Central Lakes Housing Market Gains Momentum as Buyers Return in September 2025

The Central Lakes housing market in September 2025 showed renewed momentum and a notable shift toward balance, following a period of cooling earlier in the year. According to the latest data from the Central Lakes Association of Realtors® (CLAR), nearly every regional market within Central Lakes saw stronger sales activity, supported by an increase in available listings and the recent September interest rate cut. While regional trends aligned in some key areas, such as sales volume and buyer choice, there were differences in price performance and market speed, suggesting a diversity of market conditions across the Central Lakes area.

Source: CLAR

Broad Market Patterns

Across all six Central Lakes regions (Durham, Hastings, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Peterborough, and Prince Edward County), the most consistent trend was a rebound in sales activity. Year-over-year transactions rose in every market, in some cases by double digits. The uptick in listings provided greater choice for buyers, helping to sustain this increase in transactions without creating excessive price pressure.

At the same time, most regions recorded month-over-month price gains compared to August, reflecting a mild recovery in values. 

Diverging Regional Price Trends

Although short-term trends were broadly positive, only two regions, Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough, recorded year-over-year price appreciation, up 4.5% and 2.5%, respectively. The remaining regions saw modest declines ranging from roughly half a percent to just under 2%.

These differences highlight the varying pace of recovery across the Central Lakes area. Kawartha Lakes benefited from sustained rural demand and limited supply in lakefront and recreational segments, while Peterborough’s gains reflected strong local employment and relative affordability compared to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In contrast, Durham’s minor annual decline reflected its higher base price and greater sensitivity to earlier interest rate hikes, despite remaining the region’s most expensive market overall.

Market Speed and Buyer Conditions

Days on market (DOM) data revealed that the Central Lakes area is far from uniform in how quickly homes sell. Durham maintained the fastest pace, with listings averaging under a month to sell, while Prince Edward County remained the slowest, at roughly ten weeks. The remaining regions clustered in the mid-range, averaging about six to seven weeks.

Interestingly, the increase in available listings did not universally translate to slower turnover. In some areas, such as Hastings, homes continued to sell at nearly the same pace as last year, suggesting a healthy balance between new supply and active demand. In others, such as Kawartha Lakes, rising inventory lengthened DOM more noticeably, reflecting a normalization from previously constrained conditions.

Regional Highlights

Durham Region continued to anchor the market, leading both in transaction volume and average price. While year-over-year pricing dipped slightly, the region saw strong month-over-month improvement, supported by expanded inventory and renewed buyer activity. Within Durham, Uxbridge remained the highest-priced sub-market, while Brock and Oshawa represented more accessible entry points.

Hastings Region showed resilience, with sales rising and prices remaining relatively stable. Despite a mild annual decline, the area’s near-steady days on market suggested that the rise in listings did not overwhelm buyer demand.

Kawartha Lakes posted the strongest annual price growth in the Central Lakes area, fueled by sustained buyer interest in recreational and hybrid-use properties. Increased listings did extend time on market somewhat, but activity levels remained high.

Peterborough Region also advanced, posting moderate price gains and healthy sales volume. The region benefited from strong mid-market performance and relatively quick turnover, indicating continued buyer engagement across property types.

Northumberland Region remained steady, with a modest price adjustment offset by solid sales and manageable listing levels. Variability among municipalities, such as higher prices in Cramahe and Brighton, showed that localized demand remains a defining feature of the region.

Prince Edward County stood out for its significant year-over-year sales growth, nearly doubling the prior year’s volume. Despite this surge, average prices slipped slightly, and homes continued to take the longest to sell, reflecting a market still rebalancing after pandemic-era volatility.

Market Position and Forward Indicators

The anticipated Darlington Nuclear Project is projected to deliver long-term employment growth and population inflows, particularly benefiting Durham and surrounding municipalities. Combined with ongoing demand for attainable housing outside major urban cores, this could sustain balanced conditions into early 2026.

The Central Lakes real estate market in September 2025 was stronger than earlier in the year. While price trajectories varied by region, the combination of greater buyer choice, stronger sales momentum, and reduced borrowing costs suggests a potential return to stability. Most markets are operating in a balanced range, with select regions showing renewed price growth.