What happened in the Peterborough housing market?

According to the Central Lakes Association of REALTORS® (CLAR), 169 homes sold across Peterborough City & County in October 2026. That was 13.4% more than in September, although sales remained 3.4% below October 2025.

The average selling price was $630,092, down 4.3% from September and 6.8% from a year earlier. This is a useful reminder that an increase in the number of sales does not necessarily mean prices are rising. As we move further into the fall market, buyers appear willing to act when a property and its asking price make sense for them.

October 2026: Four numbers worth knowing

Average selling price: $630,092

The average selling price fell 6.8% year over year and 4.3% from September.

What this means for you: Sellers should base their asking price on recent comparable sales, not last year’s expectations. Buyers may find opportunities, but the right offer still depends on the property, its condition and the local competition.

Homes sold: 169

Sales increased 13.4% compared with September but were 3.4% lower than October 2025.

What this means for you: The market is not standing still. Well-matched buyers and sellers are still completing transactions, even as price expectations adjust.

Active listings: 707

There were 707 active listings at the end of October, with 308 new listings entering the market during the month.

What this means for you: Buyers have properties to compare. Sellers need to pay attention to how their home stacks up against similar listings on price, presentation and condition. The October report does not provide a month-over-month change for active listings, so this figure should not be interpreted as a documented increase or decrease.

Average days on market: 50

Homes sold in October spent an average of 50 days on the market. The average sale-to-list-price ratio was 96%.

What this means for you: It is important to plan for a selling process that may take time. An attractive asking price, strong photos and a clear plan for responding to feedback can help. The 96% figure is a market-wide average, not a prediction for any individual home.

What should buyers do right now?

If you are buying in Peterborough, start by comparing recent sold prices with current asking prices in the neighbourhoods and property types you are considering. The regional average includes many different homes and locations, so it cannot tell you what a particular house is worth.

With 707 active listings reported at month-end, it is worth looking carefully at your options. Ask how long a home has been listed, whether its price has changed and what comparable properties have actually sold for. Before making an offer, review financing, inspection needs and the costs of ownership so you can make a confident decision rather than a rushed one.

What should sellers do right now?

October’s increase in sales is encouraging, but the decline in average selling price is a reminder that buyers are watching value closely. A realistic asking price should reflect current local sales and the competition your home faces today.

Preparation also matters. Address obvious maintenance concerns, present rooms clearly and make it easy for prospective buyers to understand the home’s strengths. If your home is not getting the response you expected, review the feedback and comparable listings early rather than relying on the passage of time.

Thinking about downsizing?

For homeowners considering a smaller property, a move involves two decisions: what your current home may sell for and what your next home may cost. Those markets can behave differently, especially when comparing detached homes with condos or townhouses.

Before listing, consider the timing of both transactions, monthly carrying costs, accessibility needs, moving expenses and whether you would prefer to buy or sell first. A neighbourhood-specific comparison can be more useful than relying on the Peterborough-wide average.

The bottom line

Peterborough City & County saw more sales in October than in September, while average prices continued to soften. Buyers are participating, but careful pricing and realistic expectations remain important on both sides of a transaction.