The Ballas Bugle

ISSUE NO.16 | May 2026

Happy May, Team Ballas family.

May has arrived with a noticeable shift in both the weather and the real estate market. Inventory is increasing, buyers are becoming more active, and conversations around new construction and HST relief continue gaining momentum across Ontario.

In this month’s Ballas Bugle, we’re sharing the latest market insights, updates on interest rates, highlights from the world of new construction, and a look at what we’re seeing locally as the spring market continues taking shape.

Inside this month’s Bugle you’ll find:

• The Ballas Broadcast

• Market Report | Sold Summary

• Events In and Around Quinte West

• A Variety of Seasonal Opportunities in Prince Edward County

• Love Letters from Clients

Thank you for reading, and as always, we appreciate your continued support.

All the best,

BALLAS BROADCAST

New construction is changing quickly, and buyers are paying attention.

This month, Jason and Rochelle visited Kingston to tour model homes, connect with builders, and explore new opportunities surrounding the recently announced HST relief program for qualifying new construction purchases.

One of the biggest takeaways?
New construction is becoming far more attainable than it has been in years.

As builders adapt to the new incentives, we are already seeing:

• Increased builder inventory

• More competitive pricing

• Greater flexibility for buyers

• New opportunities for Military families and first-time buyers alike

We recently helped a Military buyer secure a great new construction opportunity through one of these builder relationships, a reminder that understanding available incentives and timing can make a major difference in today’s market.

What buyers should know right now:

• Up to 13% HST relief on qualifying new homes

• Applies to homes priced up to $1 million

• Potential rebate of up to $130,000

• Available for:

  • Primary residences

  • Purpose-built rental properties

• Not limited to first-time buyers

Key timelines:

• Agreement must be signed before March 31, 2027

• Construction must:

  • Start by December 31, 2028

  • Be completed by December 31, 2031

Builders across Ontario are reacting quickly, and we expect new construction inventory and opportunities to continue growing throughout the year.

👇 Watch this month’s Ballas Broadcast below. 👇

MARKET REPORT: SOLD SUMMARY

Market Report | Sold Summary

April gave us one of the clearest pictures yet of what the spring market may look like moving forward. Inventory levels continued climbing across most regions, while sales activity also increased significantly in many local markets.

What we’re seeing right now:

• Active listings up approximately 20% across most local markets

• Belleville inventory rose 28% month over month

• Prince Edward County sales increased by 112%

• Quinte West, Belleville, and Stirling moving closer toward balanced market conditions

• Increased buyer choice compared to earlier this year

• Average sale prices showing modest month-over-month increases

• Continued strength in investment and multifamily opportunities

• Brighton inventory rising due in part to significant new construction activity

While economic uncertainty and interest rate conversations remain part of the picture, overall activity levels continue trending positively as we move further into the spring market.

👉 The biggest shift right now is increased choice for buyers while sales activity continues improving at the same time.

LOCAL EVENTS

May continues with a great mix of local markets, live music, community events, and outdoor activities across Quinte West and the surrounding area. With warmer weather finally arriving, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy what’s happening locally.

A few highlights this month include:

• Quinte West Spring Scavenger Hunt running throughout mid-May

• Front Street Farmers’ Market and Belleville Farmers Market returning weekly with local vendors and fresh produce

• Frankford Riverfest on May 16 featuring live entertainment and community activities

• 242nd Annual Mohawk Landing on May 24 celebrating local Indigenous history and culture

• Ongoing live music, open mic nights, and Vinyl Listening Parties happening throughout the month

Whether you’re looking for a family outing, local entertainment, or a relaxed weekend activity, there’s always something happening nearby this spring.

👇 View the full Bay of Quinte events calendar here. 👇

STANDOUT SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES

LOVE LETTER FROM CLIENTS

It warms our hearts to hear your stories!
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