GTA Real Estate This October: How Much Room Do Buyers Have to Negotiate?
In September, condo apartments took longer to sell than detached homes across the GTA. For anyone planning a move this October, that difference matters: the homes buyers are comparing, and the time sellers should allow, depend on the kind of property involved.
September at a glance
Homes that sold in September averaged:
| Property group | Average days on market |
|---|---|
| All home types | 34 days |
| Condo apartments | 42 days |
| Detached homes | 31 days |
The overall average was 33 days a year earlier, so the GTA-wide selling pace changed little. The larger difference was between property types.
An average describes homes that sold. It does not tell you how long every available home has been waiting, or how quickly your own home will sell. A property that was taken off the market and relisted also needs its full listing history reviewed.
Condo buyers have a different comparison to make
Condo apartments took 11 days longer to sell on average than detached homes in September. That gap is a reason to look carefully at the competition in your building and price range.
If you are comparing two similar units, look beyond the asking price. Monthly maintenance fees, parking, layout, building finances and planned repairs can change which one makes sense for you. A lower purchase price can come with higher ongoing costs.
For condo sellers, recent sales in the same building are a useful starting point. Buyers may be comparing your unit with others they can view that week. Give them a clear reason to choose yours, supported by its condition, features and price.
The 42-day average does not promise a discount. It tells you to examine the specific alternatives before deciding what to offer or where to list.
Moving between Toronto and Markham? Compare what your budget buys
September's median detached sale price was $1.2 million in Toronto and $1,381,500 in Markham. If you are considering both cities, those figures give you a starting point for your search budget.
| City | Median detached sale price |
|---|---|
| Toronto | $1,200,000 |
| Markham | $1,381,500 |
The median is the middle sale price: half the recorded sales were above it and half below. It is useful for understanding the homes that changed hands that month. It is not an estimate for every detached home in either city.
A higher city median does not establish that a comparable home costs more there. Each city's figure reflects the particular homes that sold in September. Lot size, condition and layout can produce a wide price range even within one neighbourhood.
If you are selling in Toronto and buying in Markham, compare a realistic value range for your current home with recent sales in the Markham neighbourhoods you want. Include moving costs and any renovations in the gap you need to fund. The difference between two city medians is not the amount your own move will cost.
Borrowing costs remain part of the decision
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2. Its next scheduled decision is October 28. The policy rate is not the mortgage rate a lender will offer you.
TRREB's September report points to uncertainty about employment, inflation and borrowing costs as reasons buyers remain cautious. A rate decision later this month cannot tell you whether a particular home fits your household budget today.
Before making an offer, work through the payment at the rate available to you, along with taxes, maintenance and repairs. Leave room for the expenses that do not appear in the listing.
If you are buying this October
Use the time between viewings to narrow your comparisons. Review recent sales, check the listing history and work out the total cost of owning each serious option.
For a condo, arrange the appropriate review of the status certificate and building documents. For a detached home, consider the condition of major systems and the cost of work you would need to complete.
If a home fits your budget and the comparable sales support the price, you have a basis for deciding. If it only works with a future rate cut or a quick rise in value, revisit the budget.
If you are selling this October
An asking price can become an anchor, especially when it is based on a neighbour's sale from a different market. Buyers are comparing the choices available to them now.
Build a realistic value range from recent comparable sales and review the listings competing for the same buyer. Agree on a plan for assessing the response to your listing, including viewings, feedback and offers.
If you are also buying, calculate your likely net proceeds and the costs of the move before setting your next purchase budget. A workable range gives you more room to make decisions than a plan built around one hoped-for sale price.
Frequently asked questions
How long did GTA homes take to sell in September 2026?
Homes that sold averaged 34 days across all home types. Condo apartments averaged 42 days and detached homes averaged 31.
Does a longer listing time mean I should offer less?
Listing time is one clue. Check comparable sales, price changes, condition and competing listings before deciding what the home is worth to you.
Can I use the detached median to price my home?
Use it as context. A useful price range needs recent sales of similar properties nearby, with adjustments for condition and features.
Start with your own home and neighbourhood
September's averages give buyers and sellers a starting point. The next step is to compare the homes involved in your own decision.
Planning to sell this fall? Get a current home value range and use it to work through your next move.
About these numbers
Figures cover September 2026 and come from Realtris market trends data refreshed October 4. Monthly figures are not seasonally adjusted. Medians reflect the mix of homes sold. Days on market measure the time from the listing-contract date to the purchase-contract date and may not include earlier listings of the same property.