October 2026 Real Estate Market Update
Burlington Holds Firmer While Hamilton Buyers Have More Choice
The October 2026 housing numbers are now available, and Burlington and Hamilton are giving buyers and sellers two noticeably different market experiences.
Across all of the market areas covered by the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS®—including Burlington, Hamilton, Mississauga, Waterloo Region, Niagara North, Haldimand County and Norfolk County—home sales rose 13.1% from September to 1,337, while new listings fell 15.1%. There was a 4.5-month supply of homes at the end of October, and homes took an average of 37 days to sell, down from 40 days in September.
Compared with October 2025, however, sales across those areas were still 8.9% lower, and Burlington was the only major Cornerstone market where the benchmark price was higher than a year earlier. This is not a return to the fast-moving market of previous years. It is a more selective market in which location, property type, condition and pricing strategy make a significant difference.
Burlington and Hamilton
at a Glance
| October 2026 | Burlington | Hamilton |
|---|---|---|
| Home sales | 178 | 424 |
| Change in sales from last year | −5.3% | −7.6% |
| Average sale price | $1,051,747 | $724,461 |
| Average-price change from last year | +2.0% | −7.7% |
| Benchmark price | $879,800 | $667,500 |
| Benchmark-price change from last year | +0.3% | −4.3% |
| New listings | 324 | 995 |
| Change in new listings from last year | −14.3% | −15.4% |
| Months of supply | 3.4 | 4.7 |
| Average days on market | 32 | 40 |
These city-wide figures are useful for understanding direction, but they do not mean every neighbourhood or property type is performing the same way. A detached home in south Burlington can face very different conditions from a condominium in north Burlington or a multi-unit property in Hamilton.
Sources: Cornerstone’s October 2026 Burlington and Hamilton Monthly Indicators (all residential properties) and its October 2026 market update (benchmark prices).
What Is Happening
in Burlington?
Burlington finished October with an average sale price of $1,051,747, up 2.0% from the same month last year. Its benchmark price was $879,800, a smaller year-over-year increase of 0.3%.
The difference between the average and benchmark price is important. An average can move when more expensive or less expensive homes sell during a particular month. The benchmark is designed to track the value of a typical home more consistently. Taken together, these figures suggest that Burlington values were relatively stable overall, rather than increasing sharply across every segment.
There were 178 sales during the month, down 5.3% year over year, while new listings declined 14.3% to 324. Burlington had 3.4 months of supply and homes took an average of 32 days to sell.
For sellers, this means well-prepared homes can still attract serious interest, particularly when the price reflects the current competition. Buyers have choices, but Burlington is not uniformly oversupplied. Desirable homes in strong locations can still move more quickly than the city-wide average.
See our Burlington neighbourhood guide or browse homes for sale in Burlington.
What Is Happening
in Hamilton?
Hamilton recorded an average sale price of $724,461 in October, down 7.7% from last year. Its benchmark price was $667,500, down 4.3%.
The city had 424 sales, a 7.6% year-over-year decline, and 995 new listings, down 15.4%. With 4.7 months of supply and an average of 40 days on market, Hamilton buyers generally had more time and more negotiating room than buyers in Burlington.
Hamilton is a large and varied market, so city-wide averages need context. Conditions can differ substantially between central Hamilton, the Mountain, Stoney Creek, Dundas, Ancaster, Waterdown and Flamborough. Property condition, legal use, parking, renovation quality and neighbourhood demand can all affect value and marketability.
For Hamilton sellers, pricing from recent comparable sales—not from an earlier market—is especially important. For buyers, the additional supply may create opportunities to negotiate on price, conditions, closing dates or necessary repairs.
Read our Hamilton neighbourhood guide or browse homes for sale in Hamilton.
Are Burlington and Hamilton
Buyer’s Markets?
Months of supply estimates how long the available inventory would take to sell at the current sales pace.
Burlington’s 3.4 months of supply points to a market that is more balanced but still relatively firm in desirable segments. Hamilton’s 4.7 months of supply gives buyers more choice and moves the city closer to buyer-friendly conditions.
These are broad measurements rather than rigid labels. A well-priced Burlington family home may receive strong early activity, while an overpriced property may remain available. The same is true in Hamilton, where neighbourhood and property type can matter more than the city-wide number.
Want homes that fit sent to you?
Tell us the area and your budget. We’ll send matching MLS® listings, often the day they list, and answer anything this article didn’t.
What Buyers Should Know
This Month
Buyers should use the additional selection strategically rather than assuming every seller will accept a substantial discount.
Before making an offer:
- Obtain a current mortgage pre-approval.
- Confirm how long the lender’s rate hold lasts.
- Review recent sales for the specific neighbourhood and property type.
- Compare the home with active competing listings.
- Investigate permits, zoning and the legal status of any additional dwelling units.
- Keep appropriate financing, inspection and legal protections whenever possible.
- Budget for property taxes, insurance, utilities and immediate repairs—not only the purchase price.
A home that has been properly priced may still attract competition. A home that has been sitting on the market may offer more negotiating room, but buyers should determine why it has not sold.
What Sellers Should Know
This Month
Today’s buyers are comparing homes carefully. Presentation and pricing need to work together from the beginning.
Before listing:
- Review the most recent comparable sales, not only older peak-market results.
- Compare your home with current competing listings.
- Address visible maintenance concerns where practical.
- Prepare professional photography and clear property information.
- Confirm the status of renovations, permits and additional units.
- Create a pricing and launch strategy appropriate for the neighbourhood and property type.
- Reassess quickly if showings and buyer interest are weaker than expected.
In Burlington, lower inventory can help a properly positioned home stand out. In Hamilton, where buyers generally have more choice, overpricing can cause a listing to lose valuable early attention.
How the Bank of Canada’s
October Rate Increase Fits In
On October 28, 2026, the Bank of Canada increased its policy interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, from 2.25% to 2.50%.
Because that decision occurred near the end of the month, it would be inaccurate to claim that it caused most of October’s sales results. However, it may influence buyer qualification, variable-rate borrowing costs and market confidence in the weeks ahead.
Buyers with variable-rate financing or upcoming purchases should speak with their mortgage professional about how the change affects their numbers. Sellers should recognize that some buyers may now be working with a slightly smaller qualifying budget.
The next scheduled Bank of Canada interest-rate announcement is December 9, 2026. Read more in what the rate increase means for Burlington buyers and sellers.
Our Local
Takeaway
October’s results show why Burlington and Hamilton should not be treated as one uniform housing market.
Burlington remained comparatively firm, with less supply, shorter selling times and stable benchmark pricing. Hamilton offered buyers more selection and greater negotiating room, although conditions still vary significantly by neighbourhood and property.
Whether you are buying or selling, the most useful analysis is based on the specific community, housing type, price range and competition affecting your property—not a single regional average.
The Mother Daughter Team helps buyers and sellers understand what the local numbers mean for their individual plans. If you are considering a move in Burlington, Hamilton or the surrounding area, contact us for a straightforward review of your options.
Laura Brown & Kristina Kritikos · Royal LePage Burloak Real Estate Services · 905-634-7755
Frequently Asked
Questions
What was Burlington’s average home price in October 2026?
Burlington’s average residential sale price was $1,051,747 in October 2026, an increase of 2.0% from October 2025. The benchmark price was $879,800, up 0.3% year over year.
What was Hamilton’s average home price in October 2026?
Hamilton’s average residential sale price was $724,461 in October 2026, down 7.7% from the previous year. Its benchmark price was $667,500, down 4.3%.
How long did homes take to sell?
The city-wide average was 32 days in Burlington and 40 days in Hamilton. Individual results vary by neighbourhood, price, condition and property type.
Is Burlington currently a buyer’s or seller’s market?
With 3.4 months of supply, Burlington was relatively balanced but firmer than Hamilton in October. Some desirable neighbourhoods and property types may still favour sellers, while overpriced properties can take longer to sell.
Does Hamilton currently offer buyers more negotiating room?
Hamilton had 4.7 months of supply and an average of 40 days on market. Those figures generally provide buyers with more choice and negotiating room, although well-priced properties can still attract strong interest.
Did the Bank of Canada rate increase cause October’s market results?
The Bank raised its policy rate on October 28, near the end of the month. It would therefore be misleading to attribute most October sales activity to that decision. Its effects are more likely to appear in buyer budgets and market activity during the following weeks and months.
Where These
Numbers Come From
- Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® — October 2026 market update (benchmark prices and region-wide figures)
- Cornerstone — October 2026 Burlington Monthly Indicators (PDF)
- Cornerstone — October 2026 Hamilton Monthly Indicators (PDF)
- Cornerstone — Hamilton-Burlington-Haldimand-Niagara North housing statistics
- Bank of Canada — October 28, 2026 interest-rate announcement
Market statistics are reported as of November 2, 2026. Real estate conditions vary by neighbourhood, property type and price range. This article provides general market information and is not financial, legal or mortgage advice.