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Fort Erie home sales increased 8.7% over the past year, even as benchmark prices declined. Learn what this means for buyers, sellers, and the local real estate market.
Over the past several months, I’ve had more than one client ask the same question:
“If home prices are down, why do I keep hearing that homes are selling?”
It’s a fair question—and one that highlights why looking beyond the headlines is so important.
The latest 12-month housing statistics show that Fort Erie recorded 609 home sales, an 8.7% increase compared to the previous 12 months. At the same time, the benchmark home price declined to $492,200, representing a 9.84% decrease year over year.
At first glance, those numbers seem to contradict each other. In reality, they tell the story of a market that is becoming more balanced.
Fort Erie Continues to Attract Buyers
While some markets across Ontario have seen sales slow, Fort Erie has continued to attract buyers looking for affordability and lifestyle.
Our community offers something that’s becoming increasingly difficult to find elsewhere in Southern Ontario: access to the waterfront, established neighbourhoods, and a range of housing options at prices that remain competitive within the Niagara Region.
Whether it’s a young family purchasing their first home in Stevensville, retirees downsizing to Ridgeway, or buyers relocating from the Greater Toronto Area to Crystal Beach, Fort Erie continues to appeal to a wide range of purchasers.
June 2026 Market Snapshot
| Market | 12-Month Sales | Sales Change | HPI Benchmark Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Erie | 609 | +8.7% | $492,200 |
| Niagara Region | 6,153 | -1.1% | $575,300 |
Source: Niagara Association of REALTORS® MLS® Statistics.
Why Have Prices Declined?
A decline in benchmark price doesn’t necessarily mean the market is struggling.
Today’s buyers are approaching homeownership differently than they were just a few years ago. Higher borrowing costs mean affordability has become a larger part of the conversation. Buyers are taking more time, comparing more properties, and negotiating with greater confidence.
At the same time, inventory has improved in many price ranges. More listings mean buyers have more choice, which helps keep prices grounded in current market conditions.
This creates a healthier environment than the highly competitive market we experienced during 2021 and early 2022, when limited inventory often led to multiple offers and rapidly increasing prices.
What This Means for Sellers
For homeowners considering selling, the market remains active—but strategy matters.
Pricing a home based on last year’s market rather than today’s conditions can lead to longer days on market. Buyers are well informed, and many have spent months watching new listings before making an offer.
Homes that are professionally marketed, well presented, and priced according to current market conditions continue to attract attention.
The increase in sales tells us one important thing: buyers haven’t disappeared. They’re simply making more deliberate decisions.
What This Means for Buyers
For buyers, today’s market offers opportunities that were difficult to find only a few years ago.
There is generally more time to view properties, complete inspections, and compare neighbourhoods before making a decision. While financing remains an important consideration, buyers often have greater flexibility during negotiations than they did during the peak of the market.
For many people moving to Fort Erie from larger urban centres, today’s prices continue to represent good value compared to neighbouring markets.
Looking Ahead
Every real estate market moves through cycles, and Fort Erie is no exception.
The combination of increasing sales activity and moderated pricing suggests that buyers continue to see long-term value in our community. As interest rates stabilize and confidence improves, Fort Erie remains well positioned thanks to its waterfront lifestyle, growing amenities, and convenient location within the Niagara Region.
Rather than focusing on national headlines, it’s important to understand what’s happening in your own neighbourhood. Market conditions in Crystal Beach may differ from Ridgeway or Central Fort Erie, and local knowledge continues to be one of the most valuable tools for both buyers and sellers.
Download My FREE July 2026 Niagara Real Estate Newsletter
Download My FREE July 2026 Niagara Real Estate NewsletterWant to stay up to date on the Fort Erie and Niagara real estate market?
My FREE July 2026 Niagara Real Estate Newsletter includes:
- Current mortgage rates
- Fort Erie and Niagara housing statistics
- Home buying and selling tips
- Tax information for homeowners
- Local market trends
Download your free copy here:
July 2026 Niagara Real Estate Newsletter
https://drive.google.com/file/
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Fort Erie, Ridgeway, Crystal Beach, Stevensville, or anywhere in the Niagara Region, I’d be happy to provide a complimentary market analysis tailored to your neighbourhood.
