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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/housing-sales-pick-up-in-september.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/housing-sales-pick-up-in-september.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>Housing Sales Pick Up In September</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
London, ON – In September, 561 homes changed hands via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR), up 5.3 compared to September 2025 and up from the previous month, which recorded 526 sales. “The average sales price saw a jump to $611,509, from $590,550 recorded in August,” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “Notably, London South and London North experienced the biggest gains in average sales price, month over month. In London South, the September average sales price was $608,872, up from the August average sales price of $567,783. In London North, the September average sales price was $704,858, up from the previous month, which was $668,345.” The September sales-to-new listings ratio was 34.7, down from August, which came in at 37.5. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a ratio between 45 and 65 indicates conditions of a balanced market. “The marketplace continued to show signs of a buyers’ market,” Tiller said. “With interest rates holding steady and 5.9 months of inventory, it may be an opportune time for those looking to enter the market. Your local REALTOR® is the best resource to help you navigate through the marketplace with real-time data and professional expertise.” The table below displays September’s average prices and MLS® HPI Benchmark Prices in LSTAR's main regions.  






Area


MLS® Benchmark Price


Average Price




Central Elgin


$ 623,100


$ 748,264




London


N/A


$591,927




London East


$ 432,300


$ 456,814




London North


$ 613,000


$ 704,858




London South


$ 550,400


$ 608,872




Middlesex Centre


$ 756,300


$ 850,213




St. Thomas


$ 496,800


$ 544,865




Strathroy-Caradoc


$ 729,500


$ 669,705




LSTAR


$ 552,500


$ 611,509






 The HPI benchmark price reflectsthe value of a “typical home” as assigned by buyers in a certain area based on various housing attributes, while the average sales price is calculated by adding all the sale prices for homes sold and dividing that total by the number of homes sold. The HPI benchmark price is helpful to gauge trends over time since averages may fluctuate by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next. The following table displays September’s benchmark prices for all housing types within LSTAR's jurisdiction and shows how they compare with those recorded in the previous month and three months ago. 






MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Prices




Benchmark Type


September 2026


Change Over August 2026


Change Over June 2026




LSTAR Composite


$552,500


-0.2


-1.5




LSTAR Single-Family


$600,700


-0.2


-2.1




LSTAR One Storey


$541,300


0.2


-1.3




LSTAR Two Storey


$648,100


-0.5


-2.7




LSTAR Townhouse


$421,500


-2.1


-2.6




LSTAR Appartment


$317,100


0.4


-2.2






 The table below shows the most recent HPI benchmark prices across the country, courtesy of CREA.   According to a 2025 study  by Altus Group, the average housing transaction in Ontario generated approximately $124,200 in spin-off spending per transaction, between 2022 to 2024. These include such expenses as legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses. “That means the home sales in September potentially generated more than $69 million into the local economy,” Tiller said. “We cannot stress how important the business of real estate is as an economic engine to the region, and we’ll continue to advocate for policy solutions that create paths to home ownership for more and more Canadians.” Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 117,610 jobs annually in Ontario from 2022 to 2024. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, finance, and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:49:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/housing-inventory-hits-new-high-in-august.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/housing-inventory-hits-new-high-in-august.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>Housing Inventory Hits New High In August</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In August, 526 homes changed hands via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR), and inventory reached a new peak, with 6.3 months of inventory recorded.


“Historically, we have seen slower sales activity in the summer, but the August numbers are on par with activity over the past four years,” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “The August sales-to-new listings ratio was 37.5, down from July, which came in at 44.5. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a ratio between 45 and 65 indicates conditions of a balanced market. The activity in August showed signs of a buyers’ market.”


This was evident with average sales price, which was $590,550. This represents the average price across all LSTAR regions. Notably, two areas showed increases in average sales price, month over month. In London East, the August average sales price was $489,735, up from the July average sales price of $456,416. In St. Thomas, the August average sales price was $557,485, up from the previous month, which was $500,819.


“We know that housing affordability will be one of the top issues in the 2026 municipal elections,” Tiller said. “Brand new research from the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) finds people across the province want candidates to prioritize solving the housing affordability crisis. The research also showed support for policies that speed up the delivery of new housing, including streamlining development approvals and making more housing options available, which ultimately impact affordability.”


Check out the full survey report, conducted by Abacus Data, which OREA released on Sept. 1, 2026.


The table below displays August’s average prices and MLS® HPI Benchmark Prices in LSTAR's main regions.






AREA


AUGUST 2026MLS® HPI BENCHMARK PRICE


AUGUST 2026AVERAGE PRICE




Central Elgin


$629,500


$615,333




London


N/A


$580,525




London East


$431,900


$489,735




London North


$616,900


$668,345




London South


$552,600


$567,783




Middlesex Centre


$757,300


$942,491




St. Thomas


$499,700


$557,485




Strathroy-Caradoc


$717,800


$521,905




LSTAR


$553,500


$590,550






The HPI benchmark price reflects the value of a “typical home” as assigned by buyers in a certain area based on various housing attributes, while the average sales price is calculated by adding all the sale prices for homes sold and dividing that total by the number of homes sold. The HPI benchmark price is helpful to gauge trends over time since averages may fluctuate by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.The following table displays August’s benchmark prices for all housing types within LSTAR's jurisdiction and shows how they compare with those recorded in the previous month and three months ago.








MLS® HOME PRICE INDEX BENCHMARK PRICES






Benchmark Type


August 2026


Change over July 2026


Change over May 2026




LSTAR Composite


$553,500


-0.6


-2.9




LSTAR Single-Family


$601,900


-0.8


-3.5




LSTAR One Storey


$540,100


0.7


-4.2




LSTAR Two Storey


$651,400


-1.8


-3.1




LSTAR Townhouse


$430,400


0.5


-1.9




LSTAR Apartment


$315,900


-4.3


-7.6






The table below shows the most recent HPI benchmark prices across the country, courtesy of CREA. 


According to a 2025 study by Altus Group, the average housing transaction in Ontario generated approximately $124,200 in spin-off spending per transaction, between 2022 to 2024. These include such expenses as legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.


“In August, that translates into generating around $65 million across the region,” Tiller said.


Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 117,610 jobs annually in Ontario from 2022 to 2024. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, finance, and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 10:51:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/july-home-sales-show-signs-of-a-balanced-market.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/july-home-sales-show-signs-of-a-balanced-market.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>July Home Sales Show Signs of a Balanced Market</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In July, 686 homes changed hands via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). Although down 4.9 from July 2025, the sales activity is on par with activity recorded in the past four years.


“The marketplace is starting to see a little more certainty around interest rates, with the Bank of Canada maintaining its policy rate at 2.25 last month, which has remained the same since last October,” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “With historically high inventory, it’s setting the stage for a busier fall market. July saw 4.9 months of inventory, with 3,367 active listings across the LSTAR region.”


The July sales-to-new listings ratio was 44.5, up from June which came in at 41.6.


“According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a ratio between 45 and 65 indicates conditions of a balanced market,” Tiller said. “Average sales price was $603,006, on par with June, which was $606,614.”  


The table below displays July’s average prices and MLS® HPI Benchmark Prices in LSTAR's main regions.











Area







July 2026MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







July 2026Average Price









Central Elgin


$640,200


$645,374




London East


$430,000


$456,416




London North


$621,000


$701,759




London South


$556,300


$607,101




Middlesex Centre


$775,700


$844,452




St. Thomas


$506,500


$500,819




Strathroy-Caradoc


$726,700


$548,041




LSTAR


$557,000


$603,006








The HPI benchmark price reflects the value of a “typical home” as assigned by buyers in a certain area based on various housing attributes, while the average sales price is calculated by adding all the sale prices for homes sold and dividing that total by the number of homes sold. The HPI benchmark price is helpful to gauge trends over time since averages may fluctuate by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.


The following table displays July’s benchmark prices for all housing types within LSTAR's jurisdiction and shows how they compare with those recorded in the previous month and three months ago.











MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Prices








Benchmark Type







July 2026







Change Over June 2026







Change OverApril 2026









LSTAR Composite


$557,000


↓0.7


↓1.8




LSTAR Single-Family


$606,800


↓1.1


↓2.4




LSTAR One Storey


$536,300


↓2.2


↓4.7




LSTAR Two Storey


$663,300


↓0.5


↓0.9




LSTAR Townhouse


$428,400


↓1.0


↓4.6




LSTAR Apartment


$330,000


↑1.8


↑0.5








The chart below shows the most recent HPI benchmark prices across the country, courtesy of CREA. 





According to a 2025 study1 by Altus Group, the average housing transaction in Ontario generated approximately $124,200 in spin-off spending per transaction, between 2022 to 2024. These include such expenses as legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.


“We cannot underestimate how important housing is to the financial well-being of our region,” Tiller said. “With July home sales, we’re talking about generating potentially more than $85 million back into the local economy.”


Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 117,610 jobs annually in Ontario from 2022 to 2024. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, finance, and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:28:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/june-home-sales-remain-steady.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/june-home-sales-remain-steady.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>June Home Sales Remain Steady</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In June, 753 homes changed hands via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). That was up 1.6, compared to June 2025, and on par with June sales over the past four years.


“The June sales-to-new listings ratio was 41.6, on par with May which came in at 42.8,” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a ratio between 45 and 65 indicates conditions of a balanced market. Historically, we’ve seen slower activity during the summer season, but the June data has given us a steady start.”


Average sales price saw some fluctuation last month. It was $606,614, down 6.7 from the same month a year ago. By comparison, the May average sales price was $662,292, while it was $618,665 in April. Inventory remained stable, with 4.6 months of inventory recorded in June.


“With the changing nature of real estate, your local REALTOR® is a great resource if you’re considering buying or selling a home,” Tiller said. “Every home is unique, and they can share their local expertise and help guide you through what’s happening in the marketplace.”    


The table below displays June’s average prices and MLS® HPI Benchmark Prices in LSTAR's main regions.











Area







June 2026MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







June 2026Average Price









Central Elgin


$649,700


$610,187




London East


$433,900


$455,100




London North


$623,600


$700,372




London South


$559,700


$602,313




Middlesex Centre


$782,000


$963,376




St. Thomas


$515,200


$524,184




Strathroy-Caradoc


$725,500


$649,806




LSTAR


$561,100


$606,614








The HPI benchmark price reflects the value of a “typical home” as assigned by buyers in a certain area based on various housing attributes, while the average sales price is calculated by adding all the sale prices for homes sold and dividing that total by the number of homes sold. The HPI benchmark price is helpful to gauge trends over time since averages may fluctuate by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.


The following table displays June’s benchmark prices for all housing types within LSTAR's jurisdiction and shows how they compare with those recorded in the previous month and three months ago.











MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Prices








Benchmark Type







June 2026







Change Over May 2026







Change OverMarch 2026









LSTAR Composite


$561,100


↓1.6


↓0.3




LSTAR Single-Family


$613,800


↓1.6


↓0.6




LSTAR One Storey


$548,600


↓2.7


↓0.8




LSTAR Two Storey


$666,300


↓0.9


↓0.4




LSTAR Townhouse


$432,900


↓1.4


↓4.4




LSTAR Apartment


$324,100


↓5.2


↑0.7








The chart below shows the most recent HPI benchmark prices across the country, courtesy of CREA. 





According to a 2025 study1 by Altus Group, the average housing transaction in Ontario generated approximately $124,200 in spin-off spending per transaction, between 2022 to 2024. These include such expenses as legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.


“That would translate into more than $93 million being generated into the local economy,” Tiller said. “That impacts activity throughout the entire housing continuum.”


Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 117,610 jobs annually in Ontario from 2022 to 2024. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, finance, and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:35:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/home-sales-increase-in-may.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/home-sales-increase-in-may.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>Home Sales Increase in May</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Home sales grew steadily month over month with 776 homes changing hands via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). That was up 8.8, compared to May 2025, and an increase of 138 more units sold over the previous month.


“It’s an encouraging sign, as we head into the summer season,” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “Since the start of the year, we’ve consistently seen month-over-month gains in sales. Activity is right on par with the last five years.”


Average sales price took a healthy jump in May. It was $662,292, up from $618,665 in April. The London region saw noticeable month-over-month gains. In London South, the average sales price was $677,226, up from $626,840 the previous month, as well as London East, with an average price of $476,844, up from $450,793 in April.  


“The sales-to-new listings ratio was 42.8, up from 36 recorded in April,” Tiller said.  “According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a ratio between 45 and 65 indicates conditions of a balanced market. We also saw inventory levels beginning to stabilize in May, with 4.3 months of inventory, down from 4.5 months of inventory compared to the same time in 2025. That’s down from the 5 months of inventory recorded in April.”    


The table below displays May’s average prices and MLS® HPI Benchmark Prices in LSTAR's main regions.











Area







May 2026MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







May 2026Average Price









Central Elgin


$664,100


$670,415




London East


$445,400


$476,844




London North


$633,400


$733,310




London South


$567,800


$677,226




Middlesex Centre


$788,200


$1,115,644




St. Thomas


$524,900


$568,008




Strathroy-Caradoc


$735,900


$600,930




LSTAR


$570,000


$662,292








The HPI benchmark price reflects the value of a “typical home” as assigned by buyers in a certain area based on various housing attributes, while the average sales price is calculated by adding all the sale prices for homes sold and dividing that total by the number of homes sold. The HPI benchmark price is helpful to gauge trends over time since averages may fluctuate by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next. 


The following table displays May’s benchmark prices for all housing types within LSTAR's jurisdiction and shows how they compare with those recorded in the previous month and three months ago.











MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Prices








Benchmark Type







May 2026







Change Over April 2026







Change OverFebruary 2026









LSTAR Composite


$570,000


↑0.5


↑1.5




LSTAR Single-Family


$623,700


↑0.3


↑1.1




LSTAR One Storey


$563,800


↑0.1


↑1.9




LSTAR Two Storey


$672,100


↑0.4


↑0.5




LSTAR Townhouse


$438,900


↓2.3


↓2.6




LSTAR Apartment


$342,000


↑4.1


↑4.4








The chart below shows the most recent HPI benchmark prices across the country, courtesy of CREA. 





According to a 2025 study1 by Altus Group, the average housing transaction in Ontario generated approximately $124,200 in spin-off spending per transaction, between 2022 to 2024. These include such expenses as legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.


“When we look at May, that means potentially generating more than $96 million back into the economy,” Tiller said.


Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 117,610 jobs annually in Ontario from 2022 to 2024. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, finance, and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:18:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/home-sales-remain-steady-in-april.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/home-sales-remain-steady-in-april.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>Home Sales Remain Steady in April</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In April, 638 homes changed hands via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). Although down 6.6 compared to April 2025, that was an increase of 52 more units sold over the previous month.


“Inventory remains at a historically high level, with five months of inventory recorded in April” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “There are plenty of options for prospective buyers, and this is reflected in the sales-to-new listings ratio, which was 36. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a sales-to-new listings ratio below 45 indicates signs of a buyers’ market.”


Average sales price was $618,665 in April, down from the previous month, which was $627,112. Noticeable month over month gains in average sales price happened in St. Thomas, with average price at $584,110, up from $562,191 the previous month, as well as Strathroy-Caradoc, coming in at $656,869, up from $590,848 in March.


“The Bank of Canada held its key interest rate for the fourth consecutive time since December 2025,” Tiller said.  “Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking to downsize, your local REALTOR® can help you navigate through the evolving marketplace.”   


The table below displays April’s average prices and MLS® HPI Benchmark Prices in LSTAR's main regions.











Area







April 2026MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







April 2026Average Price









Central Elgin


$662,900


$701,591




London East


$443,200


$450,793




London North


$629,100


$714,889




London South


$565,200


$626,840




Middlesex Centre


$776,100


$849,725




St. Thomas


$525,300


$584,110




Strathroy-Caradoc


$736,500


$656,869




LSTAR


$567,400


$618,665








The HPI benchmark price reflects the value of a “typical home” as assigned by buyers in a certain area based on various housing attributes, while the average sales price is calculated by adding all the sale prices for homes sold and dividing that total by the number of homes sold. The HPI benchmark price is helpful to gauge trends over time since averages may fluctuate by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next. 


The following table displays April’s benchmark prices for all housing types within LSTAR's jurisdiction and shows how they compare with those recorded in the previous month and three months ago.











MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Prices








Benchmark Type







April 2026







Change Over March 2026







Change OverJanuary 2026









LSTAR Composite


$567,400


↑0.8


↑1.7




LSTAR Single-Family


$621,700


↑0.7


↑1.3




LSTAR One Storey


$563,200


↑1.8


↑3.1




LSTAR Two Storey


$669,300


0.0


0.0




LSTAR Townhouse


$449,100


↓0.9


↑0.2




LSTAR Apartment


$328,500


↑2.0


↑1.9








The chart below shows the most recent HPI benchmark prices across the country, courtesy of CREA. 





According to the latest study1 by Altus Group, an average housing transaction in Ontario generated an average of $124,200 in spin-off spending per transaction from 2022 to 2024. These expenses include legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.


“In April, home sales generated potentially more than $79 million,” Tiller said. “It’s integral to the larger economy, and this is why we continue to advocate for policy solutions that help with affordability challenges, such as the recent HST rebate announcement.”  


Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 117,610 jobs annually in Ontario from 2022 to 2024. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, finance, and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 14:21:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/home-sales-rise-in-march.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/home-sales-rise-in-march.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>Home Sales Rise in March</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In March, 586 homes changed hands via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). That was up 4.1 compared to the same month a year ago and 186 more units sold over the previous month.


“Activity has certainly been picking up, which is a positive sign,” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “With the change in weather, we’re very encouraged that this is just the beginning of a healthy spring market.”


Month over month, average sales price rose slightly in March at $627,112, from $622,414 in February. Noticeable month over month gains in average sales price happened in London South, with average price at $636,946, up from $617,817 the previous month, as well as St. Thomas, coming in at $562,191, up from $545,876 in February.


“Our members work with buyers and sellers every day who are feeling the weight of housing affordability,” Tiller said.  “The announcements by federal and provincial governments this week are encouraging steps to help boost supply across the housing continuum and create more meaningful paths to home ownership.”  


The table below displays March’s average prices and MLS® HPI Benchmark Prices in LSTAR's main regions.











Area







March 2026MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







March 2026Average Price









Central Elgin


$649,700


$717,867




London East


$435,000


$480,516




London North


$625,200


$731,902




London South


$561,800


$636,946




Middlesex Centre


$770,800


$903,375




St. Thomas


$523,500


$562,191




Strathroy-Caradoc


$738,800


$590,848




LSTAR


$563,000


$627,112








The HPI benchmark price reflects the value of a “typical home” as assigned by buyers in a certain area based on various housing attributes, while the average sales price is calculated by adding all the sale prices for homes sold and dividing that total by the number of homes sold. The HPI benchmark price is helpful to gauge trends over time since averages may fluctuate by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.


The following table displays March’s benchmark prices for all housing types within LSTAR's jurisdiction and shows how they compare with those recorded in the previous month and three months ago.











MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Prices








Benchmark Type







March 2026







Change Over February 2026







Change OverDecember 2025









LSTAR Composite


$563,000


↑0.2


↑1.8




LSTAR Single-Family


$617,200


0.0


↑1.1




LSTAR One Storey


$553,200


0.0


↑2.7




LSTAR Two Storey


$669,300


0.0


↓0.1




LSTAR Townhouse


$453,000


↑0.6


↑4.1




LSTAR Apartment


$322,000


↓1.7


↓0.6








The chart below shows the most recent HPI benchmark prices across the country, courtesy of CREA. 





According to the latest study1 by Altus Group, an average housing transaction in Ontario generated an average of $124,200 in spin-off spending per transaction from 2022 to 2024. These expenses include legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.


“That translates into more than $72 million being potentially generated back into the local economy,” Tiller said.


Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 117,610 jobs annually in Ontario from 2022 to 2024. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, finance, and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:35:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/average-home-price-remains-steady.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/average-home-price-remains-steady.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>Average Home Price Remains Steady</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In February, 410 homes exchanged hands via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). Although down 18.7 compared to the same month a year ago, the home sales jumped up from January, which saw 341 homes sold.


“We’re encouraged by the uptick in sales,” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “There is a lot of pent-up demand, and we’ll be closely watching the Bank of Canada’s next interest rate announcement scheduled for March 18.”


Average sales price in February was $622,414, down 3.5 from February 2025 and on par with the $624,550 average price recorded in January.


“LSTAR continues to advocate to all three levels of government on policy recommendations that address affordability challenges,” Tiller said. “No matter where individuals are on their housing journey, your local REALTOR® can help guide you  through an ever-evolving marketplace.”


The table below displays February’s average prices and MLS® HPI Benchmark Prices in LSTAR's main regions.











Area







February 2026MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







February 2026Average Price









Central Elgin


$658,700


$586,250




London East


$435,800


$471,655




London North


$620,600


$748,716




London South


$560,500


$617,817




Middlesex Centre


$759,700


$947,278




St. Thomas


$526,800


$545,876




Strathroy-Caradoc


$739,200


$716,384




LSTAR


$561,600


$622,414








The HPI benchmark price reflects the value of a “typical home” as assigned by buyers in a certain area based on various housing attributes, while the average sales price is calculated by adding all the sale prices for homes sold and dividing that total by the number of homes sold. The HPI benchmark price is helpful to gauge trends over time since averages may fluctuate by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.


The following table displays February’s benchmark prices for all housing types within LSTAR's jurisdiction and shows how they compare with those recorded in the previous month and three months ago.











MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Prices








Benchmark Type







February 2026







Change Over January 2026







Change OverNovember 2025









LSTAR Composite


$561,600


↑0.6


↑0.3




LSTAR Single-Family


$617,000


↑0.5


↑0.6




LSTAR One Storey


$553,400


↑1.3


↑1.6




LSTAR Two Storey


$669,000


↓0.1


↓0.1




LSTAR Townhouse


$450,400


↑0.5


↓1.9




LSTAR Apartment


$327,500


↑1.6


↓0.7








The chart below shows the most recent HPI benchmark prices across the country, courtesy of CREA. 





According to the latest study1 by Altus Group, an average housing transaction in Ontario generated an average of $124,200 in spin-off spending per transaction from 2022 to 2024. These expenses include legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.


“This means that February home sales potentially generated more than $50 million back into our community,” Tiller said. “It reinforces how integral the business of real estate is the local economy and beyond.”


Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 117,610 jobs annually in Ontario from 2022 to 2024. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, finance, and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:18:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/market-fluctuations-continue.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/market-fluctuations-continue.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>Market Fluctuations Continue</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® saw 341 homes change hands in January, down 10.3 compared to the same month a year ago. The average sale price was $624,550 which represents an increase of over $10,000 from December and is down just 0.6  from January of 2025.


“The sales-to-new listings ratio dropped substantially in January, to 32.2,” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “That is noticeably lower than December’s ratio of 71.6. This would indicate conditions of a buyers’ market, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), but aligns with expected numbers for a typical January market.”


“Inventory continues to remain at a historically high level,” Tiller continued, “with 6.6 months of inventory in January, up from the 5.3 months recorded in January of 2025. This represents the most active listings we have seen in the last ten years. This is another indication of a buyer's market and another good reason to reach out to your local REALTOR® for advice on buying or selling.”  


The table below displays January’s average prices and MLS® HPI Benchmark Prices in LSTAR's main regions.











Area







January 2026MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







January 2026Average Price









Central Elgin


$646,400


$793,545




London East


$434,900


$443,978




London North


$617,400


$692,174




London South


$558,100


$625,802




Middlesex Centre


$762,600


$861,600




St. Thomas


$520,500


$592,994




Strathroy-Caradoc


$721,000


$720,806




LSTAR


$558,000


$624,550








The HPI benchmark price reflects the value of a “typical home” as assigned by buyers in a certain area based on various housing attributes, while the average sales price is calculated by adding all the sale prices for homes sold and dividing that total by the number of homes sold. The HPI benchmark price is helpful to gauge trends over time since averages may fluctuate by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.


The following table displays January's benchmark prices for all housing types within LSTAR's jurisdiction and shows how they compare with those recorded in the previous month and three months ago.











MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Prices








Benchmark Type







January 2026







Change Over December 2025







Change OverOctober 2025









LSTAR Composite


$558,000


↑0.9


↓1.3




LSTAR Single-Family


$614,000


↑0.5


↓0.7




LSTAR One Storey


$546,200


↑1.4


↓1.3




LSTAR Two Storey


$669,400


↓0.1


↓0.3




LSTAR Townhouse


$448,300


↑3.1


↓3.5




LSTAR Apartment


$322,300


↓0.5


↓5.4








The chart below shows the most recent HPI benchmark prices across the country, courtesy of CREA. 





According to the latest study1 by Altus Group, an average housing transaction in Ontario generated an average of $124,200 in spin-off spending per transaction from 2022 to 2024. These expenses include legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.


“Based on January’s sales, that means more than $49 million was potentially generated in spin-off spending,” Tiller said.


Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 117,610 jobs annually in Ontario from 2022 to 2024. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, finance, and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:01:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/encouraging-marketplace-activity-in-december.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/encouraging-marketplace-activity-in-december.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>Encouraging Marketplace Activity in December</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In December, 398 homes exchanged hands via the MLS® (Multiple Listing Service) System of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). That was up 0.8, compared to the same month a year ago, and marked the best December since 2021. Overall, 6,938 homes were sold in 2025, down 5.0 from 2024.


“Interestingly, the sales-to-new listings ratio showed quite a rebound in December,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “It was 71.6, noticeably higher than November, which was 49.5. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a sales-to-new listing ratio between 45 and 65 indicates conditions of a balanced market. December activity started to show signs of the conditions consistent with a sellers’ market. December’s 71.6 sales-to-new listings ratio was the highest recorded in 2025.”


Average sales price posted an increase from the previous month as well. It was $614,104 in December, down 3.4 compared to the same time in 2024. In November, average sales price was $604,994.


“Inventory continues to remain at a historical high level,” Marsh said. “There were 5.4 months of inventory in December, that’s more than the 4.6 months of inventory recorded in December 2024. With inventory and the fluctuating sales-to-new listings ratio, your local REALTOR® can help you navigate the marketplace, if you’re considering to buy or sell a home.”  


The table below displays December’s average prices and MLS® HPI Benchmark Prices in LSTAR's main regions.











Area







December 2025MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







December 2025Average Price









Central Elgin


$648,500


$656,395




London East


$427,700


$491,086




London North


$610,100


$666,049




London South


$551,800


$631,829




Middlesex Centre


$763,000


$1,028,086




St. Thomas


$525,800


$598,634




Strathroy-Caradoc


$711,200


$577,438




LSTAR


$552,800


$614,104








The HPI benchmark price reflects the value of a “typical home” as assigned by buyers in a certain area based on various housing attributes, while the average sales price is calculated by adding all the sale prices for homes sold and dividing that total by the number of homes sold. The HPI benchmark price is helpful to gauge trends over time since averages may fluctuate by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.


The following table displays December’s benchmark prices for all housing types within LSTAR's jurisdiction and shows how they compare with those recorded in the previous month and three months ago.











MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Prices









Benchmark Type


December 2025


Change Over November 2025


Change OverSeptember 2025




LSTAR Composite


$552,800


↓1.3


↓2.5




LSTAR Single-Family


$610,700


↓0.4


↓1.4




LSTAR One Storey


$538,900


↓1.1


↓1.0




LSTAR Two Storey


$669,800


0.0


↓1.7




LSTAR Townhouse


$435,000


↓5.2


↓7.1




LSTAR Apartment


$324,000


↓1.8


↓7.7








The chart below shows the most recent HPI benchmark prices across the country, courtesy of CREA. 





According to the latest study1 by Altus Group, an average housing transaction in Ontario generated an average of $124,200 in spin-off spending per transaction from 2022 to 2024. These expenses include legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.


“Based on December sales, that means more than $49 million was potentially generated in spin-off spending,” Marsh said.


Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 117,610 jobs annually in Ontario from 2022 to 2024. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, finance, and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 10:08:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
    </channel>
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