The Brief - Mar 21, 2026

Market Insights

• National Sales Activity: Home sales recorded over Canadian MLS® Systems dipped 1.3% month-over-month in February 2026, marking a continuation of the quiet activity seen in January.
• Ontario Specifics: Market activity remains notably slow in the Ontario corridor between Windsor and Toronto.
• Pricing Trends: The National Composite MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) fell 0.6% month-over-month and remains down 4.8% on a year-over-year basis, with prices in Ontario specifically trending lower compared to last year.
• Supply Dynamics: Nationally, new listings declined by 3.9% month-over-month. The sales-to-new listings ratio tightened to 47.6%, remaining within the range consistent with a balanced housing market.
• Inventory: As of the end of February 2026, there were 151,850 properties listed for sale, which is 3.7% higher than a year earlier but still 12.3% below the long-term historical average.

Regulatory Notes

• Landlord Compliance: Ontario landlords are encouraged to utilize formal processes for rent increases to maintain tenant relations; resources are available for calculating and justifying rent adjustments.
• Risk Mitigation: Recent incidents in the GTA involving vendor failure (e.g., snow removal services) underscore the importance of strict vendor management and the use of professional property management to mitigate operational risks.
• Fraud Prevention: Ontario investors are reminded to stay vigilant against real estate fraud when selling properties by utilizing established red-flag checklists.
• Tenant Communication: Emphasis is placed on the necessity of high emotional intelligence and human skills in managing tenant relations, specifically regarding rent increases and conflict resolution.