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Niagara Real Estate Market Update 2026: What Falling Prices Mean for Buyers and Sellers
The Niagara real estate market has entered 2026 with a noticeably different tone than the fast-moving years many homeowners still remember. Sales have softened, prices have adjusted, and inventory remains elevated — all signals of a market recalibrating after one of the most aggressive housing cycles in Canadian history.
For buyers and sellers across Fort Erie and the broader Niagara Region, understanding these shifts is no longer optional. It is essential for making confident decisions.
A Market Reset Is Underway
Recent MLS® data shows both sales activity and benchmark prices trending lower year-over-year across most Niagara communities.
Newsletter February 2026 Print …
Niagara recorded 6,177 sales compared to 6,689 the prior year, a decline of 7.7%, while the benchmark price dropped to $573,900 from $626,000 — down 8.32%.
Fort Erie followed a similar pattern.
Newsletter February 2026 Print …
Sales decreased 3.8%, and the benchmark price moved from $540,000 to $503,600 — a 6.74% decline.
While headlines often frame falling prices as negative, seasoned observers recognize this phase as a normalization period rather than a collapse.
Markets rarely move in straight lines.
Year-Over-Year Snapshot
Niagara Market Comparison
| Metric | Jan 2025 | Jan 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 6,689 | 6,177 | -7.7% |
| Benchmark Price | $626,000 | $573,900 | -8.32% |
Fort Erie
| Metric | Jan 2025 | Jan 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 610 | 587 | -3.8% |
| Benchmark Price | $540,000 | $503,600 | -6.74% |
(Source: MLS® data via Niagara Association of REALTORS®)
Why Prices Have Adjusted
To understand today’s market, it helps to revisit the peak.
Newsletter February 2026 Print …
Niagara’s benchmark price reached $811,700 in March 2022.
Today’s benchmark:
$573,900 — roughly 29.4% below the peak.
This shift reflects classic supply-and-demand dynamics.
During the pandemic surge:
- Buyers outnumbered listings
- Competition drove bidding wars
- Many purchases were emotionally charged
Now, conditions have reversed.
Inventory has improved, urgency has cooled, and buyers are negotiating again.
The Buyer’s Market Reality
Newsletter February 2026 Print …
Overpricing in a buyer-driven market is described as “looking for a needle in a haystack.”
That phrase captures today’s environment precisely.
Buyers have options — and they know it.
When choice expands, patience follows.
Four Pricing Myths Sellers Must Let Go Of
One of the most valuable insights from current market research is what does not determine your home’s value.
1. Your Financial Needs
Buyers do not consider your mortgage balance, retirement goals, or debts when deciding what a home is worth.
2. Renovation Spending
Improvements only add value when they match buyer expectations in that neighbourhood.
3. Emotional Attachment
Buyers purchase based on their future — not your memories.
4. Your Original Purchase Price
Real estate value is tied to recent comparable sales, not historical numbers.
This is where strategy becomes critical.
Mortgage Rates Are Providing Stability
The financing environment is also contributing to renewed buyer confidence.
Current examples include:
- 3-year fixed insured: 3.84%
- 5-year fixed insured: 3.79%
- Variable insured: 3.35%
- Bank of Canada policy rate: 2.25%
Newsletter February 2026 Print …
(Rates apply to “A” credit borrowers and are subject to change.)
Stable borrowing costs often act as a psychological turning point for buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines.
What This Means for Buyers
Periods like this historically create opportunity.
Advantages include:
- Greater selection
- Negotiation leverage
- Reduced competition
- Conditional offers returning
Buyers who focus on long-term ownership rather than short-term gains typically benefit most from transitional markets.
What This Means for Sellers
Success in 2026 will depend less on timing and more on positioning.
Well-priced homes are still selling.
Overpriced homes are sitting.
The difference is preparation and data-driven strategy.
Regional Price Trends Worth Watching
Several Niagara communities saw notable shifts:
- Lincoln: –11.55%
- Niagara-on-the-Lake: –11.45%
- Thorold: –10.54%
Newsletter February 2026 Print …
Luxury markets often adjust more noticeably during normalization cycles because discretionary buyers move more cautiously.
Is the Market Weak?
No — it is disciplined.
Healthy markets are not defined by constant price growth. They are defined by balance.
Today’s conditions are restoring that balance.
Strategic Insight for 2026
Instead of asking:
“Is it a good time to buy or sell?”
A better question is:
“Does this move support my long-term plan?”
Real estate remains one of the most durable wealth-building tools available — when approached with patience and clarity.
Final Thoughts
The Niagara market is not collapsing.
It is recalibrating.
For buyers, this creates opportunity.
For sellers, it demands strategy.
And for both — it rewards informed decisions.
Want deeper insight into what’s unfolding locally?
Want deeper insight into what’s unfolding locally?Watch my Value Series on Instagram or YouTube, where I break down Niagara and Fort Erie trends in real time so you can move forward with confidence.
⏳ Why patience matters more than ever when selling today
⏳ Why patience matters more than ever when selling today
Longer market times are catching many sellers off guard.
If a home hasn’t sold yet, it’s easy to assume something is wrong.
But today’s buyers take longer.
They compare more.
They move more cautiously.
That doesn’t mean your listing isn’t being seen.
Progress isn’t always obvious.
Whether it’s learning through a book, a webinar, or a podcast, understanding builds over time through consistent exposure.
Selling works the same way.
When a home is pulled off the market too early, visibility stops and momentum breaks.
Exposure and buyer feedback are what guide the next right adjustments — not impatience.
📌 Staying listed gives your home the time it needs to work through today’s longer market cycles.
👉 Follow for practical guidance in today’s market.
#forterierealestate #niagararealestate #homesellingtips #staylisted #sellerstrategy #marketmomentum #realestateeducation #realestatecanada #sellwithconfidence
Foodie Friday — Dinner at Dario’s 🍝❄️
Do you have a restaurant that feels authentic the moment you walk in?
I arrived at Dario’s Family Owned & Operated Restaurant a little early —
Alex was driving back in from the city through the snow —
so I grabbed a seat, caught up on some work, and waited.
Alex arrived, said hello to the chef (as he always does),
and we settled in for one of those easy, shared meals.
Our table was small, so everything went right in the middle:
• Eggplant Parm with penne Alfredo
• A side of meatballs (someone nearby was definitely in for a feast 😉)
• A fresh salad
• Alex started with a bowl of soup
Simple. Generous. Meant for sharing.
Dario’s feels like one of those little Italian spots
that hasn’t tried to be anything other than what it is —
family-run, welcoming, and consistent.
And yes… there are plenty of prepared meals to take home,
and wine too.
Alex is always a good sport when I show up early,
camera in hand, already settled in.
If you haven’t been, it’s well worth a visit.
Do you have a local restaurant you keep coming back to?
👇 I’d love to hear.
#foodiefriday #forterielife #forterie #forterieliving
#niagararegion #niagaraeats #supportlocal
#italianfood #familyowned #simplejoys
#balancedliving #lifeinbalance #joyinthejourney
#realestatelifestyle #lakeerielife
Friday Wrap-Up 🎥
Friday Wrap-Up 🎥
Another productive week across the Fort Erie market — steady movement, strategic pricing, and continued opportunity for buyers preparing for their next move.
✔ Accepted Offer — 32 Sunrise Court
This Ridgeway property is now conditionally sold with an accepted offer in place. Momentum continues early in the year, and we’ll watch for it to convert to firm shortly. Congratulations to the sellers as they move through the next step.
⬇ Price Adjustment — 15 Malkin Avenue | Now $564,900
Set on a mature lot near the Friendship Trail and Lake Erie, this well-maintained side-split offers comfort, natural light, and flexible living space.
Features include:
• Attached garage
• Modernized kitchen and updated bathroom
• Bright den overlooking the backyard
• Finished lower-level living space
• Additional unfinished level for storage or future expansion
• Close to amenities, trails, and the waterfront
Open House: Feb 22 | 12–2 PM
🏡 Open House — 8845 Banting Avenue | $599,900
Saturday, Feb 21 | 12–2 PM
A thoughtfully updated mid-century bungalow in the desirable Chippawa neighbourhood, offering flexibility, functionality, and modern finishes throughout.
Highlights:
• 3 + 1 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
• Carpet-free with luxury vinyl plank flooring
• Updated kitchen with quartz countertops and subway tile backsplash
• Bathroom remodel (2022)
• Major updates: windows (2016), roof (2016), furnace & A/C (2021)
• Spacious rec room + dedicated home office
• Additional bonus room ideal for gym, hobby space, or dressing area
• Separate main-floor office — ideal for a home-based business
• Wood deck with built-in gazebo
• Three attached sheds + rear workshop
• Generous 54 x 138 ft lot
A move-in-ready home with space to grow in a well-established community.
Newer Homes Snapshot in Fort Erie
🏘 397 Garrison Road – New Construction Bungaloft Townhomes
Starting at $599,000–$599,900 (Phase III)
• Builder financing as low as 1.58% for qualifying buyers
• 3 beds | 3 baths | approx. 1,465–1,491 sq. ft.
• 9’ ceilings with open-concept design
• Main-floor primary suite + in-suite laundry
• Attached garage
🏡 871 Burwell Street — $599,900
• Raised bungalow | 3 beds | 2 baths
• Approx. 1,360 sq. ft.
• Main-floor laundry
• Attached garage | Lakeshore neighbourhood
🏡 407 Louisa Street — $719,900 (New Build)
• Bungalow | 3 beds | 2 baths
• Approx. 1,391 sq. ft.
• Open-concept layout with fireplace
• Attached garage | Peace Bridge Village
🏡 427 Williams Crescent — $525,000
• Bungaloft townhouse | 2 beds | 2 baths
• Main-floor primary + loft bedroom
• Attached garage
• Townhome with no condo fees
🏡 394 Hummel Crescent — $699,900
• Bungalow | 2 beds | 2 baths
• Quartz kitchen with centre island
• Main-floor laundry
• Double garage | Peace Bridge Village
🏡 1050 Kettle Court — $799,000
• Bungalow | 4 beds | 3 baths
• Finished basement
• Composite deck, fenced yard, swim spa
• Double garage | Cul-de-sac near lake & trail
Opportunities continue to present themselves for buyers who are prepared — and for sellers who are pricing with today’s market in mind.
If you’re watching the market or planning a move in 2026, I’m always available to help you understand what these shifts mean for your property and your next step.
#FortErieRealEstate #NiagaraRealEstate #FridayWrapUp #MarketUpdate #OpenHouse #AcceptedOffer #PriceAdjustment #NewConstruction #Chippawa #FortErieLiving #NiagaraHomes #PeaceBridgeVillage #RidgewayOntario #LakeshoreLiving #ScarlettRealEstateGroup #BarbaraScarlett
Thirsty Thursday… 🍹
Thirsty Thursday… 🍹
Meet the Tropical Berry Bloom —
bright, refreshing, and quietly reminding me that warmer days are ahead.
Made with gin (my current favourite), pineapple juice, and homemade raspberry simple syrup… it’s light, slightly sparkling, and perfect for a cozy winter evening when you’re craving just a hint of tropical.
Honestly — this one surprised me.
Beautiful in the glass.
Even better to sip.
It would make a lovely addition to a Valentine’s dinner… or simply a slow night at home.
As always, crafted from my kitchen — meant to be enjoyed in yours.
Link to my Raspberry Syrup: https://shorturl.at/0n6vK
Cheers 🤍
Barbara
#ThirstyThursday #TropicalBerryBloom #GinCocktail #CocktailAtHome
#EntertainingAtHome #ValentinesCocktail #WinterVibes
#BarbaraScarlett #LifeInNiagara
Big congratulations to all of my peers at Century 21 Heritage House.
The past few years in real estate have tested all of us. Through shifting markets, uncertainty, and constant change, this extraordinary group continued to show up each day with professionalism, resilience, and a deep commitment to their clients.
There is a great deal to be proud of in what was accomplished together.
To my clients — thank you. I never take lightly the role I am entrusted with when guiding you through a purchase or sale. Being invited into such an important chapter of your life is a responsibility I respect greatly. Your trust, your confidence, and your willingness to place that responsibility in my hands is something I remain truly grateful for.
It is a privilege to do this work and to serve the communities of Fort Erie and the Niagara region.
#Century21 #Century21HeritageHouse #C21Canada #NiagaraRealEstate #FortErieRealEstate #Grateful #ClientTrust #RealEstateProfessional #NiagaraRegion #CommunityFocused #Honoured #RealEstateLife
Have you ever finished making something and thought… why didn’t I film that? 🍓🍸
Have you ever finished making something and thought… why didn’t I film that? 🍓🍸
I was just about to film Thirsty Thursday when the recipe called for a raspberry simple syrup.
So I made it.
Gave it a taste.
And immediately realized this part deserved its own moment.
If you’ve never made simple syrup at home, it really is that easy —
equal parts sugar and water, gently dissolved on the stovetop.
And when you want flavour?
Add fruit.
For this one:
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
½ cup raspberries
Let it simmer, be patient, let it cool, then strain.
That’s it.
What you’re left with is bright, fresh, and perfect for cocktails —
or honestly, even a splash in sparkling water.
Sometimes the simplest things end up being the best part of the recipe.
Do you make your own cocktail basics at home,
or do you usually grab them ready-made?
👇 I’d love to hear.
#thirstythursday #forterielife #forterie #forterieliving
#niagararegion #homecocktails #simplejoys
#balancedliving #lifeinbalance #joyinthejourney
#slowlivingmovement #kitchenmoments
#homemadesyrup #raspberrysyrup #realestatelifestyle
📌 Why staying listed matters more in today’s market
📌 Why staying listed matters more in today’s market
Longer market times don’t mean buyers aren’t paying attention.
They mean buyers are taking longer to decide.
Today’s buyers watch the market closely.
They track price changes, compare options, and take time to absorb information before acting.
That process can feel like inactivity — but it isn’t.
Just like people learn through podcasts and audiobooks, understanding builds over time.
Buyers are listening, evaluating, and forming decisions well before they move.
Sellers who exit the market early often remove themselves from that process.
When a listing disappears, it’s no longer part of what buyers are watching and tracking.
Staying listed keeps your home visible while decisions are forming —
not after the moment has passed.
📌 In today’s market, staying positioned is what keeps opportunity alive.
👉 Follow for clear, practical real estate insight.
#forterierealestate #niagararealestate #homesellingstrategy #staylisted #sellereducation #realestateinsight #marketpositioning #wintermarket #realestatecanada
A Thank You Behind the Award
Awards are often seen as individual recognition, but this one belongs to many people. It represents the trust my clients placed in me and the steady support of my team throughout one of the most challenging real estate markets we’ve seen in decades.
This market required more than experience. It demanded consistency, discipline, clear communication, and showing up every day—especially when conditions were uncertain. Every transaction involved thoughtful strategy, patience, and teamwork.
I’m deeply grateful to my clients for their confidence, and to my team for their commitment to operating at a high level when it mattered most. This award is a reminder that meaningful results are built through trust, collaboration, and hard work.
Building Better Systems to Better Serve Our Clients
This time of year, my team and I are focused on preparing for the year ahead. While we continue to manage our daily responsibilities, we’re also spending time refining how we work behind the scenes.
Right now, our focus is on efficiency and consistency. We are reviewing and updating checklists, tightening our operations manual, and refining internal processes that support each stage of a transaction. These systems help ensure that nothing is missed, timelines are respected, and communication remains clear throughout the buying and selling process.
Strong systems allow us to spend less time reacting and more time advising. By improving how we operate internally, we are better positioned to deliver reliable service, respond quickly, and guide our clients with clarity in a changing market.
