If you only read the headlines, you would think real estate stopped. It did not. The market changed, but people still move because life still happens. This December 2025 GTA market update uses TRREB stats to explain what is happening and why people are still moving.

In 2025, there were 62,433 sales across the GTA through TRREB. That number matters because it cuts through the noise. People bought and sold homes for personal reasons, even in a slower market.

Life does not stop. Real estate values change, but people still need somewhere to live. Some people decide to own. Some decide to rent. The right choice depends on lifestyle, family needs, and timing.

So the real question is not whether the market is good or bad. The real question is why you are moving right now.

People move because they need more space. People downsize when the home feels like too much. Jobs change. Families change. Divorce and death happen. Health changes. The reasons are endless, and they matter more than headlines.

Below is the December 2025 GTA market update snapshot across the GTA (TRREB).
• Sales 3,697, down 8.9 percent year over year
• Active listings 17,005, up from 14,476 last year
• Average price 1,006,735, down 5.1 percent year over year
• HPI down 6.3 percent year over year

These are GTA wide TRREB numbers. Local conditions vary by neighbourhood, property type, and price range. In Oakville and Mississauga, I am seeing the same overall themes, with buyers more selective and sellers needing sharper strategy to get strong results. Read my Oakville real estate guide and my Mississauga real estate guide.

What this means if you are selling
This is a market that rewards precision. Pricing has to reflect current competition, not the peak years. Presentation matters more because buyers have more options. Launch strategy matters because a soft launch often creates a stale listing effect. If you are thinking about selling, read my selling process.

If you are thinking about selling, the winning formula is still the same, but it matters more now. Price it correctly based on today’s competition, make it show well, and launch it properly. Homes that miss the mark tend to sit and invite stronger negotiation.

What this means if you are buying
Cash flow matters more now than it did in the peak years. Even with some rate relief, uncertainty still exists. The smartest buyers leave themselves breathing room. They avoid maximizing their debt load and keep a savings cushion. If you are thinking about buying, read my buying process.

At the same time, compared to 2022, there can be better buying opportunities. You will never time the exact top or bottom. Real estate is not a stock trade. It should be viewed with a longer lens.

My advice if you are making a move in 2026
Start with the why, then build the plan around it. If the move improves your living situation and your finances can handle it comfortably, then the market does not have to be perfect for it to be a good decision.

If you want, I can look at your specific situation and give you a straight answer on price, timing, and options.