September’s residential market numbers tell a clear story: homes are still selling in Windsor-Essex, but buyers are being selective. With fewer sales than a year ago and prices below last September’s levels, sellers need to give buyers a compelling reason to choose their property.
September at a glance
According to the Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS® residential market summary:
• 357 homes sold, down 17.55% from September 2025.
• 1,140 new listings, down 12.78% year over year.
• Average sale price of $561,421, down 3.94%.
• Median sale price of $505,000, down 4.72%.
Year-to-date residential sales are down 5.92%, while the average sale price is down 3.07%. September’s results point to softer conditions, although the experience will vary by neighbourhood, price range and property type.
What’s behind buyer hesitation?
Buyers are being selective in Windsor-Essex, but are they waiting for lower interest rates, economic improvements, hoping prices will fall further, or simply staying put until they have a stronger reason to move?
September’s statistics cannot tell us exactly why people are waiting. However, those are important questions in a market where sales have slowed. For some buyers, the hesitation may come down to affordability. Others may be comfortable where they are and need the right combination of home, price and monthly payment before making a change. Buyers facing a relocation, a growing family or a change in personal circumstances may have a more immediate reason to act.
Having more choice does not automatically make the decision easier. Buyers may worry about purchasing today and seeing a better opportunity tomorrow. That uncertainty can keep them looking without committing.
For buyers, it helps to separate what you can control from what you can’t. You can assess your budget, compare recent sales, investigate the property and negotiate suitable terms. You cannot know exactly where prices or interest rates will go next. Waiting may be the right choice, but it should be based on your needs and finances rather than a prediction.
For sellers, this means your home needs to offer a clear reason to act. Buyers need to see how its price, condition, location and features compare with their other options. A seller’s willingness to negotiate only becomes useful once a buyer feels the property is worth pursuing.
In a selective market, being listed gets you into the comparison. Offering convincing value helps turn that comparison into a decision.
What this means for buyers
This market gives buyers an opportunity to be thoughtful about their purchase. Compare properties, review recent comparable sales and look closely at condition, ongoing costs and the terms that matter to you. Depending on the property and the seller’s circumstances, there may be room to negotiate price, closing dates or other terms.
That doesn’t mean every seller will accept a large discount, or that a well-priced home will sit. When a property fits your needs and budget and is priced appropriately, being prepared to act still matters.
The goal is to make a sound purchase based on your circumstances. Trying to predict the exact bottom of the market can distract from whether the home, price and monthly costs make sense for you.
What this means for sellers
Buyers are comparing your home with the other options available to them. Your asking price, presentation and condition all influence whether you make their shortlist.
Pricing for today’s market is essential. What a neighbour received a few years ago, or what another seller is asking now, may not reflect what buyers will pay for your home today. Recent comparable sales and current competition provide a stronger starting point.
Being willing to negotiate helps, but buyers first need to see enough value to book a showing and submit an offer. An asking price that feels too far out of reach can prevent that conversation from happening.
Prepare the home carefully, make showings easy to arrange and pay attention to the response. If showings or offers aren’t coming, review the price and positioning with your REALTOR® while the listing is still fresh.
Your next move matters more than the headline
The regional average is a useful snapshot, but it is not a valuation of your home. It also changes with the mix of properties sold each month.
If you’re selling and buying, look at both sides of the move. You may receive less for your current home than you once hoped, while also having more negotiating room on your next purchase. The price difference, moving costs and future monthly expenses deserve attention together.
At The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team, we help you understand the numbers that apply to your property and your plans. Whether you’re buying, selling or simply exploring your options in Windsor and Essex County, we’re happy to talk through what this market means for you.
If you have questions about the market, reach out and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Source: Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS®, MLS® Statistic Report, September 2026, “(Residential) Market Activity Comparison.” All year-over-year comparisons are with September 2025.
