 4.2% month-over-month
Semi-Detached Homes:
50 semis sold in August, a 25% increase from last year.
Average sale price: $618,206
Down 5.5% year-over-year
Down 4.1% month-over-month
Average Home Prices in Waterloo Region – September 2025
The average residential sale price across all property types in Waterloo Region was $728,465 in August 2025.
Down 5.5% compared to August 2024
Down 1.0% compared to July 2025
This reflects modest but consistent price pressure across most housing categories.
New Listings and Days on Market
Waterloo Region saw 1,028 new listings in August, a 3% increase year-over-year and 11% above the 10-year average for the month.
Homes took an average of 32 days to sell, unchanged from July. This is longer than the 25 days in August 2024 and well above the five-year average of 19 days — a clear indicator of today’s more balanced market.
Market Trends and Buyer Demand
Families remain the main driver of demand, with young and middle-aged couples drawn to the region’s community feel and strong amenities.
However, economic uncertainty is causing hesitation, leading to longer days on market and fewer multiple-offer scenarios.
Some buyers continue to wait on the sidelines for further clarity on rates and prices.
One key insight for sellers: overpricing often leads to homes sitting stale on the market. Buyers quickly skim past listings they’ve already seen or wait for a price drop. Positioning a home at true market value is critical to generating early activity and stronger offers.
National Real Estate Market Insights
Across Canada, home sales declined year-over-year in 62% of markets analyzed between January 1 and July 31, 2025 (RE/MAX). Residential prices rose in Atlantic Canada and the Prairies, but Ontario and British Columbia saw declines.
In Ontario, higher inventory levels have shifted many markets into buyer’s market territory, giving buyers more negotiating power.
Bank of Canada Interest Rate Decision – September 17, 2025
The Bank of Canada has held its key interest rate steady at 2.75% since March 2025. With Canada’s economy losing 66,000 jobs in August and unemployment now at 7.1%, most economists believe the BoC is likely to cut rates by 0.25% to 2.5% on September 17.
What this means for real estate:
A rate cut could boost affordability, easing borrowing costs for variable-rate mortgages and credit lines.
Lower rates may also bring cautious buyers back into the market, increasing competition.
However, cheaper borrowing can also reignite price appreciation if demand outpaces supply.
Whether or not rates are cut, both buyers and sellers should stay alert — the next few weeks could shape fall market activity.
(Sources: Money.ca, RE/MAX Housing Outlook)
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers in Waterloo Region
For Buyers: More listings and longer days on market mean you have options and negotiating power. If rates drop, affordability improves — but expect competition to rise.
For Sellers: Positioning is everything. The first 2–3 weeks of a listing are when pent-up demand is strongest. Pricing at market value attracts serious buyers quickly and reduces the risk of low-ball offers.
Work With a Trusted Waterloo Region Real Estate Team
If you’re thinking of selling, contact us today to discuss your options and position your home for success this fall. We would love to hear from you!
Becky Deutschmann & Drew Dickinson
becky@elitere.ca | drew@elitere.ca
519-841-6511 | 519-500-2805
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Why You Should Never Skip the Final Walkthrough
A final walkthrough isn’t the same as a home inspection. Instead, it’s your last opportunity to confirm that the property is in the condition you agreed to purchase, that any negotiated repairs were completed, and that no new issues have surfaced since your offer was accepted. Skipping this step can be costly—once you close, the responsibility for repairs usually falls on you.
This is especially important if the home has been vacant. Empty homes are more prone to problems: plumbing leaks that go unnoticed, appliances disconnected incorrectly, or water lines that haven’t been used in weeks. Even a small issue left unchecked could turn into a major repair bill after you move in.
What to Check:
Test all lights, appliances, and outlets
Run water in every sink and flush toilets to check for leaks
Open and close doors, windows, and the garage door
Inspect ceilings, walls, and floors for damage
Run the furnace, air conditioning, garbage disposal, and exhaust fans
Confirm all agreed-upon repairs were completed
Make sure the home is clean and free of debris
Your walkthrough is your safeguard. Taking the extra 30 minutes could prevent thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs—and gives you the peace of mind that you’re getting exactly what you signed for.
When it comes time to sell, many homeowners assume their property’s value is based solely on upgrades or what the neighbour’s home sold for. In reality, there are a few fundamental factors that drive value—and understanding them can help you make smarter decisions when preparing to list.
1. Location, Location, Location:
It’s cliché for a reason. Your home’s location is the single biggest influence on its value. Buyers pay a premium for desirable neighbourhoods with good schools, proximity to work or transit, and strong community amenities. Even the most updated home will struggle to compete if it’s in a less convenient or less desirable area. Conversely, a well-located property can command strong prices even if it needs cosmetic updates.
2. Condition and Upkeep:
Buyers want a home that feels move-in ready. Ongoing maintenance—like a newer roof, updated mechanical systems, and a dry basement—adds more value than flashy renovations with underlying issues left untouched. Deferred maintenance, such as peeling paint, old windows, or outdated plumbing, can lower offers or slow down a sale. Homes that show well and demonstrate pride of ownership almost always sell faster and for more money.
3. Market Conditions:
The broader real estate market has a big say in what your home is worth. In a seller’s market with low inventory and high demand, buyers are often willing to pay more and compete. In a buyer’s market, where listings sit longer, pricing becomes more sensitive, and even beautifully maintained homes may need to adjust. Timing matters—seasonality, interest rates, and local economic trends all impact how buyers perceive value.
You can’t control every factor, but focusing on what you can: keeping your home well maintained, showing it in its best light, and aligning your sale with current market trends will put you in the strongest position when it’s time to sell.
