From Cooling Sales to Soaring Prices: Inside August’s Southern Ontario Real Estate Scene
So, let’s take a closer look at what happened in August across Brantford, Brant County, Paris, Cambridge, and Kitchener—and more importantly, what it could mean for you.
Brantford: Buyers Gain Ground
Brantford saw fewer new listings in August (208 compared to 266 in July), but interestingly, more homes actually sold: 108 vs 98. That increase in demand would normally push prices up—but in Brantford, the opposite happened. The average sold price slipped to just under $593,000, down from over $623,000 the previous month.
What’s happening? Buyers are still active, but they’re negotiating harder and showing more caution on pricing. For sellers, this means being realistic matters more than ever to stay competitive. For buyers, it’s a chance to step in with stronger bargaining power.
Brant County: Steady but Slower
Over in Brant County, things cooled down considerably. Sales dropped almost in half compared to July, but prices barely moved—holding steady around $777,000. Interestingly, homes sold a little quicker in August, averaging 36 days on market compared to 42 in July.
Translation: Even though fewer deals closed, serious buyers are moving with purpose. This market is rewarding correctly priced listings, but overpricing will get you overlooked.
Paris: A Surprise Winner
Paris is where things got interesting. Even though sales dipped slightly (18 vs 20 in July), the average sale price jumped by nearly $100,000 in just one month—landing at $763,471. Add to that a major drop in days on market (23 down from 40), and it’s clear buyers were ready to compete harder here in August.
For sellers, Paris was the standout market last month. If this momentum continues into September, it could attract even more attention from buyers priced out of nearby cities.
Cambridge: Balanced and Steady
Cambridge slowed just a notch in August, with sales slipping from 157 in July to 130. Prices also inched down slightly to $706,637, and homes are taking about a month on average to sell.
This feels very balanced. Buyers have choices and time to consider, while sellers can still find motivated buyers if their home is positioned right. It’s not swinging heavily in either direction—which is often considered a “healthy” market.
Kitchener: A Cooling Trend
Kitchener saw the most noticeable pullback. Sales dropped from 290 in July to 239 in August, and prices softened by about $25,000 month-to-month. Inventory is still high compared to demand, giving buyers more leverage to shop around.
For sellers, patience and flexibility will be key in the weeks ahead. For buyers? This is one of the more favorable moments in recent months to negotiate confidently.
Key Takeaway
August brought a mix of caution and competition to Southern Ontario real estate. Brantford and Kitchener gave buyers more wiggle room, Paris stood out with surprising price growth, and Brant County and Cambridge showed steady but slower conditions.
Heading into fall, sellers will need realistic strategies while buyers should seize the chance to negotiate where markets are cooling. Either way, having the latest local data on your side makes a huge difference.