Durham Region Summer Market Report 2025

Durham Region's summer 2025 market has settled into a rhythm that feels more sustainable than anything we have seen since 2019. After the rate-driven turbulence of 2022 through 2024, this summer brought steady buyer activity, moderate price appreciation, and a level of inventory that gives both sides room to negotiate without panic.

Here is what the numbers tell us across Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, and surrounding communities through Q2 2025.

Average sale prices across Durham Region have continued their gradual climb, sitting roughly 4 to 6 percent above the same period in 2024. Detached homes lead with averages approaching $975,000, while semis and townhomes are trading in the $725,000 to $775,000 range. Condos remain the laggard, with prices flat to slightly down year-over-year in some areas.

The important story is not the average price but the spread. Well-prepared, renovated homes are selling at or above asking within two to three weeks. Dated homes needing work are sitting longer and selling below asking. The gap between these two outcomes has widened compared to spring, reinforcing that preparation and presentation matter more than ever.

Active listings have increased compared to spring, as they typically do in summer. The months of inventory metric (how long it would take to sell all current listings at the current sales pace) sits around 2.5 to 3 months in most Durham submarkets, which indicates a balanced-to-slight-seller's market. This is a healthy zone where sellers get fair prices and buyers have reasonable choice.

Days on market for sold properties have ticked up slightly to an average of 22 to 28 days. Properties priced right from the start continue to outperform, while the gap between an overpriced listing's initial DOM and its eventual sale DOM continues to grow. Buyers are not chasing overpriced homes; they are waiting them out.

The Bank of Canada's rate path through the first half of 2025 has been cautiously supportive, with modest cuts that have improved affordability at the margins. Fixed mortgage rates in the low-to-mid 4 percent range are bringing back buyers who were on the sidelines, particularly first-time buyers in the $600,000 to $800,000 range.

Buyer sentiment in Durham specifically has been boosted by infrastructure announcements, including GO Transit improvements and the continuing Highway 407 extension. These projects make Durham more accessible and are reflected in buyer willingness to look east of Toronto for better value.

Whitby and Brooklin continue to perform strongly, with new developments and a growing commercial base supporting demand. Oshawa's north end is seeing outsized interest from first-time buyers and investors. Ajax remains stable with consistent demand tied to GO access. Clarington, especially Courtice and Bowmanville, continues its growth trajectory with some of the highest percentage gains in the region.

Pickering's market is being watched closely in anticipation of the Pickering Airport lands decision and ongoing development in the Seaton community. Prices there have been firm, supported by scarcity and excellent transit access.

If current trends hold, fall 2025 should bring a seasonal moderation in activity but continued price stability. Sellers who list in September and early October typically face less competition than the spring rush while still accessing a solid buyer pool. For sellers with estate properties or homes needing renovation, the summer months are an ideal time to prepare for a fall launch.

Buyers should expect competition to remain moderate but not frenzied. The days of 20-offer bidding wars are behind us for now, but well-priced homes in desirable areas will still attract multiple offers. Be prepared, be decisive, and work with an agent who knows the neighbourhood-level data inside and out.