A Detailed Look at Prices, Sales, Inventory, and What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

The Niagara real estate market continued its gradual transition toward stability in February 2026. While the rapid shifts seen during the pandemic years are now well behind us, the market remains active and dynamic as both buyers and sellers adapt to a more balanced environment.

February’s data tells a clear story: inventory levels remain elevated compared to previous years, buyers are more selective, and pricing has continued to adjust modestly as supply and demand move toward equilibrium. At the same time, buyer activity increased from January, suggesting that confidence is slowly returning as the market heads toward the traditionally busier spring season.

For buyers, the current market conditions offer greater choice and negotiating power compared to recent years. For sellers, success increasingly depends on accurate pricing, proper marketing, and presenting homes in the best possible condition.

In this February 2026 Niagara housing market update, we’ll break down the key statistics, analyze what they mean for buyers and sellers, and look ahead to what the next few months may bring.

Niagara Real Estate Market Snapshot – February 2026

The following statistics summarize the key trends in the Niagara real estate market during February 2026:

New Listings: 938
Year-over-Year Change: ▼ 16.8%
Month-over-Month Change: ▼ 4.3%

Number of Sales: 378
Year-over-Year Change: ▼ 6.7%
Month-over-Month Change: ▲ 16.0%

Benchmark Price (HPI): $571,800
Year-over-Year Change: ▼ 7.6%
Month-over-Month Change: ▼ 0.4%

Average Days on Market: 54 days
Year-over-Year Change: ▼ 27.0%
Month-over-Month Change: ▼ 19.4%

The most important takeaway from February’s numbers is that buyer activity increased compared to January, even though the overall market still leans slightly toward buyers due to higher inventory levels.

This means the market is not slowing down dramatically — instead, it is adjusting toward a healthier balance between supply and demand.

Inventory Trends: Why Supply Still Matters

One of the most significant factors influencing the Niagara housing market in 2026 continues to be inventory.

During the pandemic years, extremely low inventory levels created intense competition among buyers. Homes were often selling within days, sometimes with multiple offers well above asking price.

Today’s market looks very different.

Although new listings decreased slightly in February compared to January, inventory remains elevated relative to recent years. This increase in supply has allowed buyers to take more time evaluating properties and negotiating terms.

The relationship between new listings and sales in February illustrates this dynamic clearly:

Listings: 938
Sales: 378

This means that not every home coming to market is being absorbed immediately by buyers. Instead, buyers now have the ability to compare options and negotiate more effectively.

However, it is important to note that higher inventory does not mean homes are not selling. Homes that are priced realistically and presented well are still attracting strong interest.

In fact, February’s data suggests that properly priced homes are continuing to move relatively quickly, especially in desirable neighbourhoods and price ranges.

Sales Activity: Buyer Confidence Is Gradually Returning

Sales activity in February increased noticeably compared to January.

The number of homes sold rose from 326 in January to 378 in February, representing a 16 percent month-over-month increase.

This increase suggests that buyers who were waiting during the holiday period or early winter are beginning to re-enter the market.

Several factors are likely contributing to this shift:

• Buyers adjusting to the current interest rate environment
• Increased selection due to higher inventory
• Anticipation of the upcoming spring market
• Improved negotiating opportunities compared to previous years

While sales are still slightly lower compared to February of last year, the increase from January indicates that demand has not disappeared. Instead, buyers are simply moving at a more deliberate pace.

The Niagara market is now characterized by thoughtful purchasing decisions rather than urgency, which is typical of a balanced market environment.

Days on Market: Homes Are Selling Faster Than Earlier in the Winter

Another notable trend in February was the decline in the average number of days homes spend on the market.

Average days on market dropped from 67 days in January to 54 days in February, representing a significant improvement in market pace.

This suggests that buyers who are actively searching are moving forward when they find the right property.

However, it also reinforces an important reality of today’s market: homes must be priced correctly to attract buyers.

Overpriced properties are often remaining on the market longer, while homes priced strategically continue to sell within a reasonable timeframe.

For sellers, this makes proper pricing more important than ever.

Niagara Home Price Trends

The Niagara benchmark home price reached $571,800 in February 2026, representing a 7.6 percent decrease compared to February 2025.

Month-over-month, prices declined only slightly — down 0.4 percent compared to January.

This relatively small monthly adjustment suggests that the market is moving toward price stability rather than continuing to decline sharply.

In other words, prices appear to be finding their equilibrium after the corrections that occurred following the peak market conditions of 2021 and early 2022.

Price changes can vary significantly depending on the type of property. Some segments of the market have been more resilient than others.

For example, detached homes and entry-level properties continue to attract strong buyer interest, while higher-priced homes or properties requiring significant updates may take longer to sell.

Niagara Housing Market by Property Type

The Niagara Home Price Index provides a more detailed look at how different types of homes are performing in the market.

Composite Benchmark Price: $571,800
Monthly Change: ▼ 0.4%
Yearly Change: ▼ 7.6%

Detached Homes: $597,700
Monthly Change: ▼ 0.4%
Yearly Change: ▼ 7.2%

One-Storey Homes: $572,100
Monthly Change: 0.0%
Yearly Change: ▼ 8.0%

Two-Storey Homes: $623,200
Monthly Change: ▼ 0.7%
Yearly Change: ▼ 6.4%

Townhouses: $511,700
Monthly Change: ▲ 0.1%
Yearly Change: ▼ 10.4%

Apartments / Condos: $362,900
Monthly Change: ▼ 2.2%
Yearly Change: ▼ 13.0%

These numbers highlight an important trend: entry-level housing segments continue to experience stronger demand, while condos and townhouses have seen more significant price adjustments.

This pattern is typical in markets where affordability remains a major factor for buyers.

Niagara Real Estate Market by Municipality

Real estate trends can vary significantly between communities within the Niagara region. Below is a breakdown of key statistics for several local markets.

Fort Erie

New Listings: 99
Sales: 39
Average Days on Market: 66
Benchmark Price: $497,800

Fort Erie remains one of the more affordable communities in Niagara, though buyers are negotiating more actively and homes are taking longer to sell compared to previous years.

Niagara Falls

New Listings: 171
Sales: 62
Average Days on Market: 42
Benchmark Price: $566,000

Niagara Falls continues to be one of the region’s most active markets due to strong investor interest, tourism demand, and its relatively affordable housing compared to larger cities.

St. Catharines

New Listings: 218
Sales: 105
Average Days on Market: 38
Benchmark Price: $525,000

St. Catharines remains the largest real estate market in the region, offering a mix of housing options that attract both local buyers and those relocating from larger urban areas.

Welland

New Listings: 126
Sales: 42
Average Days on Market: 60
Benchmark Price: $490,300

Welland continues to attract buyers seeking affordability within commuting distance of larger cities.

Thorold

New Listings: 68
Sales: 34
Average Days on Market: 46
Benchmark Price: $575,700

Thorold’s proximity to both Niagara Falls and St. Catharines makes it an increasingly popular location for buyers seeking newer homes and developing communities.

What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, the current Niagara housing market offers several advantages that were not present during the pandemic-era market.

First, increased inventory provides more options to choose from. Buyers are no longer forced to make rushed decisions or compete in aggressive bidding wars as frequently as before.

Second, buyers now have greater negotiating power. It is becoming more common to see conditions such as home inspections and financing included in offers again.

Finally, price stability means buyers can make purchasing decisions with greater confidence, without worrying about rapid price increases.

That said, well-priced homes in desirable neighbourhoods can still attract multiple buyers, so preparation and strong financing remain important.

What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, success in today’s Niagara real estate market requires a strategic approach.

The most important factor remains pricing the property correctly from the start. Overpricing can result in longer days on market and fewer showings.

Presentation also plays a critical role. Homes that are clean, well-staged, and professionally marketed tend to perform better in the current environment.

Sellers should also recognize that negotiations are now more common. Buyers expect some flexibility, and working with an experienced real estate professional can make a significant difference when navigating offers.

Despite the shift toward balance, homes are still selling. The key is understanding how today’s buyers are making decisions.

Niagara Real Estate Market Outlook – Spring 2026

Looking ahead, the Niagara housing market is expected to gradually become more active as the spring season approaches.

Spring is traditionally the busiest time of year for real estate, and this year is unlikely to be an exception.

Several trends will likely shape the market over the next few months:

Inventory will continue to increase as more sellers enter the market.
Buyer activity should rise as warmer weather and improved confidence encourage more purchases.
Prices are expected to remain relatively stable with minor fluctuations depending on property type and location.

Overall, the Niagara real estate market appears to be moving toward a balanced and sustainable environment, which is healthy for both buyers and sellers.

Final Thoughts

The February 2026 Niagara real estate market reflects a market that is stabilizing after several years of dramatic changes.

Inventory remains elevated, giving buyers more options and negotiating power. At the same time, sales activity increased from January, indicating that buyers are still actively participating in the market.

Prices have adjusted modestly but appear to be finding stability, suggesting the market is transitioning into a more predictable phase.

For buyers and sellers alike, the key to success in today’s market is understanding these evolving conditions and making informed decisions.