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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/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>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/home-sales-remain-flat-in-november.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/home-sales-remain-flat-in-november.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>Home Sales Remain Flat in November</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In November, 492 homes exchanged hands via the MLS® (Multiple Listing Service) System of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). That was down 19.2, compared to the same month a year ago, but up 15.5 from November 2023.


“Although down from the previous November, sales were on par with activity in the last four years,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “Based on the economic climate across the country and the uncertainty in the marketplace, many potential buyers remain on the sidelines. This is evident by the 5.7 months of inventory in November, which is the highest inventory level recorded in the month, over the past 10 years.”


Average sales price remained virtually unchanged from the previous month. It was $604,994 in November, down 5.6 compared to the same time a year ago. In October, average sales price was $605,560.


“Historically, we usually experience a quieter season during the winter months,” Marsh said. “With the amount of inventory available, it may be an opportune time for potential buyers to get into the market. Your local REALTOR® can be a resourceful guide to help those looking to buy or sell a home.”  


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










Area







November 2025MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







November 2025Average Price









Central Elgin


$657,000


$658,179




London East


$432,400


$472,913




London North


$622,100


$651,863




London South


$560,800


$625,514




Middlesex Centre


$767,200


$968,464




St. Thomas


$525,200


$572,799




Strathroy-Caradoc


$728,400


$595,768




LSTAR


$559,900


$604,994








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 November’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


November 2025


Change Over October 2025


Change OverAugust 2025




LSTAR Composite


$559,900


↓1.0


↓2.4




LSTAR Single-Family


$613,300


↓0.8


↓2.4




LSTAR One Storey


$544,800


↓1.5


↓3.7




LSTAR Two Storey


$669,600


↓0.3


↓1.6




LSTAR Townhouse


$459,000


↓1.2


↓1.7




LSTAR Apartment


$329,900


↓3.1


↓7.6








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.


“In November, more than $61 million in spin-off spending was potentially generated,” Marsh said. “This reinforces why housing is so important as an economic engine to our entire community.”


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, 03 Dec 2025 11:05:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/october-sales-rise-from-previous-month.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/october-sales-rise-from-previous-month.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>October Sales Rise from Previous Month</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
October had some encouraging signs with 607 homes exchanging hands via the MLS® (Multiple Listing Service) System of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR), an increase from the previous month, which saw 534 homes sold in September. Although it was down 8.7 from October 2024, the sales are up 25.4 compared to the same month in 2023.


“Consumer confidence seems to be growing, and the latest interest rate cut from the Bank of Canada may help fuel further activity in the marketplace,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “Inventory is at its highest level in the last 10 years, with more than five months in the LSTAR region.”


Average sales price also continued to slightly edge down. In October, it was $605,560, down 3.7 compared to the same period a year ago and down 4.1 compared to October 2022. In September, average sales price was $622,805. Year-to-date, there have been 6,057 total home sales, on par with totals recorded in the previous two years.


“We expect the year to finish strong, and activity will continue to pick up as we head into 2026,” Marsh said. “To best understand this evolving marketplace, connect with your local REALTOR®, who can help you navigate through it all, whether you’re interested in selling or buying a property.”  


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










Area







October 2025MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







October 2025Average Price









Central Elgin


$610,800


$665,450




London East


$435,200


$498,887




London North


$637,500


$674,297




London South


$560,300


$631,419




Middlesex Centre


$774,400


$823,056




St. Thomas


$528,500


$559,650




Strathroy-Caradoc


$777,300


$561,683




LSTAR


$561,400


$605,560








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 October’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


October 2025


Change Over September 2025


Change OverJuly 2025




LSTAR Composite


$561,400


↓0.2


↓3.0




LSTAR Single-Family


$611,900


0.1


↓3.3




LSTAR One Storey


$556,200


1.3


↓3.1




LSTAR Two Storey


$657,400


↓0.8


↓3.4




LSTAR Townhouse


$463,100


↓0.9


↓2.1




LSTAR Apartment


$346,900


↓2.8


↓5.2








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 means the economic impact generated by sales in October is potentially more than $75 million,” Marsh said. “Housing remains an integral part of our 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, 04 Nov 2025 10:21:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/inventory-level-reaches-new-peak-in-september.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/inventory-level-reaches-new-peak-in-september.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>Inventory Level Reaches New Peak in September</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In September, 1,701 new listings were recorded via the MLS® System of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR), up 13.7 compared to the same month a year ago. With listings outpacing the number of sales, the sales-to-new listings ratio also eased to 31.4 compared to 45.7 in August.



“When the sales-to-new listings ratio falls below 45, it’s consistent with the conditions of a buyers’ market,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a sales-to-new listing ratio between 45 and 65 shows signs of a balanced market. September saw six months of inventory, which is up from August, which recorded five months of inventory.”



“We’re encouraged by the recent interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada, the first one since March,” Marsh said. “That may influence some buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines.” There were 534 sales in September, down 6.0 from the same time a year ago, but on par with sales activity seen in the last four years.



“We saw a shift in average sales price, month over month,” Marsh said. “It was $622,805, down 2.7 from September 2024, while August saw an average sales price of $651,329. For those looking to buy or sell a home, your local REALTOR® can provide professional expertise to help you manage through this marketplace.”



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










Area







September 2025 MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







September 2025 Average Price









Central Elgin


$609,300


$723,723




London East


$433,400


$503,296




London North


$642,200


$685,943




London South


$561,100


$634,874




Middlesex Centre


$782,300


$937,538




St. Thomas


$527,400


$558,707




Strathroy-Caradoc


$777,000


$600,984




LSTAR


$562,300


$622,805









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 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 2025


Change Over August 2025


Change Over June 2025




LSTAR Composite


$562,300


↓1.8


↓3.2




LSTAR Single-Family


$611,400


↓2.2


↓3.7




LSTAR One Storey


$548,900


↓3.3


↓5.1




LSTAR Two Storey


$662,600


↓1.3


↓2.7




LSTAR Townhouse


$467,300


0.0


↓2.1




LSTAR Apartment


$357,000


↓2.3


↓2.0









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

According to a recent study1 by Altus Group, an average housing transaction in Ontario generated an average of $88,966 in spin-off spending per transaction from 2020 to 2022. These expenses include legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.



“In September, the economic impact generated by sales is potentially more than $47 million,” Marsh said. “The business of real estate plays a huge role across the entire region.”



Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 106,565 jobs annually in Ontario from 2020 to 2022. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, finance and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:04:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/healthy-sales-and-inventory-cap-off-the-summer-season.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/healthy-sales-and-inventory-cap-off-the-summer-season.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>Healthy Sales and Inventory Cap Off the Summer Season</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In August, 616 homes exchanged hands via the MLS® System of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR), up 10.4 compared to the same month a year ago. Similar to July, August posted its strongest sales month since 2021.


“August recorded the highest inventory level in the last 10 years, with five months of inventory,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “New listings also reached a peak since 2015, with 1,347, and the sales-to-new listing ratio was 45.7. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a sales-to-new listing ratio between 40 and 60 indicate a balanced market. When it drops below 40, it starts to show signs of a buyers’ market.”


Average sales price was similar to July, at $651,329, up 3.3 compared to August 2024. Meanwhile, the Composite MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Benchmark Price was $572,400, down 1.1 from a month ago.


“Since the beginning of the year, the average sales price has remained relatively consistent, fluctuating between a low of $639,486 in January and a high of $656,432 in May,” Marsh said. “And between June and August, the average price has seen less variation, ranging between $648,273 and $651,329. Again, every home is unique, and your local REALTOR® can help guide you through the numerous facets of the marketplace.”


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










Area







August 2025MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







August 2025Average Price









Central Elgin


$616,800


$534,544




London East


$446,200


$473,106




London North


$651,900


$754,073




London South


$570,800


$679,982




Middlesex Centre


$793,400


$922,033




St. Thomas


$532,300


$561,194




Strathroy-Caradoc


$791,700


$622,725




LSTAR


$572,400


$651,329








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 2025


Change Over July 2025


Change OverMay 2025




LSTAR Composite


$572,400


↓1.1


↓3.6




LSTAR Single-Family


$624,900


↓1.2


↓4.1




LSTAR One Storey


$567,900


↓1.0


↓5.8




LSTAR Two Storey


$671,500


↓1.4


↓2.9




LSTAR Townhouse


$467,400


↓1.2


↓4.3




LSTAR Apartment


$365,400


↓0.2


↓1.1








The chart below shows the most recent HPI benchmark prices across the country, courtesy of CREA. “When compared to other provincial and national centres, LSTAR’s region presents a multitude of options for buyers,” Marsh said.





According to a recent study1 by Altus Group, an average housing transaction in Ontario generated an average of $88,966 in spin-off spending per transaction from 2020 to 2022. These expenses include legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.


“That means the sales activity in August could potentially generate more than $54 million into the economy across the region,” Marsh said.


Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 106,565 jobs annually in Ontario from 2020 to 2022. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, finance and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 03 Sep 2025 15:06:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/july-sales-and-average-price-remain-stable.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/july-sales-and-average-price-remain-stable.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>July Sales and Average Price Remain Stable</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In July, 725 homes exchanged hands via the MLS® System of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR), up 28.1 compared to the same month a year ago. That’s the best month of sales for July since 2021.  


“Historically we see less activity during the summer season, so these numbers are very encouraging,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “The housing market continues the pattern reflected over the last few months, with more new listings and robust inventory. The overall sales-to-new listing ratio was 44.6, which the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) would indicate as a balanced market.”


Average sales price was in line with June, coming in at $648,273, down just 0.6 compared to July 2024. Meanwhile, the Composite MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Benchmark Price was $578,900, down 0.3 from a month ago.


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










Area







July 2025MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







July 2025Average Price









Central Elgin


$619,600


$586,309




London East


$453,100


$516,915




London North


$664,200


$739,629




London South


$577,400


$656,633




Middlesex Centre


$806,300


$941,296




St. Thomas


$534,500


$550,165




Strathroy-Caradoc


$801,100


$648,867




LSTAR


$578,900


$648,273








&quot;The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.75 last week, as the trade relationship with the U.S. remains unpredictable,” Marsh said. “Housing is local. During these uncertain times, you can count on an LSTAR REALTOR® to help you manage the marketplace, at any point in your journey on the housing continuum.”


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 2025


Change Over June 2025


Change OverApril 2025




LSTAR Composite


$578,900


↓0.3


↓1.7




LSTAR Single-Family


$632,800


↓0.3


↓1.3




LSTAR One Storey


$573,700


↓0.9


↓1.5




LSTAR Two Storey


$680,800


0.0


↓0.9




LSTAR Townhouse


$473,100


↓0.9


↓3.5




LSTAR Apartment


$366,000


↑0.5


↓7.1








The chart below shows the most recent HPI benchmark prices across the country, courtesy of CREA. “When compared to other provincial and national centres, homes within LSTAR’s region appear competitive for buyers,” Marsh said.





According to a recent study1 by Altus Group, an average housing transaction in Ontario generated an average of $88,966 in spin-off spending per transaction from 2020 to 2022. These expenses include legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.


“Real estate plays a huge role in our local economy, with home sales in July potentially generating more than $64 million,” Marsh said.


Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 106,565 jobs annually in Ontario from 2020 to 2022. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, finance and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 11:14:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/june-housing-market-shows-signs-of-stability.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.findyourcove.ca/blog/june-housing-market-shows-signs-of-stability.html</link>
        <author>brian@findyourcove.ca (Brian VanBart)</author>
        <title>June Housing Market Shows Signs of Stability</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Despite ongoing uncertainty with U.S. tariffs and the global geopolitical climate, the local housing market continued its steady streak in June, with 745 homes exchanging hands via the MLS® System of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). Housing supply showed signs of stabilization, with almost four and a half months of inventory last month, unchanged from the inventory recorded in May.  


“We continue to see the trend of more new listings coming on the market, which helps explain the healthy level of housing stock across our region,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “In June, there were 1,814 new listings, up 10.5 compared to the same month a year ago, with an overall sales-to-new listing ratio of 41.1. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a ratio between 40 and 60 is generally consistent with a balanced market.”


Average sales price was $650,501, down 4.2 compared to June 2024. It is slightly down from the $656,432 average sales price recorded in May. Meanwhile, the Composite MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Benchmark Price was $580,700, down 2.2 from a month ago.


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










Area







June 2025MLS® HPI Benchmark Price







June 2025Average Price









Central Elgin


$631,900


$689,625




London East


$453,900


$514,064




London North


$664,900


$721,258




London South


$576,900


$665,076




Middlesex Centre


$812,000


$955,466




St. Thomas


$536,400


$583,500




Strathroy-Caradoc


$816,900


$686,221




LSTAR


$580,700


$650,501








&quot;Although the data tells us we’re experiencing a stable marketplace, it’s important to note every home transaction is unique based on a multitude of factors,” Marsh said. “Local REALTORS® are the best resource to help you navigate through these unpredictable times, whether you’re looking to buy or sell a property during the summer season.”


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 2025


Change Over May 2025


Change OverMarch 2025




LSTAR Composite


$580,700


↓2.2


↓5.5




LSTAR Single-Family


$634,900


↓2.5


↓4.7




LSTAR One Storey


$578,700


↓4.0


↓5.6




LSTAR Two Storey


$681,000


↓1.5


↓4.2




LSTAR Townhouse


$477,200


↓2.3


↓2.4




LSTAR Apartment


$364,100


↓1.5


↓3.8








“When compared to other provincial and national centres, homes within LSTAR’s region appear competitive for buyers, which has made the area such an attractive housing market for the last number of years,” Marsh said. The chart below shows the most recent HPI benchmark prices across the country, courtesy of CREA.





According to a recent study1 by Altus Group, an average housing transaction in Ontario generated an average of $88,966 in spin-off spending per transaction from 2020 to 2022. These expenses include legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.


“The home sales in June potentially generated more than $66 million, highlighting real estate as an integral engine of the local economy,” Marsh said.


Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 106,565 jobs annually in Ontario from 2020 to 2022. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, finance and insurance.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:30:00 -0400</pubDate>
</item>
    </channel>
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