Durham Region’s preliminary September 2026 housing snapshot shows a market with slower sales and substantial inventory. The average sale price across reported residential property types was $829,382, up 1.0% from August but down 6.1% from September 2025.
Those figures are useful context for a property decision, but they do not establish the value, permitted use or development potential of a particular address. Our guide to reading a housing-market headline explains why the period, geography and property mix matter.
The September market snapshot
- Average sale price: $829,382 across all reported residential types.
- Sale-to-list ratio: 98.3%.
- Average days on market: 30.2 days to a firm sale.
- Months of inventory: 5.4 months, indicating moderate-to-high supply and buyer-leaning conditions.
- Sales pace: 17.9 transactions per day, down 11.2% from August and 24.6% from a year earlier.
- Detached-home context: just under $925,000 over the preceding 30 days.
What the numbers can—and cannot—tell you
A regional average combines transactions from Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge and Whitby. It also combines different housing types, lot sizes, ages and conditions. A specific property’s likely sale price requires closer comparable-sales analysis.
Market value is also separate from planning due diligence. Before buying with a renovation, additional unit, redevelopment or change of use in mind, review zoning, servicing, conservation constraints, building requirements and any necessary municipal or regional approvals. Start with our Durham property planning checklist.
Interest-rate context
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2, 2026, with the next decision scheduled for October 28. The cited market report listed five-year insured fixed rates from 4.29% and five-year insured variable rates from 3.25% at the time. Borrower qualifications and product terms vary, and advertised rates can change without notice.
A practical takeaway
Higher inventory can give purchasers more time and choice, but a market statistic should be only one part of the decision. Compare similar properties locally, obtain financing advice, complete legal and physical due diligence, and separately confirm any planning assumptions with the responsible authorities.
Sources: John Owen’s Durham Region Real Estate Daily Market Report, October 2, 2026 snapshot; Tony Slavin’s September market update.
DurhamPlanning.com is an independent information site and is not affiliated with Durham Region or its municipalities. This article is general information, not an appraisal or legal, planning, mortgage, tax or investment advice. Verify current requirements and obtain qualified advice before acting.
Data note: September figures in the October 2 snapshot were preliminary because additional MLS transactions were still being reported. The cited market-report page is updated daily, so figures displayed there now may differ from this September snapshot. Regional averages describe a broad market and are not an appraisal of any individual property.