If it felt like the market hit pause in August… it kind of did.
Between vacations, back-to-school prep, and one last cottage weekend, it’s no surprise that activity slowed across the board. For our team — and many of our clients — the majority of the month was spent away from the action. Historically, August tends to be one of the sleepiest months in Toronto real estate, and this year followed that familiar script.
That said, a quiet market doesn’t mean a stagnant one. Beneath the surface, some subtle (and potentially significant) shifts took place.
Sales Slow, Listings Rise – A Buyer’s Market (On Paper)
The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reported 5,211 sales in August 2025 — a 2.3% increase year-over-year, but a sharp 14% decline from July. That drop wasn’t unexpected, given the seasonal slowdown. What stood out more was the surge in new listings: 14,038 properties hit the MLS, up 9.4% from last year and higher than July’s tally.
In plain terms: buyers had more to choose from, and fewer competitors to contend with.
TRREB President Elechia Barry-Sproule put it this way: “With the economy slowing and inflation under control, additional interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada could help offset the impact of tariffs. Greater affordability would not only support more home sales but also generate significant economic spin-off benefits.” (FYI, the Bank of Canada is meeting on Sept 17th to decide on the policy interest rate)
You can almost hear the fall market gears warming up… but then again, who really know!?!
Pricing Holds Steady — But Down From Last Year
The average selling price in the GTA came in at $1,022,143 — down 5.2% year-over-year and 2.81% from July. The MLS Home Price Index (HPI) Composite also fell 5.2% annually but held flat month-over-month.
That month-over-month stability may seem like good news for sellers, but context is everything. Properties sat longer, with average days on market rising to 49 — the second slowest pace of the year (only January was slower at 55 days).
In short: homes are still selling, but not without negotiation — and patience.
Condos: The Softest Spot on the Map
Of all housing types, the condo segment saw the steepest summer dip. Just 890 condo sales were recorded — making it the third weakest month of 2025. Prices followed suit, with the average condo selling for $667,660, marking the worst monthly performance of the year.
That said, inventory remains healthy and choice is abundant — which could be a silver lining for buyers looking to enter the market or make a move-up purchase.
What This Means for Fall (And Why September Matters More Than Ever)
August may have been sluggish, but fall could be a different story. With many buyers and sellers returning from summer break, we expect momentum to pick up in September.
TRREB Chief Information Officer Jason Mercer noted that, even with lower borrowing costs and softer pricing, affordability remains a challenge. But any additional cuts from the Bank of Canada — like the ones forecasted this fall — could bring sidelined buyers back into the game.
What Buyers and Sellers Should Know Right Now
For Buyers:
- Inventory is your advantage. With listings up and competition low, now’s the time to shop around and negotiate with confidence.
- Interest rate cuts may be coming. Acting before they hit the headlines could save you from bidding wars down the road.
- Condos are especially soft. If you’ve been eyeing a unit downtown or looking for an investment property, this could be the moment to pounce.
For Sellers:
- Buyers are cautious, not absent. Presentation, pricing, and patience are key.
- Prep now for the fall surge. We expect renewed activity in September — having your listing market-ready could pay dividends.
- Highlight value. With affordability still a top concern, make sure your home’s best features are front and centre.
Final Thoughts – Don’t Sleep on the Slow Months
Yes, August was quiet. But that silence came with a lot of signal: more listings, longer days on market, and room for negotiation across nearly every housing segment.
Sellers: now’s the time to prep your listing for fall. Presentation, pricing, and timing will matter more than ever.
Buyers: if you’ve been waiting on the sidelines, this might be the moment to step in. Less competition. More inventory. And the possibility of more favourable rates ahead.
After a well-earned summer breather, Toronto’s market is gearing up again — and we’re here to help you navigate what’s next.
Looking to buy or sell this fall?
Reach out to the Toronto Livings team — even if August was all about rest, we’re ready to help you move forward in September.
