👉 📖 View TheMarket – August 2026 Edition
More Choice, Longer Timelines & A Market That’s Becoming Increasingly Local
July brought another interesting chapter to the York Region real estate market.
For much of 2026, one of the biggest stories has been inventory. Buyers have had considerably more choice than they became accustomed to during the tighter markets of previous years, while sellers have faced more competition for attention.
July, however, showed the first signs that some of that pressure may be beginning to ease.
Across York Region, active inventory finished July at approximately 5,580 listings, down 3% from June and 10.9% from July 2025. It marked the fifth consecutive month that active inventory was lower than the same month a year earlier. That doesn't mean inventory is suddenly low, July's total still ranks relatively high compared with the past few years, but the direction is worth watching as we move toward the fall market.
For buyers, there is still plenty of selection. For sellers, the shift reinforces something we've been saying all year: pricing, presentation and positioning matter.
The Local Picture
Looking specifically at Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury, there were 182 sales during July, with a combined average sale price of approximately $1.09 million. Across the three communities, homes took an average of 33 days to sell, and only 12.6% of transactions sold above the asking price.
But those combined numbers don't tell the whole story.
Each of our three local markets behaved differently in July.
Newmarket
Newmarket recorded 76 sales in July, down 18.3% from June and 20.8% from July of last year.
The average sale price was $969,204, down 5.6% month-over-month but essentially unchanged from July 2025, when the average was $972,453. The median price followed a similar pattern at $922,185, just 0.4% below last July.
Homes also took a little longer to sell, averaging 29 days on market, compared with 25 in June. Only 14.5% of sales finished above list price, while 77.6% sold below asking.
Interestingly, despite July's slower month, year-to-date sales remain 3.6% ahead of 2025, suggesting the broader picture is somewhat stronger than one month's numbers might indicate.
Newmarket also continues to offer buyers considerable choice, with 323 active listings in the selected July range and a median asking price just under $1 million.
Aurora
Aurora told a different story.
There were 60 sales in July, down 22.1% from June, but 22.4% higher than July 2025. Year-to-date transaction volume is also running 17.7% ahead of last year.
The average sale price edged up 1.5% from June to $1,281,038, although it remained 13.3% below July 2025. The median price was $1,215,000, up 4.3% year-over-year.
That difference between the average and median is important. It reminds us that changes in the mix of homes selling, particularly at the higher end, can have a significant effect on monthly averages.
Homes in Aurora took an average of 38 days to sell, and 88.3% of July transactions sold below asking.
There were also 306 active listings within the July date range, with an average asking price of approximately $1.67 million and a median of $1.15 million.
East Gwillimbury
East Gwillimbury arguably had July's most encouraging activity numbers.
There were 46 sales, up 15% from June and 21.1% from July 2025. Total dollar volume also increased 11.5% month-over-month and 13.5% year-over-year.
Prices, however, continued to reflect the more competitive environment.
The average sale price was $1,042,591, down 3% from June and 6.3% from last July. The median price fell 7.3% month-over-month to $1.03 million.
Homes took an average of 35 days to sell, compared with 32 in June, and 78.3% of transactions sold below list price.
East Gwillimbury had 207 active listings in the selected July range, with nearly four out of five being detached homes.
Where Buyers Were Most Active
One of the more interesting trends in July was where sales actually occurred.
Across Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury, the busiest price bracket was $1 million to $1.249 million, accounting for 46 of the month's 182 sales. Another 34 sales occurred between $1.25 million and $1.499 million, while 34 were between $800,000 and $899,999.
That tells us there are still buyers in the market, but they're being selective.
The challenge for sellers isn't necessarily a lack of demand. It's standing out against the alternatives buyers now have.
What Does This Mean Going Into August?
July's numbers reinforce just how nuanced this market has become.
Inventory across York Region is beginning to come down from last year's levels, but buyers still have significantly more choice than they did during the tighter markets of previous years.
At the same time, we're seeing very different conditions even between neighbouring communities. East Gwillimbury saw sales improve both monthly and annually. Aurora was well ahead of last year's sales pace despite a monthly slowdown. Newmarket had a quieter July, even while year-to-date sales remained ahead of 2025.
For buyers, this continues to be a market where patience and negotiation can pay off. More inventory and longer selling timelines mean there may be opportunities that simply didn't exist in more competitive markets.
For sellers, expectations matter. With the majority of July sales in all three communities occurring below asking price, today's buyers are clearly price-conscious. A strong launch, accurate pricing and good presentation are critical when buyers have multiple options to compare.
As we head through August and toward the fall market, we'll be watching whether inventory continues its decline, and whether that begins to shift the balance between buyers and sellers.
Every neighbourhood and price point is behaving differently, so if you're wondering what these numbers mean for your home or your next move, reach out to The Toombs Team. We're always happy to talk strategy.
