Waterloo Region Home Sales Sluggish in March, Prices Steady

Despite the challenging market conditions, the first quarter of 2024 saw an increase in home sales, marking an 8.0 per cent rise compared to the previous year. However, these figures still fall short of the first-quarter sales of the past decade.  

“While home sales in Waterloo Region hit a record low for March in over two decades, we’re also witnessing a positive trend,” says Christal Moura, president of WRAR.  Over the past three months, prices and activity have started to pick up, and I expect this momentum will continue into the spring.”  

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation

WATERLOO REGION, ON (April 4, 2024) —In March, a total of 596 homes were sold via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR). This represents a decrease of 3.2% compared to the same period last year and a decline of 33.4% compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous 5 years for the same month. 

Despite the challenging market conditions, the first quarter of 2024 saw an increase in home sales, marking an 8.0 per cent rise compared to the previous year. However, these figures still fall short of the first-quarter sales of the past decade. 

“While home sales in Waterloo Region hit a record low for March in over two decades, we’re also witnessing a positive trend,” says Christal Moura, president of WRAR.  Over the past three months, prices and activity have started to pick up, and I expect this momentum will continue into the spring.”    

Total residential sales in March included 344 detached (down 3.9 per cent from March 2023), and 127 townhouses (down 0.8 per cent). Sales also included 86 condominium units (down 1.1 per cent) and 37 semi-detached homes (down 11.9 per cent).  

In March, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $806,279. This represents a 3.6 per cent increase compared to March 2023 and a 6.6 per cent increase compared to February 2024.  

• The average price of a detached home was $954,342. This represents a 4.9 per cent increase from March 2023 and an increase of 7.3 per cent compared to February 2024.  
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $667,810. This represents a 4.4 per cent increase from March 2023 and an increase of 6.0 per cent compared to February 2024.  
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $483,085. This represents an increase of 0.3 per cent from March 2023 and an increase of 5.3 per cent compared to February 2024.  
• The average sale price for a semi was $680,039. This represents a decrease of 2.9 per cent compared to March 2023 and an increase of 1.0 per cent compared to February 2024. 

“Home prices have been gradually increasing since December, which is a typical trend,” explains Moura. “The rate and extent of further increases will depend on the willingness and patience of potential home buyers who have been waiting for lower interest rates before making their purchase. With the Bank of Canada not anticipated to make any rate changes before its June meeting, some potential home buyers may feel stuck in limbo.” 

The president of WRAR recommends that anyone interested in buying or selling a property in Waterloo Region seek advice from a local REALTOR® regarding the current market conditions. This will enable them to make an informed decision that aligns with their goals and priorities.  

There were 1,023 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, an increase of 18.7 per cent compared to March last year and a 15.9 per cent decrease compared to the previous ten-year average for March.  

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of March was 1,081 an increase of 54.0 per cent compared to March of last year and 1.1 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,093 listings for March. 

At the end of March, there were 1.9 months of inventory, a 58.3 percent increase compared to last year and 18.8 percent above the previous 10-year average. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current sales rate.   

The average number of days to sell in March was 19, the same number as March 2023. The previous 5-year average is 18 days.   

These statistics provide a snapshot of the real estate market in the Waterloo Region in March, showing both positive and challenging aspects for buyers and sellers. WRAR encourages buyers to reach out to local Realtors for valuable insights about the current state of the local market and to receive tailored advice based on their specific needs. 

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://wrar.ca/hpi/ 

Average Sales Price – Municipality

Average Sales Price – Township

Monthly Sales By Property Type

Monthly Supply of Homes for Sale

Monthly Supply of Homes for Sale – By Property Type

Monthly Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Monthly Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Monthly Average Days on Market

WRAR cautions that average sale price information can help identify long-term trends but should not be to indicate that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a Waterloo Region REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

Waterloo Region Home Sales Sluggish in February, Prices Steady

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation

WRAR cautions that average sale price information can help identify long-term trends but should not be to indicate that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a Waterloo Region REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

Annual Home Sales Down Significantly in Waterloo Region in 2023

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WRAR cautions that average sale price information can help identify long-term trends but should not be to indicate that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a Waterloo Region REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

Waterloo Region Home Sales Cool in November

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Surge of New Listings in September Against Low Number of Sales

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Waterloo Region Real Estate Market Shows Resilience With Increase in Home Sales and Average Prices

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Waterloo Region Buyer and Listing Activity Ramps Up In May

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Home Sales Down, Prices Stabilizing in February

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LISTINGS INCREASE WHILE HOME SALES SLOW IN MAY

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There were 661 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing Service® System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in May, a decrease of 22.7 per cent compared to the same month last year, and 5.5 per cent below the previous 5-year average.

“The increase by the Bank of Canada to the key interest rate in April had the predictable result of knocking some buyers down if not out of the market in May,” says Megan Bell, President of KWAR. “While the impact to prices is small, it has had a critical impact on some buyers and what they can now afford.”

Total residential sales in May included 404 detached (down 16.7 per cent from May 2021), and 115 townhouses (down 38.5 per cent). Sales also included 95 condominium units (down 12.0 per cent) and 47 semi-detached homes (down 36.5 per cent).

In May, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $875,194. This represents a 18.3 per cent increase over May 2021 and a 3.5 per cent decrease compared to April 2022.

• The average price of a detached home was $1,016,834. This represents a 17.0 per cent increase from May 2021 and a decrease 4.2 per cent compared to April 2022.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $708,722. This represents a 17.7 per cent increase from May 2021 and a decrease of 7.2 per cent compared to April 2022.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $545,825. This represents an increase of 19.7 per cent from May 2021 and a decrease of 9.1 per cent compared to April 2022.
• The average sale price for a semi was $730,768. This represents an increase of 10.7 per cent compared to May 2021 and a decrease of 7.0 per cent compared to April 2022.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $848,600 in May. This represents a 15.1 per cent increase over May 2021 and a 4.7 per cent decrease compared to April 2022.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $945,800. This represents a 14.6 per cent increase from May 2021 and 4.9 per cent decrease compared to April 2022.

“With the announcement from the Bank of Canada about another interest rate hike this week we may see a   resurgence of buyers who have locked in at a lesser rate, but as borrowing costs continue to increase, we should expect demand will continue to soften, particularly in the more entry-level segment of the market,” says Bell.

There were 1,422 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 33.9 per cent compared to May of last year, and a 40.4 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for May.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of May was 902, an increase of 98.2 per cent compared to May of last year, and 28.8 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1267 listings for May.

The number of months of inventory increased to 1.6 months in May from 1.2 months in April. While inventory is still at historic lows, this is the highest it’s been since September 2019. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in May was 11 days, compared to 9 days in May 2021. The previous 5-year average is 16 days.

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

**click on any chart for an interactive view**

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market Chart

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

KITCHENER-WATERLOO HOME SALES UP IN MARCH, AVERAGE PRICE DIPS FROM FEBRUARY

“The skyrocketing prices of the last two months took a bit of a breather in March, with the overall average price dipping five per cent compared to what we saw in February,” said Megan Bell, President of KWAR. “While it is too soon to draw conclusions from just one month of home sales, I know many will be comforted to see a leveling off on the average price, no matter how incremental.”

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation

Total residential sales in March included 416 detached (down 29.7 per cent from March 2021), and 114 condominium units (down 9.5 per cent). Sales also included 64 semi-detached homes (down 17.9 per cent) and 131 townhouses (down 33.8 per cent).

In March, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $960,181. This represents a 25.5 per cent increase over March 2021 and a 4.6 per cent decrease compared to February 2022.

• The average price of a detached home was $1,132,637. This represents a 25.9 per cent increase from March 2021 and a decrease 6.4 per cent compared to February 2022.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $565,782. This represents an increase of 33.4 per cent from March 2021 and a decrease of 1.2 per cent compared to February 2022.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $796,696. This represents a 27.4 per cent increase from March 2021 and a decrease of 7.6 per cent compared to February 2022.
• The average sale price for a semi was $876,371. This represents an increase of 34.5 per cent compared to March 2021 and a decrease of 5.0 per cent compared to February 2022.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS®® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $960,100 in March. This represents a 29.6 per cent increase over March 2021 and a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to February 2022.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $1,046,200. This represents a 28.1 per cent increase from March 2021 and 4.0 per cent decrease compared to February 2022.
• The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $484,000. This represents a 32.9 per cent increase from March 2021 and a 4.2 per cent increase compared to February 2022.
• The benchmark price for a townhouse is $765,500. This represents a 41.3 per cent increase from March 2021 and a 4.9 per cent increase compared to February 2022.

“Even though the average price decreased across all property types on a month-to-month basis, the MLS® HPI showed continued monthly gains for both townhouse and apartment property types,” notes Bell.  “As the province feels its way out of the pandemic, we are beginning to see some very preliminary signs of a potential cooling. We are not seeing quite as many multiple offers and some offers are coming in with conditions. Of course, when we say cooling, we’re talking about a market that has been scorching hot which is why we are pleased to see this happening.”

There were 1,131 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, a decrease 16.8 per cent compared to the record topping number of listings added in March of last year, and a 28.0 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for March.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of March was 441, an increase of 1.1 per cent compared to March of last year, and 59.0 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,072 listings for March.

The number of months of inventory nudged up to 0.7 months in March from 0.5 months in February. Inventory has been under the one-month mark since October 2020. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in March was 8 days, the same as it was in March 2021. The previous 5-year average is 16 days.

The More Homes for Everyone Act

Statement from KWAR President Megan Bell

Last week the Government of Ontario introduced a new bill, the More Homes for Everyone Act to address the province’s housing affordability crisis.

While we welcome several aspects of the proposed More Homes for Everyone bill, such as measures to support more timely municipal decision making and developing policies and tools to support multi-generational homes in existing neighbourhoods—bolder actions to increase supply were notably missing.

Ontario’s Housing Affordability Task Force had recommended limiting exclusionary zoning and allowing “as of right” residential housing up to four units and up to four storeys on a single residential lot. Instead, the government has committed to the Task Force’s recommendations as part of a “long term roadmap”.

KWAR is optimistic Waterloo Region will be bold about housing in their official plan update

Ending exclusionary zoning to allow for gentle density in our neighbourhoods is critical to filling the lack of “missing middle” supply for family-sized households.

While Minister Clark states that some municipalities (such as Toronto and Mississauga) were not ready, KWAR is optimistic that the Region of Waterloo (ROW) will take a more progressive view toward increasing density.  On the development side, the Waterloo region has been exceeding density targets set by the province. At KWAR’s recently held Where Do We Grow From Here Symposium we learned from the ROW’s Commissioner, Rod Regier the Region is proposing policies for the ROW official plan that would see a tiered approach to missing middle housing by allowing 4 units and up to 4 storeys, as-of-right, on all land currently zoned residential and on any new greenfield land (residential); and allow a range of 8 to 12 storeys, along specific corridors, such as the ION corridor.

KWAR encourages the Region of Waterloo to stay the course on its bold proposals for its Regional Official Plan and create ways to bring a broad range of housing options to our community.

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market Chart

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.