Market Fluctuations Continue
The Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® saw 341 homes change hands in January, down 10.3% compared to the same month a year ago. The average sale price was $624,550 which represents an increase of over $10,000 from December and is down just 0.6 % from January of 2025.
“The sales-to-new listings ratio dropped substantially in January, to 32.2,” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “That is noticeably lower than December’s ratio of 71.6. This would indicate conditions of a buyers’ market, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), but aligns with expected numbers for a typical January market.”
“Inventory continues to remain at a historically high level,” Tiller continued, “with 6.6 months of inventory in January, up from the 5.3 months recorded in January of 2025. This represents the most active listings we have seen in the last ten years. This is another indication of a buyer’s market and another good reason to reach out to your local REALTOR® for advice on buying or selling.”
According to the latest study1 by Altus Group, an average housing transaction in Ontario generated an average of $124,200 in spin-off spending per transaction from 2022 to 2024. These expenses include legal fees, appraisers, moving costs, new appliances, and home renovation expenses.
“Based on January’s sales, that means more than $49 million was potentially generated in spin-off spending,” Tiller said.
Employment resulting from home sales is also significant, according to the Altus study. Resale housing activity created an estimated 117,610 jobs annually in Ontario from 2022 to 2024. Jobs include manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, finance, and insurance.
1_Economic Benefits Generated by Home Sales and Purchases Over MLS® Systems Across Canada_, Altus Group, 2025.
Board & Association Information
The London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) is one of Canada’s largest real estate associations, representing over 2,300 REALTORS® from London, St. Thomas, Strathroy, Middlesex County, & Elgin County. Guided by a ten-member Board of Directors and administered by a team of professional staff specialists, LSTAR strives to deliver excellent service to its Members, including not only its core service, the MLS® system, but also Arbitration, Education, Professional Standards, Communications, and Government and Community Relations. It is nationally recognized as a leader in technological innovation, political action and community service. As members of the Canadian Real Estate Association, LSTAR members may use the REALTOR® trademark, which identifies them as real estate professionals governed by a high standard of professional service and a strict Code of Ethics, committed to providing the best possible service to their clients and customers. The Association operates the local Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), a co-operative marketing system used only by Canada’s real estate boards to ensure maximum exposure of properties for sale. Advertisements of local MLS® property listings and information about the services provided by a REALTOR® can be found at www.REALTOR.ca. More information about LSTAR is available at www.lstar.ca
LONDON & ST. THOMAS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
For more information,
please contact:
(519) 641-1400
info@lstar.ca
Dale Marsh
