Is 2026 the Year to Buy or Sell in Windsor-Essex? December 2025 Numbers Explained Simply

The Big Question Families Are Asking Right Now

If you’ve been asking yourself:
“Is 2026 finally the year we buy?”
or
“Should we sell now, or wait?”

You’re not alone.

The December 2025 numbers for Windsor-Essex County give us some very clear answers — especially when you strip away the scary headlines and look at what actually matters for families.

By the end of this breakdown, you’ll clearly understand:

• What this market means if you’re buying

• What this market means if you’re selling

• A simple, no-pressure next step you can take

December 2025 Windsor-Essex Market Snapshot

Here’s what actually happened in December 2025:

• 261 homes sold
  → Down 6.8% from December 2024 (280 homes)

• 459 new listings
  → Up 13.6% year-over-year

• Average sale price: ~$524,000
  → About 9.6% lower than December 2024

The Full-Year Perspective (This Matters Most)

• 2025 average price: ~$568,000

• Only 1.6% lower than 2024

Translation:
December was softer, but 2025 as a whole was very stable.

Local leadership is already calling 2026 a year of stability, not crashes or crazy spikes — and that aligns with what we’re seeing on the ground.

So… What Kind of Market Is This Really?

This is not the frantic seller’s market from a few years ago.

Think of it like a restaurant after the dinner rush:

• People are still eating

• But you can actually sit down

• Read the menu

• Make a thoughtful choice

In real estate terms:

• More homes available

• Slightly fewer buyers

• Prices down short-term, stable long-term

This is a balanced, slightly buyer-leaning market.

What This Market Means for Families Looking to Buy

If your family is renting, outgrowing a condo, or stuck in a starter home, this market finally gives you breathing room.

Why Buyers Have an Advantage in 2026

• More choice  listings are up

• Less competition  fewer bidding wars

• More time  homes aren’t selling overnight

You can now:

• Compare neighbourhoods

• Book proper showings

• Think about inspections and financing

• Make decisions without panic

Prices: Cooled, Not Crashed

• December prices were lower year-over-year

• Full-year prices barely moved

You’re not buying at a panic peak like 2021–2022.

The Smarter Way for Families to Buy

Instead of asking:

“What’s the lowest price we can get?”

Ask:

“What monthly payment feels comfortable for our family for the next 5 years?”

In this market:

• Use financing conditions

• Get inspections

• Walk away if something feels off

You’re allowed to be picky again.

What This Market Means for Families Thinking of Selling

 

If you already own in Windsor-Essex, your equity is likely still strong.

Yes, December prices dipped, but:

• The full-year drop was only 1.6%

• We did not see a crash in 2025

Selling in 2026 Is About Life Not Fear

This is no longer about:

“Should we sell before it crashes?”

It’s about:

“Does moving improve our family’s quality of life?”

What Matters More Than Ever for Sellers

• Realistic pricing

• Strong presentation

• Targeting serious buyers

Overpriced homes are sitting.
Well-priced, well-prepared homes are still selling.

Buying and Selling at the Same Time? Here’s the Overlooked Truth

Most families miss this part 

If you sell and buy in the same market:

• You may sell for slightly less than peak

• But you’re also buying for less than peak

For families upgrading from a starter home:

• The price gap can actually be more manageable

• That’s often a net positive

This market rewards life timing, not market timing.

December 2025 Market: Side-by-Side for Families

Families Looking to Buy

• More listings

• Softer pricing

• Less competition
  Focus: Comfortable payments, conditions, patience

Families Looking to Sell

• Prices stable long-term

• Buyers more selective
  Focus: Pricing right, preparation, presentation

Families Doing Both

• Same overall price environment
  Focus: Net difference, not just sale price

What Should You Do Next? (No Pressure)

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably thinking about a move in the next 6–12 months.

Here’s a simple next step:

If You’re Buying

• Find a price range that feels safe for your family

• Start casually touring neighbourhoods

• Learn what’s realistic before you rush

If You’re Selling

• Get an honest value based on today’s market

• Map out what your next home would cost

• See the full picture not just one side

You don’t need to decide today.
You just need clarity.

Final Thoughts from Kris

This market isn’t pushing you to rush.
It’s giving you space to think.

If you want help breaking this down for your income, your kids, your neighbourhood, and your goals, reach out anytime.

This can be a quick, no-pressure conversation to see whether moving in 2026 actually makes sense  or whether staying put is the better option.

If you're thinking of buying or selling, reach out anytime.
I would love to guide you 
Kris Ramotar | Windsor Ontario & Essex County Realtor