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Durham Region Real Estate Market Update: January 2026 Analysis
The January 2026 real estate data for the Durham Region is in, and it paints a picture of a market in transition. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home or sell your current property, understanding these shifts is crucial for making informed decisions.
Here’s a breakdown of the key stats and what they mean for you:
The Big Picture: Prices and Volume
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Average Price: The average home price in Durham for January 2026 was $822,185. This represents a slight dip of 1.9% from December 2025 and a more significant 9.2% decrease compared to January 2025.
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Median Price: The median price followed a similar trend, sitting at $776,000, down 1.5% month-over-month and 7.6% year-over-year.
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Inventory Surge: We saw a massive jump in new listings, with 1,150 new properties hitting the market—a 107.6% increase from December. However, overall transaction volume remained lower than last year, with 408 sales (down 17.9% YoY).
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Days on Market: Homes are staying on the market longer. The average time to sell is now 41 days, up nearly 34% from the same time last year.
What This Means for Buyers
If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines, the January data offers some encouraging news. The market is shifting in a way that gives buyers more breathing room and leverage.
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More Choice: The explosion in new listings (up over 100% from last month) means you finally have more inventory to browse. You aren’t forced to compete for the same two or three houses.
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Negotiating Power: With nearly 79% of homes selling below the list price and an average Sale Price to List Price (SP/LP) ratio of 97.9%, the “bidding war” era has cooled significantly. Sellers are increasingly open to offers below the asking price.
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Time is on Your Side: With homes sitting for an average of 41 days, you have more time to conduct due diligence, schedule second viewings, and ensure the home is the right fit without the pressure of an immediate deadline.
Buyer Strategy: Focus on properties that have been on the market for 30+ days. These sellers may be more motivated to negotiate on price or terms.
What This Means for Sellers
Selling in the current market requires a shift in strategy compared to the highs of early 2025. While prices have softened, the market remains active for well-positioned properties.
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Realistic Pricing is Critical: The average list price ($953,844) is significantly higher than the average sale price ($822,185). Overpricing your home in this market can lead to it sitting stagnant, as evidenced by the increase in Days on Market and the 432 terminations seen this month.
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Presentation Matters: With more competition (listings) and fewer active buyers (lower volume), your home needs to stand out. Professional staging, high-quality photography, and minor repairs are no longer optional—they are essential to attract serious offers.
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Expect Negotiations: Only 17.2% of homes sold above the list price this month. Be prepared for offers that include conditions and come in slightly below your asking price.
Seller Strategy: Price your home according to current sold data, not active listings. A “sweet spot” price will generate interest early, which is vital when buyer attention is spread thin across many new listings.
The Bottom Line
The Durham Region is currently a “Balanced to Buyer-Leaning” market. While prices have corrected from last year’s peaks, the increase in inventory and the slower pace of sales create a more stable environment for everyone involved.
Ready to Make Your Move?
For Buyers: Don’t miss out on the best selection of inventory we’ve seen in months! [Contact me today] for a curated list of homes in your favorite Durham neighborhood and let’s get you a deal below the asking price.
For Sellers: In a competitive market, your strategy is everything. [Click here for a Free Home Evaluation] to see what your property is worth in today’s shifting market and learn how our marketing plan can get your home sold while others sit on the market.
