Market Stats • 8 May 2026

Real Estate Market Analysis for Ap 2026

by CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage

Peterborough Real Estate: What April 2026’s Numbers Are Really Telling Us

If you’ve been watching the Peterborough market, April 2026 delivered one of the more interesting months we’ve seen in a while, and the story it tells is more nuanced than any single headline can capture. Prices are down, but buyers are more active. Inventory is up, but homes aren’t sitting forever. Let’s break it down.

More buyers, lower prices — a shifting balance

The most eye-catching stat from April is the 13.1% year-over-year increase in sales volume, with 112 homes sold compared to 99 in April 2025. That’s a meaningful jump in activity, and it signals that buyer confidence hasn’t evaporated — far from it.

At the same time, the average sale price came in at $571,422, down 6.7% from $612,761 a year ago. For buyers, this is genuinely good news. The combination of more favourable pricing and greater selection is creating conditions that simply didn’t exist twelve months ago. For sellers, it’s a reminder that pricing strategy matters more than ever.

Inventory is up — and that’s a healthy sign

Active listings rose from 239 in April 2025 to 297 this April, a 24.3% increase. For a market that spent several years defined by razor-thin supply, this is a welcome development. More listings give buyers real choices, which tends to produce fairer, less frenzied transactions for everyone involved.

That said, 297 active listings in the City of Peterborough is still not a surplus — it’s a more balanced market, not a buyer’s bonanza. There’s an important distinction.

34 days on market: the patience factor

Homes that sold in April averaged 34 days on market. This is the number both buyers and sellers should pay close attention to. It tells us that well-priced, well-presented homes are still moving at a reasonable pace — but the days of a home selling in a weekend with five competing offers are largely behind us (at least for now). If you’re a seller and your home has been sitting longer than five weeks, it’s worth having a frank conversation about pricing.

What this means if you’re buying or selling right now

For buyers, this is arguably the most accessible Peterborough market in several years. Prices are softer, there’s more to choose from, and there’s less pressure to waive conditions. If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines, the current environment rewards those who are pre-approved and ready to move.

For sellers, the fundamentals are still there — demand is real, as evidenced by the bump in sales volume. The key is entering the market with realistic expectations. Overpricing in a 34-day market will cost you more in the long run than adjusting your list price from the start.

The bigger picture

Peterborough continues to offer compelling value relative to the Greater Toronto Area, and that geographic advantage hasn’t changed. What’s shifted is the pace and the pricing dynamic. We’re in a more normalized market now, one where informed decisions, not urgency, drive outcomes.

Our team is here to help you understand your options and navigate the market with confidence. We always have an agent on duty to help. Call our office at 705-743-4444, and we will be happy to direct you to a REALTOR® to answer your questions.

*All data from CLAR/TRREB 2026 & 2025 MLS® Resale Residential. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Highlighted below are some of the major areas we cover with our stats:

C21 United events • 24 April 2026

Century 21 United Realty Expands into Cobourg

by CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage

We’re proud to share some meaningful news—Century 21 United Realty Inc. has expanded into Cobourg with the addition of Century 21 All-Pro Realty.

While this transition took place in November 2025, the story behind it goes back much further.

Founded in 1978 by Carl Oake, our brokerage has always been built on relationships, community, and a people-first approach to real estate. In many ways, Century 21 All-Pro shares that same foundation. Established in 1993 by Garry Liboiron and his family, the brokerage has been a trusted name in Northumberland for over 30 years.

But the connection between our offices isn’t new.

Carl and Garry shared more than the Century 21 brand—they shared a friendship. From industry events to team-building experiences, there has always been a sense of camaraderie between our teams. This next step simply brings that long-standing connection full circle.

Today, under the leadership of Vanessa Oake Hogan, we’re proud to continue that legacy.

“This feels like a natural extension of what both families have built,” says Vanessa. “We share the same values—integrity, service, and a deep commitment to our communities.”

The Cobourg office, located at 365 Westwood Drive, Unit #5, will continue to operate with the same trusted team and local expertise clients have come to rely on. Garry remains an active REALTOR®, ensuring continuity and a seamless experience for buyers and sellers alike.

For our agents and clients, this expansion means more collaboration, broader reach, and stronger support across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and Northumberland County.

For us, it’s about something even bigger—it’s about legacy, relationships, and building something stronger together.

We’re excited for what’s ahead.

Tips & Tricks • 21 April 2026

Commercial Leasing 101

by CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage

More Than Just a Signature: Understanding Your Commercial Lease

In the world of commercial real estate, the “sticker price” is rarely the whole story. Whether you are a business owner looking for your first storefront or a REALTOR® pivoting into commercial properties, understanding the terminology is the difference between a thriving business and a financial headache.

At CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc., we believe in clarity before the contract. Here is everything you need to know about “who pays for what.”

1. The Measurement Mystery

Not all square footage is created equal. Most landlords in North America use the BOMA Standard to calculate space. This involves measuring from the outside of exterior walls to the midpoint of shared (demising) walls.

However, the most important distinction is Rentable vs. Usable Square Feet:

Usable Square Feet (USF): The literal space within your walls.
Rentable Square Feet (RSF): The space you pay for, which includes a Load Factor—a percentage of the building’s shared lobbies and hallways.

Pro Tip: In a typical office, expect to pay for 15% to 20% more space than you can actually use.

2. Decoding Lease Structures

The most important thing to understand is “who pays for what” beyond the base rent.

Gross Lease: The tenant pays a flat fee, and the landlord covers operating expenses like taxes and maintenance. This is often found in older, mixed-use buildings.
Net Lease: The tenant pays a lower base rent but covers some or all operating expenses.
Triple Net (NNN): This is the “gold standard” for retail and industrial spaces. The tenant pays base rent plus a pro-rata share of all building expenses, often referred to as TMI (Taxes, Maintenance, and Insurance) or CAM (Common Area Maintenance).

3. Protecting Your Business Flexibility

A lease is a legal roadmap for your business’s future. Two clauses often “fly under the radar” but are crucial for long-term success:

The Use Clause: This defines what you can actually do in the space. Be careful with “narrow” clauses that might prevent you from adding new products or services down the road.
Exclusivity: This prevents your landlord from leasing the unit next door to your direct competitor.

If you ever need to move before your term is up, you’ll look for Assignment or Sublease rights. An Assignment is generally preferred as it transfers the entire lease to a new party, ideally releasing you from future liability.

4. Doing the Math

How much cash do you need upfront? Typically, a deposit consists of two months’ rent plus TMI, plus HST on the total.

Example Calculation:

Space: 1,000 s.f.
Base Rent: $12/s.f.
TMI: $4/s.f.
Annual Total: $16,000 ($16/s.f. x 1,000 s.f.)
Monthly Payment: $1,333.33 + HST (Note: Utilities are usually extra).

The Bottom Line

Commercial leasing is about more than just rent—it’s about expenses, measurement standards, and legal protections. If you’re looking to navigate the Peterborough commercial market, reach out to our team at CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc. to ensure your lease supports your growth.

Tips & Tricks • 15 April 2026

From Search to Sold: How AI Is Changing the Real Estate Journey

by CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage

A New Way to Start the Journey

The way buyers and sellers begin their real estate journey has changed dramatically. A decade ago, it often started with a call to a REALTOR®. Today, it usually starts with a search bar.

AI-powered tools can now suggest homes, estimate values, analyze neighbourhood trends, and even predict market movement in seconds. For buyers and sellers, this creates faster access to information than ever before.

But faster doesn’t mean simpler—and it certainly doesn’t mean replacement.

Because while AI can guide the search, it cannot guide the decision.

How AI Is Changing the “Search” Phase

For buyers, AI has become the new starting point:

Property recommendation engines that learn preferences
Automated alerts for new listings
Affordability and mortgage estimators
Neighbourhood insights pulled from large datasets

For sellers, AI is also stepping in early:

Automated home value estimates
Market timing suggestions
Data-driven recommendations on listing preparation

This makes the beginning of the process more efficient and more informed—but also more overwhelming if taken at face value.

Because AI doesn’t know your priorities, your timing, or your life circumstances, it knows patterns, not people.

Where AI Falls Short: Context Matters

AI is excellent at processing data. What it struggles with is context.

For example:

Two homes with similar data can feel completely different in person
A “hot” neighbourhood may not suit a family’s lifestyle
A high automated valuation doesn’t account for unique upgrades or condition
Market timing isn’t just numbers—it’s strategy and negotiation dynamics

Real estate decisions are rarely purely mathematical. They are emotional, financial, and situational all at once.

That’s where human expertise becomes essential.

The Realtor’s Role Has Evolved, Not Disappeared

AI has not replaced REALTORS®—it has changed what clients expect from them.

Today’s REALTOR® is less about simply finding listings and more about:

Interpreting data correctly
Filtering noise from meaningful opportunities
Negotiating based on real-time market behaviour
Spotting risks that algorithms miss
Providing reassurance during high-stakes decisions

In many ways, AI has made the REALTOR® role more important, not less. The more information clients have, the more they need someone to help make sense of it.

From Data to Decision

Think of AI as the engine and the REALTOR® as the driver.

AI can show every possible route, but it cannot:

Choose the right one for your life
Adjust for unexpected turns in negotiation
Understand the human dynamics behind a deal
Advocate for you when the stakes are high

That’s the difference between information and insight.

The Bottom Line

The real estate journey is no longer linear. It starts online, evolves through data, and ultimately depends on human judgment to reach the finish line.

AI will continue to shape how we search, analyze, and prepare—but real estate will always come down to people helping people make major life decisions.

From search to sold, the tools may change.
The guide still matters.

Market Stats • 10 April 2026

Real Estate Market Analysis for March 2026

by CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage

The latest numbers are in for the City of Peterborough, and March 2026 is telling a very different story than what we saw this time last year. With shifting prices, increased inventory, and slightly softer sales activity, the market is continuing to rebalance—creating new opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

📊 The Numbers at a Glance

March 2026

Average Sale Price: $570,485
Number of Sales: 72
Active Listings: 257
Average Days on Market: 44

March 2025

Average Sale Price: $650,011
Number of Sales: 75
Active Listings: 162

📉 Prices Adjust Year-Over-Year

The most notable shift is in pricing. The average sale price is down 12.2% year-over-year, a significant adjustment compared to the strong pricing environment we saw in early 2025.

This doesn’t necessarily signal a weak market—it reflects a correction toward more balanced conditions after several years of rapid price growth. For buyers, this translates into improved affordability. For sellers, it reinforces the importance of accurate pricing and strong presentation.

🏡 Inventory Is Up—And That Matters

Active listings jumped from 162 to 257, a substantial increase in available homes.

More inventory means:

Buyers have more choice and negotiating power
Sellers face more competition
Homes may take longer to sell without the right strategy

This is also reflected in the 44-day average time on market, indicating a slower pace compared to the frenzied conditions of previous years.

📉 Sales Activity Slightly Down

Sales dipped modestly by 4.0% year-over-year, from 75 to 72 transactions.

While this isn’t a dramatic drop, it does suggest:

Some buyers are still waiting on the sidelines
Market conditions are less urgent, allowing for more thoughtful decision-making

🔍 What This Means for Buyers

If you’re buying in today’s market:

You likely have more negotiating room
Conditions (like financing and inspections) are more common again
You can take a more strategic, less rushed approach

This is one of the more balanced buying environments we’ve seen in recent years.

💡 What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, success in this market comes down to strategy:

Pricing correctly from day one is critical
Presentation matters more than ever
Expect buyers to be more selective and cautious

Homes that show well and are priced appropriately are still selling—but the margin for error is smaller.

⚖️ A More Balanced Market

Overall, March 2026 reflects a shift toward a more balanced real estate market in Peterborough. While prices have adjusted and inventory has increased, this creates a healthier environment long-term—one where both buyers and sellers can make more informed decisions.

Highlighted below are some of the major areas we cover with our stats:

Tips & Tricks • 24 March 2026

2026 First-Time Buyer Changes: What They Mean for You

by CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right moment to buy a home, this might be it.

As of March 12, 2026, a new federal law—Bill C-4—has officially come into effect, introducing some of the most significant changes for first-time home buyers in decades. And the impact is real: for many buyers, this could mean tens of thousands of dollars in savings and a much clearer path to homeownership.

Here’s what you need to know.

💰 1. Up to $50,000 in GST Savings on New Homes

One of the biggest changes is the new GST rebate for first-time buyers purchasing newly built or pre-construction homes.

If the purchase price is under $1 million, the 5% GST may be fully waived. That’s a potential savings of up to $50,000 right off the top.

Even if the home is priced between $1 million and $1.5 million, you may still qualify for a partial rebate.

What this means:

This isn’t just a small incentive—it can significantly reduce your upfront costs and make new builds far more competitive with resale homes.

🏡 2. More Homes Are Now Within Reach

The maximum price for insured mortgages (those with less than a 20% down payment) has now increased to $1.5 million, up from the previous $1 million cap.

What this means:

Buyers who were previously priced out of certain property types may now have more flexibility. Instead of feeling limited to condos or smaller homes, you may now be able to consider townhomes or even detached properties with a lower down payment.

📉 3. Lower Monthly Payments with 30-Year Amortizations

First-time buyers now have access to 30-year amortizations on insured mortgages.

What this means:

By extending the length of your mortgage, your monthly payments can be significantly reduced. This can make it easier to qualify for a home and give you more breathing room in your monthly budget.

💡 4. The “Savings Stack” Advantage

Today’s buyers also have access to more tools than ever before when it comes to saving for a home.

The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) allows for tax-free savings
The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) allows you to withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP

What this means:

When combined, these programs can substantially boost your down payment—helping you get into the market sooner and with more confidence.

🔑 The Bottom Line: The Math Has Changed

What makes these changes so impactful is how they work together.

Lower upfront costs, reduced monthly payments, and increased purchasing power mean that the numbers may look very different from what they did even a few months ago.

That home that felt just out of reach before? It might now fit your budget.

📊 Want to See What This Means for You?

Every buyer’s situation is different, and these new rules can impact your budget in unique ways.

If you’re curious about what you can afford in today’s market—or how these changes apply to you—let us help you. We have an agent who can walk you through the numbers and connect you with a trusted mortgage professional to explore your options.

Reach out anytime at 705-743-4444 to start the conversation.

Events • 18 March 2026

Maple Syrup Festivals in the Kawarthas & Nearby

by CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage

There’s something about March in the Kawarthas—longer days, melting snow, and that unmistakable smell of fresh maple syrup in the air. Maple season is one of the sweetest signs of spring in Ontario, and across the Kawarthas and surrounding regions, sugar bushes and festivals come alive with tours, tastings, and family-friendly experiences.

If you’re looking to plan a local outing (or a short road trip), here are some of the best maple syrup festivals and experiences happening in and around the Kawarthas this March.

🍁 Maple Weekend & Sugar Bush Experiences (Kawarthas Region)

Across the Kawarthas, maple season is celebrated through a series of farm tours and “maple weekend” experiences rather than one single festival.

What to Expect:

Guided sugar bush tours
Tree tapping demonstrations
Fresh maple taffy and syrup tastings
On-site farm shops and local products

Many local producers open their doors throughout March, offering visitors a chance to see how syrup goes from tree to table—and sample plenty along the way.

👉 Explore Kawartha Lakes Maple Experiences

🍁 Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival (Nearby Northumberland)

A short drive from Peterborough, Warkworth hosts a charming small-town maple celebration centred around local sugar bushes.

Highlights:

Maple-themed events throughout the village
Activities at nearby sugar bushes, like Sandy Flat
Local vendors and seasonal treats

It’s a great mix of rural charm and community celebration.

👉 Learn more about Warkworth Maple Festival

🍁 Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival (Oshawa)

One of the most popular festivals within easy driving distance, this event runs on select dates in March.

Dates:

March 14–16, 2026 (plus additional dates)

Highlights:

Horse-drawn wagon rides through the sugar bush
Interactive demonstrations
Pancakes with fresh maple syrup
Family-friendly activities

👉 Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival Details & Tickets

🍁 Pefferlaw Creek Farms Maple Syrup Festival (Uxbridge)

A great option if you’re looking for a full farm experience.

Dates:

Weekends from March 7 to April 19, 2026

Highlights:

Sugar shack and tapping tours
Pancake meals with local ingredients
Hiking trails and live music (select dates)

👉 Pefferlaw Creek Farms Maple Festival Info

🍁 Brooks Farms Maplefest (Uxbridge)

Perfect for families, this festival combines maple education with fun activities.

Dates:

March 14–22, 2026 (plus select later dates)

Highlights:

Wagon rides and sugar bush tours
Barnyard play areas
Maple syrup tastings and campfires

👉 Brooks Farms Maplefest Details

🍁 Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival (GTA Conservation Areas)

If you’re up for a slightly longer day trip, this well-known festival runs across multiple conservation areas.

Dates:

Weekends March 7 – April 6, 2026 (including March Break)

Locations:

Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park
Kortright Centre for Conservation

Highlights:

Live demonstrations
Family programming
Educational exhibits

👉 Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival Info

🍁 Maple Syrup in the Park (Terra Cotta Conservation Area)

Another great March Break option with a mix of education and outdoor fun.

Dates:

March 19–22 and March 28–29, 2026

Highlights:

Wagon rides to the sugar bush
Interactive demonstrations
Pancake breakfasts with real maple syrup

👉 Maple Syrup in the Park Details

Planning Your Maple Season Visit

Go early in the day: Popular festivals fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Dress for the weather: You’ll be walking through muddy trails and snowy woods.
Bring cash: Many smaller sugar bushes are cash-only.
Book ahead when possible: Some events require timed tickets or advance reservations.

A Sweet Way to Welcome Spring

Whether you’re staying close to home in the Kawarthas or exploring nearby communities, maple syrup season is one of the most quintessentially Canadian experiences you can have. From rustic sugar shacks to full-scale festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate—and plenty of syrup to taste along the way.

If you’re looking for a simple local outing, start with Kawartha-area sugar bushes. If you’re up for a short road trip, the surrounding regions offer some of Ontario’s most well-loved maple festivals, all within a couple of hours of Peterborough.

Tips & Tricks • 13 March 2026

How to Prevent Early Spring Pests from Invading Your Home

by CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage

As the weather starts to warm up, early spring brings longer days, melting snow, and, unfortunately, the return of household pests. After spending the winter looking for warmth and shelter, insects and small animals begin becoming active again and often try to make their way indoors.

The good news? A few simple preventative steps around your home can make a big difference in keeping unwanted visitors like mice, wasps, ants, and spiders outside where they belong.

Here’s how to get ahead of early spring pests before they become a bigger problem.

Seal Up Entry Points

One of the most effective ways to prevent pests is by stopping them from getting inside in the first place. Small gaps around your home can act like an open door for mice and insects.

Take a walk around the exterior of your home and check for:

Cracks in the foundation
Gaps around windows and doors
Openings around pipes or utility lines
Damaged weather stripping
Loose siding or vents

Use caulking or expanding foam to seal small openings, and install door sweeps if needed. Remember, mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, so even tiny gaps are worth fixing.

Clean Up the Yard

Your yard can unintentionally create the perfect habitat for pests if it isn’t maintained.

Early spring is a great time to:

Trim bushes and tree branches away from the house
Move firewood away from exterior walls
Clean out gutters and downspouts

These areas can provide shelter for rodents and insects, and keeping them clear makes your home less appealing to pests.

Watch for Early Wasp Activity

Spring is when queen wasps begin searching for places to build new nests. Catching them early can prevent a much bigger issue later in the season.

Check common nesting spots such as:

Under eaves and soffits
Inside sheds or garages
Under deck railings
Around light fixtures and outdoor furniture

If you notice the start of a small nest, it’s much easier to remove early in the season before it grows.

Keep Food Sources Sealed

Pests are always looking for food, and your home can provide plenty of opportunities if items aren’t properly stored.

Simple steps include:

Keeping garbage bins tightly sealed
Storing pantry items in airtight containers
Cleaning up crumbs and spills quickly
Avoiding pet food being left out overnight

Even small food sources can attract ants, mice, and other pests.

Check Attics, Basements, and Garages

These areas often go unnoticed during winter, making them ideal hiding spots for rodents.

Look for signs such as:

Droppings
Chewed materials
Nesting debris like shredded paper or insulation
Small entry holes

If you notice evidence of mice or other pests, it’s best to address it early before populations grow.

Repair Screens and Vent Covers

Window screens, soffit vents, and exhaust vents help keep insects out, but they only work if they’re intact.

Check for:

Torn window screens
Loose vent covers
Gaps in soffit vents

Repairing these early in the season can stop flies, wasps, and other insects from getting inside.

A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

Early spring is the ideal time to deal with pest prevention because most infestations start small. Taking a few hours to inspect your home and handle minor maintenance can save you from much bigger problems later in the season.

Keeping your home sealed, tidy, and well-maintained not only helps prevent pests but also protects the overall value and comfort of your property.

Market Stats • 6 March 2026

Real Estate Market Analysis for February 2026

by CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage

The February 2026 real estate statistics for the City of Peterborough show a slower market compared to the same time last year, with fewer sales, lower average prices, and more homes available for buyers to choose from. These changes suggest the local market is shifting toward more balanced conditions after several years of intense competition.

Key Market Highlights

Average Sale Price: $543,857
Average Number of Sales: 47
Active Listings: 207
Average Days on Market: 30

Year-Over-Year Comparison

Compared to February 2025:

Average Sale Price: down 8.9% (from $597,205)
Number of Sales: down 16.1% (from 56)
Active Listings: up significantly from 161 to 207

A growing supply of homes combined with fewer sales is helping to slow price growth and reduce the pace of the market. In real estate, when inventory increases while sales decline, buyers typically gain more negotiating power.

More Listings, More Choice

One of the biggest changes in the market this year is the increase in available listings. With 207 homes on the market, buyers have considerably more options than they did last February.

During the highly competitive markets of the past few years, buyers often faced limited inventory and multiple-offer situations. Now, the increase in supply means buyers can take a bit more time evaluating properties and comparing options.

Homes are still selling in a reasonable timeframe, with an average of 30 days on market, but the pace is slower than the rapid turnover seen in previous years.

Prices Adjusting to Market Conditions

The 8.9% decrease in average sale price year over year reflects a market that is recalibrating after the rapid price growth seen earlier in the decade.

Price changes like this don’t necessarily mean every home is selling for less. Average price can fluctuate depending on the types of homes sold in a given month. For example, if more entry-level homes sell in one month than luxury homes, the overall average price may appear lower even if individual property values remain relatively stable.

However, the shift does signal that buyers are becoming more cautious and price-sensitive, especially with affordability and mortgage rates still playing a role in purchasing decisions.

What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, the key takeaway is that pricing and presentation matter more than ever.

With more homes competing for buyer attention, properly pricing a property based on current market conditions is crucial. Homes that are priced competitively and marketed effectively are still attracting strong interest and selling within a reasonable timeframe.

Sellers should focus on:

Accurate pricing based on recent comparable sales
Strong marketing and professional presentation
Being prepared for negotiation

The days of simply listing a home and expecting immediate multiple offers are less common, but well-prepared listings can still perform very well.

What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, the current market presents more opportunity and flexibility.

With inventory levels rising and fewer competing buyers, purchasers may find they have more time to make decisions and potentially negotiate on price or conditions.

Benefits for buyers right now include:

More homes to choose from
Less pressure to compete in bidding wars
Greater ability to include financing or inspection conditions

For many buyers who felt priced out or rushed in previous years, the current market conditions may create a more comfortable path into homeownership.

Looking Ahead

As we move toward the spring market, activity typically increases as both buyers and sellers re-enter the market. If inventory continues to rise while sales remain moderate, Peterborough could continue trending toward a more balanced market.

For both buyers and sellers, working with a knowledgeable local REALTOR® can help navigate changing conditions and make the most of the opportunities the market presents.

Our team is here to help you understand your options and navigate the market with confidence. We always have an agent on duty to help. Call our office at 705-743-4444 and we will be happy to direct you to a REALTOR® to answer your questions.

Highlighted below are some of the major areas we cover with our stats:

Tips & Tricks • 18 February 2026

Is Peterborough Still Affordable? A Reality Check for 2026

by CENTURY 21 United Realty Inc. Brokerage

“Is Peterborough still affordable?”

It’s one of the most common questions we’re hearing in 2026 — from first-time buyers, move-up families, downsizers, and even buyers relocating from larger centres.

The short answer? Affordability looks different than it did five years ago, but Peterborough remains one of the more attainable markets in Ontario when approached strategically.

Here’s a realistic look at what affordability means right now.

How Peterborough Compares to Larger Markets

For buyers coming from the GTA or other major urban centres, Peterborough still offers significantly more value for your dollar. Purchase prices, property taxes, and overall lifestyle costs remain lower than in many larger cities.

However, for local buyers, especially first-time buyers, affordability is tighter than it once was. Rising home values over the past several years, combined with higher interest rates, have changed monthly payment realities.

The key shift in 2026 isn’t necessarily price alone; it’s borrowing power.

The Interest Rate Factor

Even if home prices stabilize, interest rates directly impact monthly affordability. A difference of even half a percent can significantly change qualifying amounts and payment comfort levels.

Today’s buyers are more payment-focused than price-focused. Instead of asking, “What’s the listing price?” many are asking, “What will this cost me each month?”

This mindset shift is healthy. It encourages long-term planning and more sustainable decisions, especially in a market that has moved past ultra-low borrowing costs.

What “Affordable” Really Means in 2026

Affordability isn’t one-size-fits-all.

For some buyers, affordability means:

Staying under a specific monthly payment
Purchasing a smaller home or condo as a first step
Choosing a neighbourhood slightly outside the core
Considering townhouses or semi-detached homes

For others, affordability means:

Selling and buying in the same market (where gains offset costs)
Downsizing to reduce expenses
Moving from rural to urban for lower maintenance costs

The definition has shifted from “cheapest possible” to “financially comfortable long-term.”

Where Buyers Are Finding Value

In 2026, buyers are finding opportunity in:

Homes that need cosmetic updates
Properties that have been on the market longer
Balanced negotiations instead of bidding wars
Townships and surrounding areas offering slightly lower price points

Unlike the peak frenzy years, buyers now have more time to evaluate options and negotiate terms. That breathing room can create smarter purchases, even if interest rates are higher.

What Sellers Need to Understand

Affordability directly affects buyer behaviour.

Today’s buyers are cautious, informed, and selective. Overpricing in hopes of “testing the market” often results in longer days on market and eventual price adjustments.

Homes that are well-priced and well-presented continue to sell, especially if they align with realistic monthly payment expectations.

Affordability doesn’t mean prices are collapsing. It means buyers are calculating more carefully.

The Lifestyle Factor

One reason Peterborough remains attractive is lifestyle value.

Access to outdoor space, waterfront, trails, schools, and a strong sense of community continue to draw both local and out-of-town buyers. Many people are choosing Peterborough not just because it’s cheaper than Toronto, but because it offers balance.

When you combine lifestyle, relative affordability, and a more stable market environment, Peterborough continues to hold strong appeal in 2026.

So… Is Peterborough Still Affordable?

Compared to five years ago? It’s more expensive.

Compared to larger Ontario markets? Still considerably more attainable.

Compared to the peak frenzy years? More balanced and predictable.

Affordability in 2026 isn’t about chasing the lowest price. It’s about understanding your numbers, planning wisely, and choosing a property that fits your long-term goals.

If you’re wondering what affordability looks like for you, whether you’re buying, selling, or both, having a clear picture of today’s market conditions makes all the difference.

Peterborough is still a place where smart, well-planned moves are possible. The key is strategy.

If you’re wondering what affordability looks like for you in today’s Peterborough market, let’s talk. A quick conversation can give you clarity and a plan. Give us a call at 705-743-4444. We always have an agent on duty!