Realty Check - How to navigate the market in 2026 From the founders: clarity wins in 2026 The market has lost its sense of certainty. Rates are shifting, inventory is uneven, and buyers and sellers are trying to read signals that are anything but clear. Uncertainty is what’s slowing decisions. In this market, the people who come out ahead won’t be the fastest. They’ll be the clearest. Buyers and sellers are asking more questions, using conditions, and leaning on professionals who can help them feel confident before committing. Our encouragement for the year ahead is simple: lean into clarity. Understand the process, set expectations early, and surround yourself with people who reduce friction instead of adding to it. Joel Fox COO Market snapshot: buyers taking time to shop around Ontario’s real estate market is giving buyers more leverage than elsewhere in Canada. Ontario recorded 8,806 home sales in December, up 1.2% YoY, but still 13.7% below the 10-year average. Annual sales in 2025 totalled 163,234 units, down 4.1% from 2024. Months of inventory rose to 5.1, well above the long-run average. Supply remains elevated. New listings reached a five-year December high at 11,869, while active listings climbed to 45,255, the highest level for the month in more than a decade. For sellers: You’re going to have to price for today’s demand, not past peaks. Homes that reflect today’s conditions attract attention early, while optimistic pricing leads to longer days on market and deeper negotiations later. Hold a price review within 14-21 days. For buyers: Stale inventory has created opportunity. You can and should take your time, use conditions wisely, and negotiate confidently. See you at BUZZ Conference! We'll be at BUZZ conference from January 28–29, and we’d love to connect in person. If you’re attending, stop by to chat about how we make closings easier, clearer, and less stressful. Our CEO, Robert Saunders, will also be speaking on a panel during the conference, sharing insights on modernizing the closing experience and where real estate is headed next. We’ll be running giveaways throughout the event, so there’s a good chance you’ll walk away with more than just a conversation. Come say hello and see how we can support you. Legal Corner: conditions are shaping today's deals As markets cool, buyers gain leverage and conditions make a comeback. Financing, inspection, and document review clauses are no longer formalities. They are active tools buyers use to manage risk and renegotiate. Here's what to know. Q: Why are conditions more important right now? A: In a slower market, buyers are less willing to waive protections. Lenders are also more cautious. Conditions give buyers time to confirm financing, assess property issues, and walk away if something does not add up. Q: What legal risks come with poorly drafted conditions? A: Vague or unrealistic conditions can create disputes. If a condition is unclear or deadlines are missed, a buyer may lose the right to terminate or risk their deposit. Precision matters more when conditions are actually being exercised. Q: How can I use conditions effectively? A: Set realistic timelines and encourage early legal review. Flag unusual clauses, tight deadlines, or assumptions about financing. When conditions are used properly, they protect buyers and keep deals from falling apart later. Client spotlight: 3 transactions in one fell swoop After retiring, Laura and Brian set out to simplify their lives. That meant downsizing their family home, purchasing a beachside property, helping their son buy his first condo, and selling an inherited home, all within 6 months. With properties spread more than an hour apart, they knew an in-person law firm would slow everything down. They chose Ownright for flexibility and speed. From reviewing their purchase agreement to closing a private sale in just 18 days, the team supported three separate transactions seamlessly. When their son bought his first home, Ownright guided him through the process with clarity and patience, answering questions and removing stress at every step. In a year full of moving parts, Ownright provided calm, consistency, and a process that worked around their lives, not the other way around. Dealing with Ownright provided a calming influence during a chaotic year. They made us feel like we were their only clients. L & B Lauren and Brian Ownright clients The Ownright advantage Buying or selling this year? Get a clear, fixed-fee quote for your closing in minutes. Get a quote About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Ownright Inc. 545 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1M1