Is There Still Time to List Before Year-End?
As we move into the final stretch of the year, one of the most common questions sellers are asking is whether it makes sense to list now. Should they hold off until 2026, when there may be more clarity around rates, politics, and market direction? It’s a fair question. We’ve had a news cycle that changes by the hour, and confidence today isn’t as automatic as it was during the nearly two-decade run from 1996 to 2022.
But timing the market has never been a perfect science, and today, it’s arguably more unpredictable than ever. One statement from a political leader, one round of economic data, or one shift in policy can turn sentiment in either direction. None of us have a crystal ball and there’s simply no guarantee it’s going to get better or worse. In the past, it was easy to say, “Wait for tomorrow, prices will rise.” And for most of the last 25 years, you would have been right. Today, that assumption is no longer a certainty.
So, the question becomes less about trying to forecast the high-water mark, and more about understanding the window in front of us.
Right now, there is still meaningful time left on the calendar. The Toronto market typically stays active until the third week of December, when many buyers head south or step back for the holidays. That gives sellers roughly six to seven weeks of runway enough time to launch a listing, market it properly, and attract serious buyers before the annual slowdown.
And here’s the counterintuitive advantage of listing late in the year: lower competition. While many homeowners assume that spring season is the strongest time to sell, the market is also crowded. A well-presented home may stand out more now than in March when we get an influx of For Sale signs. There are also buyers entering the market from outside the GTA, expats returning home, relocations from other provinces, and international professionals looking to settle in Toronto over the winter. These buyers don’t take December off.
Of course, the type of property also matters. If you’re holding a downtown condo investment, timing can be more flexible. But if you’re selling a single-family home, a segment where supply is tighter and demand remains structurally strong, waiting doesn’t
necessarily improve your position.
It’s also worth acknowledging the preservation of value. It’s natural to hope that waiting until spring will mean higher prices. But what if the opposite happens? If values soften even slightly between now and then, the difference can be meaningful, sometimes tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the property and neighbourhood. For sellers who are already planning a move, waiting is not a neutral decision; it carries financial risk just as much as potential reward.
No one can say with certainty where prices will be six months from now. What we can see today is a market that remains active, with motivated buyers and limited listing competition. If selling aligns with your plans, this season still offers a clear and workable path to a successful sale. And if you choose to wait, that’s perfectly reasonable…just be sure the decision is based on your life and not the chase for the perfect moment. The right move is the one that supports your next chapter with clarity and confidence.