The Quinte Real Estate Market Has Changed: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
We filmed a great World Cup-themed video for you this month, from which the GIF above was created. Watch it here!
Happy July from Team Ballas.
So far, July has been a hot one, not only in terms of temperature but also for real estate. Despite summer traditionally being a slower month, we have continued seeing steady sales after a delayed spring market. Some of the highlights this month include the successful sale of several Team Ballas listings, along with continued opportunities for buyers searching for value-packed housing. Inventory remains high, and so do the options for buyers.
Canada Day brought plenty of excitement to our communities. While Trenton's fireworks were postponed due to the weather, Belleville's celebration went ahead as planned, with Zwick's Park buzzing with activity. Rochelle and I watched the fireworks from the Bay Bridge, giving us a bird's-eye view of the evening. Trenton's fireworks were rescheduled for July 2, and it has been great seeing people out enjoying everything summer has to offer.
Prince Edward County is now in full tourist mode, welcoming visitors from across Canada and beyond. If you're planning a trip to The County this summer, make sure to book your dinner reservations well in advance. Between the wineries, beaches, restaurants and the concert lineup at Base31, there's no shortage of reasons to spend a day exploring.
The Market Has Changed
For the past several years, buyers had very little leverage. Homes sold quickly, many attracted multiple offers, and it wasn't uncommon to see inspections waived or investors outbidding families trying to buy a home.
Today, the story is different. Inventory has increased, buyers have regained negotiating power, and pricing has become more important than ever.
For buyers, today's market offers opportunities that simply didn't exist a few years ago.
For sellers, pricing correctly from day one continues to be the key to success.
The market hasn't stopped. It has simply changed, and understanding that change is helping both buyers and sellers make better decisions.
Interest Rate Talk
The last Bank of Canada rate announcement took place on June 10, 2026, with no changes made to the Bank's key policy rate. This marks a fifth consecutive hold as the Bank continues balancing inflationary pressures with slower economic activity.
The next scheduled announcement is July 15, 2026. While economic conditions continue to evolve, the current lending environment has remained relatively stable over the past several months.
New Construction Update
Another exciting development this month is that legislation surrounding the government's HST relief program for qualifying new construction has officially passed. Builders are currently awaiting the updated forms needed to finalize the process.
We recently helped another military buyer purchase a newly built home, taking advantage of today's pricing while incorporating a two-bedroom accessory apartment with a separate entrance into the basement. The plan is to live upstairs while generating approximately $2,400 per month in rental income from the lower level.
It was a great experience helping select all of the interior and exterior finishes, creating a beautiful home while taking advantage of one of today's strongest opportunities in the new construction market. If you're considering a move or would like to see what's available, browse our current listings.
Summer Around the Bay of Quinte
On a personal note, Rochelle and I have a short-term waterfront rental becoming available later this month. This private bachelor suite features a queen bed, living area, kitchenette, private patio, water views, and access to the Bay of Quinte waterfront. If you or someone you know may be interested, please feel free to reach out.
Summer is one of our favourite times of year across the Quinte region. Whether you're spending the day on the water, exploring Prince Edward County, enjoying one of our local festivals, or catching a show at Base31, we hope you have the opportunity to enjoy everything our communities have to offer.
Market Trends & Statistics
Click on the image above to see it in more detail.
Positive numbers continued throughout the month of June in terms of both monthly sales and months of inventory. As a reminder, months of inventory show whether a market is a buyer's market, a seller's market, or a balanced market. While inventory remains high in most areas, three of the five markets we regularly discuss are now showing balanced market conditions in terms of sales versus inventory.
Regional Snapshot
- Belleville
90 properties sold in June, up from 81 in May, with the average sale price increasing to approximately $532,000 for the year. - Brighton
Average sale price jumped from $605,000 to $810,000, a significant 34% increase. Waterfront properties, rural homes and new construction continue attracting GTA buyers. This could explain the increase, but let's watch for a trend over the coming months. - Prince Edward County
The County remains a slower-moving market, but the numbers continue improving. Months of inventory are trending down, the sales-to-listing ratio improved by 18%, and sales increased to 47 properties despite approximately 340 active listings. - Quinte West
Still the constant workhorse of our region. June finished with 85 sales, only 3.56 months of inventory, and an average sale price holding steady around $560,000. - Stirling-Rawdon
Another balanced month with 9 sales from 36 active listings. Average sale prices softened slightly, but nothing alarming given the size of the local market.
One Final Observation
The local market, and the market in general across Ontario, has become extremely sensitive to pricing. Even pricing a home 5% above market value can result in it sitting on the market. With active inventory sitting at its highest level of the year, simply being in a good neighbourhood or offering updated finishes is no longer enough. Buyers have options, and they're responding to homes that represent value.
Sellers have been in control of the housing market since 2020. That has changed.
Looking at the last 90 days:
- Only 37% of listings sold compared to the number brought to market.
- That represents a 23% improvement over the previous 90-day period.
- June alone improved to 44% of listings selling.
- Homes that sold still achieved approximately 97% of their asking price.
The takeaway? Buyers have more opportunities than they've had in years, while sellers who price their homes correctly continue achieving excellent results.
As always, thank you for being part of the Team Ballas family.
Enjoy everything summer has to offer throughout the Bay of Quinte, from our waterfronts and beaches to local restaurants, wineries, festivals, and community events. If you're looking for recommendations on where to eat or places to explore, we'd be happy to share a few of our favourites.
See you in August.
