What to Expect from the Spring Real Estate Market
March has arrived, which means spring is just around the corner. This time of year brings a mix of global celebrations, seasonal milestones, and a renewed sense of momentum as we transition from winter into the busy spring season.
March Real Estate Highlights from Team Ballas
Happy March, Team Ballas family.
March includes several notable dates such as International Women’s Day on March 8, St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, and the International Day of Happiness on March 20. The Spring Equinox also arrives in the third week of March, marking the moment when day and night are nearly equal across the globe.
Here locally, the end of the month will bring a great opportunity for both buyers and sellers. On March 28 and 29, Royal LePage will host its March Madness Open House Weekend, where brokerages across the region will showcase their newest listings. This event offers sellers excellent exposure while giving buyers the chance to explore what the spring market has to offer.
Mortgage Rate Announcement
Another mortgage rate announcement is scheduled for March 18.
At Team Ballas, our expectation is that rates will likely remain unchanged, reinforcing stability within the real estate market. Stability is an important factor for both buyers and sellers, helping everyone plan their next steps with more confidence.
Insights for the Months Ahead
March is a pivotal month for Ontario real estate. It marks the beginning of the spring market, the seasonal shift forward in time, and the first official day of spring on March 20.
Heading into 2026, Ontario is expected to experience a more buyer-friendly market, with increased inventory and potential price adjustments. In this environment, working with an experienced real estate team to receive value-driven advice becomes even more important.
Here are a few key topics we’re discussing with our clients right now.
1. Is Now the Right Time to Buy?
With inventory increasing, buyers are gaining more choice and stronger negotiating leverage. For many buyers, this creates opportunities that may not have existed over the past few years.
2. Reviewing the First Quarter Market Update
As we approach the end of March, we’ll soon have a clearer picture of how the first three months of 2026 compare with the same period last year. This data helps us better understand emerging trends and market direction.
3. Rent vs. Buy Comparisons
Rental supply has been increasing in many areas. This makes it an ideal time to compare the long-term costs of renting versus buying, particularly with mortgage rates currently lower than recent peaks.
4. Mortgage Renewal Check-Ins
Many homeowners who secured historically low mortgage rates during the pandemic are approaching renewal periods. Exploring options six months in advance can often create more flexibility and better financial outcomes.
5. Preparing Your Home for the Spring Market
For homeowners considering selling this year, spring is the ideal time to begin preparing. Decluttering, improving curb appeal, and making small strategic upgrades can significantly increase a home’s appeal.
At Team Ballas, we love renovations and are always happy to help homeowners with ideas to get their property market ready.
Market Trends and Statistics
As usual, Team Ballas includes a market statistics chart for the areas we closely follow. This month’s data focuses on February market activity.
Click on the image above to view in more detail.
February showed a modest month-over-month increase in sales, with Belleville leading the way with a 30% increase compared to January.
Across the markets we track, active listings increased between 10% and 20%, signalling that inventory is beginning to grow as we move toward the spring market.
Overall, February still reflected a buyer’s market based on months of inventory, although Belleville is trending closer to a balanced market thanks to stronger sales activity.
While statistics tell part of the story, the overall feeling in the market is becoming noticeably more optimistic.
Buyers are beginning to get the “itch” to purchase again. We’re seeing more inquiries on listings, more activity during showings, and even competing offers on well-priced properties.
At Team Ballas, we’ve had a busy start to the month with six accepted offers, three of which have already gone firm.
We have also started to see an increase in power-of-sale listings. These properties are coming to market as some homeowners face mortgage renewals after periods of higher leverage.
Looking ahead, warmer weather, longer days, and melting snow are all perfect ingredients for renewed excitement in the real estate market.
Spring is almost here.
