Buyer Conditions Persist as Listings Surge in May: TRREB Report

In May 2025, the Greater Toronto Area remained a buyer-friendly market, characterized by improving affordability and a notable increase in housing inventory. According to the latest report from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), 6,244 homes were sold, which represents a 13.3% decrease compared to May 2024. However, new listings rose by 14% year-over-year, reaching a seasonal high of 21,819.

The average selling price for all home types fell by 4% annually to $1,120,879, further enhancing buyers’ negotiating power. With the Bank of Canada maintaining its overnight rate, borrowing costs remain stable. This stability allowed more households to re-enter the market, as declining prices made homeownership more accessible.

GTA Housing Market Picks Up Momentum Month-over-Month 

The Greater Toronto Area housing market gained traction in May 2025, with month-over-month growth in both sales and listings suggesting a spring revival. While year-over-year comparisons remain on the softer side, the short-term shifts point to renewed activity among both buyers and sellers.

Home sales rose 11.5%, increasing from 5,601 in April to 6,244 in May—an additional 643 transactions. At the same time, new listings jumped 15.8%, from 18,836 to 21,819. This faster supply growth added downward pressure on pricing power, giving buyers more negotiating leverage and creating a more competitive environment for sellers.

Modest Gains with Segment Differences

The overall average selling price rose 1.2% month-over-month, from $1,107,463 in April to $1,120,879 in May. This marks a small but meaningful shift in a market that had been steadily declining since late 2023. Despite the recent uptick, prices are still down roughly 4% year-over-year, underscoring that some affordability improvements are holding.

Detached Homes Continue to Hold Value and Gain Interest

Detached homes continued to command the highest prices across the GTA, averaging $1,425,264 in May, a 0.43% dip from April’s $1,431,495. Yet they accounted for a larger share of total transactions, increasing from 45.6% to 48.0%. This suggests growing interest from buyers who may now have more flexibility to negotiate. 

In the City of Toronto, detached homes sold for an average of $1,719,937, compared to $1,321,458 in the surrounding 905 areas. While sales declined year-over-year, activity held steady from April, reflecting sustained interest in long-term space and value.

Condos Climb the Charts, But Prices Play Tug-of-War

Condo apartments were a major driver of May’s activity. Sales surged 17.3% month-over-month, from an estimated 2,554 in April to 1,482 in May—nearly half of all transactions. This growth reflects steady demand for more affordable entry points to homeownership, especially as detached and semi-detached homes remain out of reach for many first-time buyers.

However, pricing trends diverged by region. In the 416, the average condo price dropped 3.85%, from $710,724 in April to $709,905. In contrast, the 905 area saw average condo prices jump from $618,196 to $632,771. Despite May’s sales boost, condo transactions were still down 25.2% year-over-year, with most activity clustered in the $500,000–$599,999 range, signaling that price sensitivity remains a key factor for buyers.

Sales of townhouses and semi-detached homes were more subdued. Semi-detached homes averaged $1,098,447, while semis sold for an average of $904,272. In Toronto alone, 277 semi-detached homes changed hands at an average price of $1,299,387. These property types continue to serve as mid-range options for families seeking more space without the cost of a detached home.

Days on Market Reveal Regional Demand Gaps

Although overall sales remained below 2024 levels, homes in several parts of the GTA continued to sell at a steady pace. There were 2,315 sales in Toronto, with an average Listing Days on Market (LDOM) of 26 days and a Property Days on Market (PDOM) of 39. The Peel Region saw a total of 1,035 home sales in May, with Mississauga leading the way with 508 sales, an average LDOM of 26 days, and a PDOM of 41. Brampton followed with 454 sales, also showing an LDOM of 26 and a PDOM of 44. York Region had 1,005 total sales, ranking third in the most home sales among all TRREB areas. Vaughan was in the most demand in the York Region, recording 275 sales but with an LDOM of 25 days and a PDOM of 39.

Inventory Grows, Buyers Stay Measured

“Homebuyers continued to benefit from more choice in May. Listings were up, and with prices softening, conditions remained favourable,” said TRREB CEO John DiMichele.

As the market heads into summer, affordability gains, rising inventory, and regional price sensitivity are expected to shape buyer behavior. But until broader economic confidence returns, many prospective buyers are likely to remain on the sidelines.