York Region Real Estate Market Update: What Changed Between April and May 2026?
May 2026 TRREB Market Update
York Region Real Estate Market Update: What Changed Between April and May 2026?
May did not show a simple “hot market” or “slow market.” It showed something more useful: buyer activity improved in York Region, inventory stayed meaningful, and the best strategy now depends heavily on area, property type, price band, and presentation.
The simple read: York Region sales improved, but buyers still have choice
York Region moved from 994 sales in April 2026 to 1,183 sales in May 2026, an increase of roughly 19%. Average price also moved higher, from $1,131,433 in April to $1,177,330 in May.
That does not mean every home suddenly became easy to sell. Active listings also rose from 4,996 to 5,252, and May still showed a 5.2-month inventory trend across York Region. In plain English: there was more buyer activity, but buyers still had enough choice to compare homes carefully.
For sellers, this means pricing and presentation still matter. For buyers, it means the market may be getting more active, but there are still opportunities in certain areas and property types.
The biggest takeaway: May looked stronger than April for activity, but not strong enough to ignore inventory, pricing discipline, or property-specific strategy.
York Region Real Estate Market Update: What Changed Between April and May 2026
This video gives a clear walk-through of the May 2026 York Region market update, including how sales activity, prices, inventory, and property type differences shifted from April to May.
The written breakdown below gives you the detailed numbers, while the video helps explain what those numbers may actually mean for buyers, sellers, and homeowners across York Region.
Market information is general and should not be treated as a property-specific valuation. For a personal read on your home, neighbourhood, or next move, request a home valuation or reach out directly.
What This Market Guide Covers
This guide compares April and May 2026 market data and explains what the shift means for homeowners, buyers, and sellers across York Region.
- The big GTA and York Region picture
- Watch the May 2026 market update video
- April vs. May comparison by area
- What the HPI benchmark says about price direction
- Detached, townhouse, and condo apartment takeaways
- What buyers should do with this information
- What sellers should do with this information
- Local notes for Aurora, Newmarket, King, East Gwillimbury, and Richmond Hill
The GTA tightened in May, but it was not a runaway market
TRREB reported 6,583 GTA home sales in May 2026, up 6.3% compared with May 2025. New listings were 17,698, down 18.9% year-over-year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, May sales were up 10% compared with April while new listings were down 2.1%.
The important part is the relationship between sales and supply. When sales rise and listings pull back, the market can tighten. But buyers still had substantial negotiating power through the spring because inventory remained elevated in many segments.
Sales improved
More buyers moved forward in May compared with April, especially across several York Region communities.
Inventory still matters
York Region had 5,252 active listings in May, so buyers were still comparing options.
Prices need context
Average prices rose month-over-month in several areas, but HPI benchmark prices remained down year-over-year.
What changed in York Region from April to May 2026?
Across the York Region focus areas shown, May generally brought more sales activity. The clearest exceptions were East Gwillimbury, where sales pulled back, and King, where a small number of luxury/estate transactions can move the averages sharply.
| Area | April Sales | May Sales | Sales Change | April Avg. Price | May Avg. Price | Avg. Price Change | May Active Listings | May Mos. Inv. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| York Region | 994 | 1,183 | +19.0% | $1,131,433 | $1,177,330 | +4.1% | 5,252 | 5.2 |
| Aurora | 60 | 71 | +18.3% | $1,153,153 | $1,181,220 | +2.4% | 301 | 5.3 |
| East Gwillimbury | 44 | 32 | -27.3% | $1,038,275 | $1,051,403 | +1.3% | 204 | 5.5 |
| King | 19 | 22 | +15.8% | $1,574,989 | $1,815,404 | +15.3% | 233 | 11.3 |
| Newmarket | 85 | 104 | +22.4% | $998,202 | $1,072,683 | +7.5% | 334 | 4.3 |
| Richmond Hill | 184 | 224 | +21.7% | $1,175,275 | $1,209,257 | +2.9% | 1,030 | 5.9 |
April figures are based on the April 2026 TRREB regional tables previously reviewed. May figures are based on the May 2026 TRREB tables provided for this update. Month-to-month percentage changes are calculated from the figures shown.
Where sales activity changed the most
The following visual shows the direction of sales activity from April to May. Newmarket, Richmond Hill, York Region overall, Aurora, and King all improved. East Gwillimbury moved lower, which is why local context matters.
Average prices rose month-over-month, but benchmark prices still show year-over-year softness
This is one of the most important parts of the report. Average prices can move higher from one month to the next because of the mix of homes sold. If more luxury or detached homes sell in a given month, the average can rise even if the broader market is still below last year’s benchmark.
The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark helps show broader price direction. In May 2026, York Region’s composite benchmark was $1,105,300, down 9.45% year-over-year. That means the market may be firmer than April in terms of activity, but sellers are still operating in a price-sensitive environment compared with last year.
| Area | Composite Benchmark | Yr./Yr. Change | Detached Benchmark | Detached Yr./Yr. | Townhouse Benchmark | Townhouse Yr./Yr. | Apartment Benchmark | Apartment Yr./Yr. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All TRREB Areas | $946,500 | -6.68% | $1,239,300 | -6.61% | $687,300 | -8.45% | $539,400 | -9.12% |
| York Region | $1,105,300 | -9.45% | $1,364,000 | -9.27% | $723,600 | -14.12% | $524,700 | -10.78% |
| Aurora | $1,128,600 | -12.06% | $1,339,600 | -11.31% | $754,600 | -13.06% | $522,100 | -8.07% |
| King | $1,593,600 | -9.21% | $1,801,600 | -10.07% | N/A | N/A | $609,600 | -7.48% |
| Newmarket | $1,013,900 | -7.99% | $1,132,300 | -7.31% | $685,500 | -13.27% | $478,100 | -6.28% |
| Richmond Hill | $1,166,800 | -12.16% | $1,533,100 | -12.86% | $764,100 | -11.66% | $508,000 | -10.80% |
The practical takeaway: a higher May average price does not erase year-over-year benchmark softness. Buyers are more active, but they are still value-sensitive.
Detached, townhouse, and condo apartments are not behaving the same way
Different property types tell different stories. Detached homes still carry the highest price points, townhouses showed strong sale-to-list performance in York Region, and condo apartments continued to show more price sensitivity in the benchmark data.
Detached homes
York Region detached homes averaged $1,447,855 in May with 664 sales and 2,941 active listings. This segment is active, but buyers still have meaningful choice.
Townhouses
York Region attached/row/townhouses averaged $996,710 with a 101% average SP/LP, showing well-positioned homes could still attract strong offers.
Condo apartments
York Region condo apartments averaged $595,190 with a 97% average SP/LP and 1,167 active listings, showing a more selective buyer pool.
| May 2026 Segment | York Region Sales | York Region Avg. Price | York Region Median | Active Listings | Avg. SP/LP | Avg. LDOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached | 664 | $1,447,855 | $1,350,000 | 2,941 | 98% | 27 |
| Attached / Row / Townhouse | 204 | $996,710 | $964,900 | 563 | 101% | 25 |
| Condo Apartment | 180 | $595,190 | $556,000 | 1,167 | 97% | 32 |
| Condo Townhouse | 62 | $720,532 | $732,500 | 319 | 97% | 38 |
| Semi-Detached | 57 | $1,028,373 | $1,050,000 | 220 | 100% | 24 |
What buyers should do with the May numbers
Buyers should not assume every listing is negotiable in the same way. Better properties, better locations, and well-priced homes can still move quickly. At the same time, elevated inventory in certain areas gives buyers more room to compare value, condition, and seller motivation.
Compare by property type
A detached home, townhouse, and condo apartment can each have different pressure points.
Watch inventory
More listings can create options, but strong listings may still attract competition.
Use days on market carefully
Longer market time can create room for discussion, but it does not automatically mean poor value.
What sellers should do with the May numbers
Sellers can take some confidence from the improved sales activity, but the market is still selective. The key is not just getting listed. The key is entering the market with the right price, strong presentation, clear positioning, and a realistic understanding of competing inventory.
Price against today’s competition
May buyers had more activity, but they were still comparing active listings carefully.
Do not rely only on averages
Average prices can move because of the mix of homes sold. Your property needs a specific valuation.
Make presentation count
Clean preparation, photography, lifestyle context, and pricing discipline still matter.
Area-by-area takeaways across York Region
Aurora
Aurora sales moved from 60 in April to 71 in May, while the average price rose from $1,153,153 to $1,181,220. Active listings reached 301, which means buyers still had choice even with stronger activity.
Newmarket
Newmarket showed one of the strongest month-over-month activity improvements in the focus areas, moving from 85 sales in April to 104 in May. Average price also rose to $1,072,683.
King Township
King moved from 19 April sales to 22 May sales, while the average price rose to $1,815,404. With 233 active listings and an 11.3-month inventory trend, this market still requires careful luxury and estate positioning.
East Gwillimbury
East Gwillimbury moved from 44 April sales to 32 May sales, a decline of 27.3%. Average price rose slightly from $1,038,275 to $1,051,403, so the lower sales count should be read alongside property type, location, and the mix of homes sold.
Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill moved from 184 April sales to 224 May sales, while average price rose from $1,175,275 to $1,209,257. Active listings remained significant at 1,030, so pricing and competition still matter.
York Region Overall
York Region’s market was more active in May, but not simple. Sales improved, average price rose, and inventory remained meaningful. The right advice depends on area, property type, price point, condition, and timing.
What this means in plain English
May 2026 showed more confidence than April, but not enough to ignore the basics. Buyers still need a clear strategy because good listings can move. Sellers still need a clear strategy because buyers have options. The best plan is local, property-specific, and grounded in the numbers that matter most to your situation.
Sources and market note
This article is based on April and May 2026 TRREB Market Watch data, the May 2026 MLS® Home Price Index table, and the specific TRREB regional screenshots reviewed for York Region and surrounding areas. Calculations are rounded for readability.
- TRREB Market Watch and market data
- TRREB MLS® Home Price Index and benchmark price data
- Real Estate Council of Ontario
Market data is general in nature and should not be treated as a property-specific valuation, legal advice, mortgage advice, financial advice, tax advice, or a guarantee of future market performance. For advice about your property or situation, speak with the appropriate qualified professional.
Want to understand what these numbers mean for your home or next move?
Whether you are buying, selling, upsizing, downsizing, or simply watching the market, the right strategy starts with local context. Reach out for a calm, practical conversation about your property, neighbourhood, and timing.
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