Brantford Real Estate Market Update – February 2025
The Brantford real estate market is rolling into 2025 with some interesting trends. January was predictably slow—blame the winter weather and cautious buyers—but there are signs of momentum picking up as we move closer to spring. With interest rates stabilizing and more buyers testing the waters, the next few months will be crucial in determining where the market is headed.
Matt’s Stats
- Median Sale Price (January 2025): $613,000
- Total Homes Sold: 66
- New Listings: 169
- Total Homes for Sale: 169
- Months of Supply: 2.4 months
- Average Days on Market: 43 days
Home Prices: Holding Steady with Potential Growth
Despite a quiet start to the year, Brantford’s home prices remain stable. Buyers are adjusting to new borrowing conditions, and while affordability is still a challenge, there are fewer dramatic price swings. Mortgage rates are expected to decline slightly in 2025, which could help unlock demand in the coming months.
Breakdown by Property Type:
- Detached Homes: $613,000
- Townhomes: $574,750
- Condos: $339,400
Higher-end homes ($900K+) continue to sit longer on the market, while demand remains strongest for properties priced between $500K-$800K.
Buyer Activity: A Quiet January, but No Cause for Panic
January is never a blockbuster month for real estate, and this year was no different. A mix of winter slowdowns, economic uncertainty, and global distractions kept buyers cautious. However, similar to previous years, activity is expected to pick up heading into February and March.
Who’s Buying?
- First-time buyers remain active in the $500K-$700K range.
- Move-up buyers are strategically waiting for spring listings.
- High-end properties are moving more slowly, relying on out-of-town buyers.
With more mortgage rate cuts anticipated, expect demand to rise as affordability improves slightly.
Listings & Inventory: More Choices, but Many Re-Listings
New listings surged in January (169) up 86% from December, but nearly 40% were re-listings—homes that didn’t sell at the end of 2024. This means fresh supply isn’t as high as it appears.
Key Trends:
- More sellers are pricing competitively to attract buyers.
- Homes under $500K are scarce, keeping demand high in this segment.
- Higher-priced listings ($900K+) are seeing slower movement.
Spring will be the real test: if demand picks up, we could see a tightening of inventory again.
Market Speed & What’s Moving
Offers & Sale Prices
Sellers who price their homes competitively are seeing multiple offers, especially in the mid-range market ($500K-$800K). However, bidding wars are less frequent than in past years, and buyers are negotiating more aggressively.
- The average sale-to-list price ratio stands at 98.5%, meaning most homes are selling close to asking price.
- Detached homes and townhomes under $750K are seeing stronger demand and occasional bidding wars.
- High-end homes ($900K+) often require price reductions or incentives to attract buyers.
Market Speed Metrics
- 42% of homes sold in under 30 days
- 47% sold in 30-90 days
- 11% remained on the market for over 90 days
These figures indicate that well-priced homes are moving efficiently, while higher-end properties or those requiring updates may take longer to sell.
Months of Supply Breakdown
At 2.4 months, supply levels remain relatively balanced. Compared to December 2024, inventory has inched upward slightly, giving buyers more negotiating power. However, it’s still significantly lower than the peak inventory levels seen in mid-2023, suggesting a moderate seller’s market in most price ranges.
While the market isn’t on fire, well-priced homes are still selling efficiently. Here’s how things break down:
- Fastest-moving properties: Well-maintained detached homes under $750K.
- Slower-moving properties: High-end homes ($1M+) and unique properties requiring specialized buyers.
- Average time to sell: 43 days
If inventory levels keep rising, expect buyers to take their time. But if demand surges in the spring, well-priced homes could see multiple offers again.
What’s Next for Brantford’s Real Estate Market?
Key Takeaways
- Home Prices: Up 3% year-over-year, showing stability despite economic uncertainty.
- Sales Volume: Slight decline compared to last year, but expected to rebound in spring.
- Mortgage Rates: Anticipated rate cuts could stimulate buyer activity.
- Inventory Levels: Growing supply means buyers may have more negotiating power.
Brantford’s market remains balanced, with potential for increased activity as we head into the warmer months.
Year-Over-Year Comparison
Compared to February 2024, home prices are up approximately 3%, while total home sales have declined slightly. This signals that while demand remains steady, some buyers are still cautious, waiting for further rate cuts or increased affordability.
Mortgage Rate Implications
With mortgage rates expected to drop slightly in 2025, market activity could accelerate by spring. Lower borrowing costs typically encourage more buyers to enter the market, which may lead to increased competition and, ultimately, modest price growth by mid-year.
The big question is whether 2025 will see a return to stronger sales activity. Key factors to watch:
- Mortgage Rates: Expected to decline slightly, making homeownership more accessible.
- Spring Listings: If new inventory floods the market, buyers will have more choices and negotiating power.
- Economic Confidence: If job stability improves, buyers may feel more comfortable making a move.
Right now, Brantford’s real estate market is balanced. Buyers have negotiating power, but well-priced homes are still selling at a steady pace.
Thinking About Buying or Selling? Let’s Chat!
If you’re considering making a move in 2025, now is the time to start planning. Whether you’re selling your current home or looking to buy, let’s talk strategy to get you the best deal.
