2026 is shaping up to be a steady, opportunity-rich year not the wild roller coaster of the pandemic years, but a real estate market where strategy beats luck.
Prices will be go sideways or slightly up. As we go into a soft end to 2025, 2026 is likely to bring a more stable price environment, with modest growth in well presented, centrally located properties. Expect more separation between “A+ homes” (staged, updated, priced right) that sell quickly, and “project homes” or over-priced listings that sit. More sellers will test the market as rates stabilize and renewals bite. That said, turnkey homes in great locations (walkable to town, prime waterfront, family friendly subdivisions) will still feel tight on supply.
The Data:
Nationally, home prices are expected to decline modestly in 2025 (around 2%) and then flatten in 2026, with softer conditions in Ontario and BC in particular. Reuters
CMHC and other forecasters expect sales and prices to start recovering into 2026–2027 as economic growth improves and confidence slowly returns. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation+1
The Bank of Canada’s key rate has been cut several times and now sits at 2.25% as of October 29, 2025, with signals that we may be near the end of this rate-cutting cycle. Bank of Canada+1
Kawartha Lakes isn’t just “another Ontario market.” A few key forces are supporting long-term demand here. We are part of Ontario’s designated growth area, with projections of continued population growth. The city’s Growth Management Strategy anticipates steady creation of new seasonal/second homes each year meaning cottage, waterfront, and recreational demand isn’t going anywhere. Lifestyle demand (retirees, remote workers, GTA buyers escaping high prices) continues to favour regions like Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon, and the surrounding lakes. Kawartha Lakes can still quietly outperform because people don’t just buy numbers here—they buy lifestyle.
So… Will 2026 a Good Year to Move?
For sellers:
Yes if you’re willing to price with the market, not against it, and invest in proper preparation and marketing.
For buyers:
Yes especially if you felt shut out previously. 2026 offers a rare combination of easier borrowing conditions and less intense competition, without having to chase the peak.
Every property, family, and situation is different. A forecast is helpful but a custom plan is where the real value is.
If you’re:
Wondering what your home would realistically sell for in 2026
Thinking about downsizing, upsizing, or moving closer to the water
Trying to time a buy/sell move between the GTA and Kawartha Lakes area
Curious whether a specific property or area makes sense long-term
👉 Reach out and I will walk you through your options, numbers, and timing—no pressure, just straight answers.
Trish Todd
REALTOR® – Revel Realty Inc., Brokerage
Serving Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon, Scugog, Peterborough, Little Britain & Area