Beat the Spring Rush: 3 Reasons to Start House Hunting Now!
Team Olivieri
Monday, February 9, 2026
If you’re planning to buy a home this year, you might be waiting for the spring market — when listings pick up and the weather’s friendlier for moving.
But here’s something most buyers don’t realize: moving a few weeks sooner could save you money, reduce your stress, and give you an edge over the competition.
Here are the top three reasons to consider getting started before the spring rush begins here in Ontario.
Industry forecasts show rates holding steady in the low-6 percent range this year — far from the highs of 2023. Over the past 12 months, they’ve already dropped by roughly a full percentage point, meaning affordability has climbed quietly while most people were waiting.
As Chen Zhao, Head of Economic Research at Redfin, explains:
“House hunters should know that this may be near the lowest mortgage rates fall for the foreseeable future.”
So why wait for something that may not happen — especially when acting now means facing less competition?
In a typical Ontario market, listings move faster in spring. Realtor.ca data mirrors U.S. trends showing that homes take about 70 days to sell during the winter but only 50 days once spring hits.
More buyers competing for the same homes means less time to think and more stress when the right listing appears.
Buying now means you can shop with breathing room. Fewer buyers looking allows sellers to negotiate, and you can take your time finding the right home instead of rushing into one that simply checks “enough” boxes.
In 2025, average Canadian home prices ticked up by roughly $30,000–$35,000 from February to the peak summer months. And that pattern is expected again this year.
Buying before the spring upswing could help you lock in a lower price and avoid multiple-offer stress.
As Bankrate explains:
“Spring and early summer are the busiest and most competitive time of year for the housing market . . . home prices tend to be steeper to reflect the increased demand.”
Getting ahead now could mean more choice, calmer decisions, and real savings.
If you’re ready to start planning your move or want to see what opportunities are out there before things heat up, Team OLIVIERI is here to help you get a step ahead of the spring market.
But here’s something most buyers don’t realize: moving a few weeks sooner could save you money, reduce your stress, and give you an edge over the competition.
Here are the top three reasons to consider getting started before the spring rush begins here in Ontario.
1. Waiting for Lower Rates Might Work Against You
Many buyers are holding out for mortgage rates to dip again. But the reality? Rates have already improved — and they’re expected to level out near where they are now.Industry forecasts show rates holding steady in the low-6 percent range this year — far from the highs of 2023. Over the past 12 months, they’ve already dropped by roughly a full percentage point, meaning affordability has climbed quietly while most people were waiting.
As Chen Zhao, Head of Economic Research at Redfin, explains:
“House hunters should know that this may be near the lowest mortgage rates fall for the foreseeable future.”
So why wait for something that may not happen — especially when acting now means facing less competition?
2. Spring Brings More Competition — and More Pressure
Spring is always popular in real estate, but that surge comes with one clear trade-off: more buyers = more pressure.In a typical Ontario market, listings move faster in spring. Realtor.ca data mirrors U.S. trends showing that homes take about 70 days to sell during the winter but only 50 days once spring hits.
More buyers competing for the same homes means less time to think and more stress when the right listing appears.
Buying now means you can shop with breathing room. Fewer buyers looking allows sellers to negotiate, and you can take your time finding the right home instead of rushing into one that simply checks “enough” boxes.
3. Prices Usually Rise When Competition Heats Up
When more buyers jump in, home prices respond. That’s why early-year purchases often come with meaningful savings.In 2025, average Canadian home prices ticked up by roughly $30,000–$35,000 from February to the peak summer months. And that pattern is expected again this year.
Buying before the spring upswing could help you lock in a lower price and avoid multiple-offer stress.
As Bankrate explains:
“Spring and early summer are the busiest and most competitive time of year for the housing market . . . home prices tend to be steeper to reflect the increased demand.”
The Takeaway
Starting your home search before spring isn’t about rushing — it’s about making a smart move while the pace (and the prices) are still in your favour.Getting ahead now could mean more choice, calmer decisions, and real savings.
If you’re ready to start planning your move or want to see what opportunities are out there before things heat up, Team OLIVIERI is here to help you get a step ahead of the spring market.
We would like to hear from you! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always looking forward to hearing from you! We will do our best to reply to you within 24 hours !