TheMarket: York Region Real Estate Update – February 2026
By: The Toombs Team
👉 📖 View TheMarket – February 2026 Edition
As we move through February 2026, York Region’s real estate market continues to adjust, but not uniformly.
Inventory is rising. Sales are lower year-over-year across the region. Prices have softened. Yet locally, some communities are showing resilience, even modest growth in activity.
The story this month isn’t simply “the market is down.” It’s more nuanced than that. And understanding those nuances is critical if you’re buying or selling in 2026.
Inventory: More Choice, But Not Everywhere
Active listings across York Region are up approximately 15% year-over-year, continuing the rebuilding phase that began in 2025.
However, the increase isn’t evenly distributed:
-
Aurora: +39%
-
Newmarket: +20%
-
East Gwillimbury: +3%
-
Georgina: -5%
In practical terms, buyers now have more options, particularly in Aurora and Newmarket, but conditions remain tighter in select pockets like Georgina.
This uneven supply growth is creating very different micro-markets within the region. Some communities are clearly shifting toward buyer-favoured conditions, while others remain more balanced.
Sales Volume: Regional Slowdown, Local Strength
Across York Region, sales volume is down approximately 11% year-over-year.
But again, the local breakdown tells a more interesting story:
-
Georgina: -54%
-
Whitchurch-Stouffville: -41%
-
East Gwillimbury: -17%
-
Aurora: +3.5%
-
Newmarket: +7%
While the broader region shows contraction, Aurora and Newmarket are seeing increased activity, suggesting stronger underlying demand in established, amenity-rich communities.
This reinforces an emerging 2026 theme: buyers are being selective, but when they see value in desirable areas, they are acting.
Prices: A Clear Downward Adjustment
Average sale prices are down across every municipality in York Region compared to January of last year:
-
Aurora: ~$1.2M (down 20%)
-
East Gwillimbury: ~$970K (down 28%)
-
Newmarket: ~$914K (down 17%)
-
Whitchurch-Stouffville: down just under 4%
These are average figures, and individual neighbourhoods may vary, but collectively they confirm a clear pricing reset compared to post-pandemic highs.
Importantly, this shift reflects normalization more than distress. Inventory has rebuilt, buyers have leverage, and pricing is responding accordingly.
Power-of-Sale Activity Emerging
One notable trend we’re beginning to track more closely is an increase in power-of-sale properties.
Some of these homes are trading significantly below their peak-era values. For example, a property on Rhodes Circle that sold in 2022 for $1.6 million recently resold by the bank for approximately $1.05 million.
While not widespread, these transactions can influence neighbourhood price benchmarks and present unique opportunities for buyers prepared to act strategically.
What to Expect in the Months Ahead
Looking forward:
-
Inventory is expected to continue rising through Q1 and Q2, likely peaking around June.
-
Prices may soften slightly further, though at a slower pace.
-
Sales activity should improve compared to 2025 levels, but a major surge in the first half of the year is unlikely.
-
Location will continue to matter. Homes in established, family-friendly neighbourhoods remain more insulated from larger price swings.
The market in early 2026 is neither crashing nor rebounding dramatically. It is recalibrating, methodically.
The Takeaway
February confirms that York Region remains in a transitional, opportunity-driven market.
Buyers have more choice and improved negotiating power. Sellers must be precise with pricing and presentation. And both sides benefit from understanding how hyper-local trends differ across communities.
If you’re wondering how these numbers affect your specific property or plans this year, we’re always happy to have that conversation.
For a complimentary home value in today’s market, visit:
👉 toombs.team/value
Or reach out directly, a member of the Toombs Team would be glad to walk through your situation with clarity and honesty.
We’ll see you next month.
