🧊 Winter Holds On.
📊 A Market Rebuilding.
🔎 Opportunity Remains.
✨ FAMILY & HOME UPDATE
February brought a return to what felt like a true Canadian winter, with heavy snowfall across Hamilton and surrounding areas and temperatures that reminded us of winters from years past. While the cold lingered, it also created space for some meaningful moments together.
One of the highlights of the month was the opportunity for Emese and Henk to attend the Royal LePage NRC Awards Gala at Stone Eagle Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was a special evening to celebrate the work of the past year, and we were honoured to receive the Royal LePage Diamond Award for just the second time in our careers. We were also grateful to be recognized among the top 10% of Royal LePage teams in Canada, and to place in the top 15 teams within our brokerage, a goal that we had set and were thankful to achieve.
Music continues to play a central role in our lives. Henk had the privilege of accompanying a student who successfully auditioned for and was accepted into the vocal music programs at both York University and Western University. At church, we have also been working diligently with the choir at Winona Gospel Church in preparation for our Good Friday and Easter Sunday services, a meaningful and full season of music ministry. Earlier in the month, Emese organized and led her high school choir students to New York City, taking in the sights, experiencing the Lion King on Broadway, and listening to the world-famous King’s Singers in concert. The rest of the time was spent at the Museum of Modern Art, and a whirlwind tour of the Big Apple.
Despite the cold, Jacob and Henk have continued their Friday evening ski outings as conditions allow, making the most of the winter season. Meanwhile, both Jacob and Chiara have begun badminton tryouts at school. As an early spring sport, it serves as a welcome reminder that warmer days are on the horizon, even as winter holds on for now.
📊 HAMILTON MARKET UPDATE
💵 Median Price: $682,500 ▲ 1.34 % (from $673,500)
💰 Average Price: $740,261 ▼ 1.52 % (from $751,673)
🏘️ Unit Sales: 286 ▲ (from 272, +14)
⏱️ Median Days on Market: 66 ▼ (from 89, -23)
📦 Inventory: 5.09 months (155 days) ▼ (from 5.33 months / 162 days)
🆕 New Listings: 717 ▲ (from 362, +355)
🛠️ WHAT WE’RE SEEING ON THE GROUND
There continues to be a noticeable difference between how the market appears at a glance and what is actually happening beneath the surface. While inventory remains relatively elevated, we are seeing clear signs of activity, particularly in the mid-range of the market.
Well-priced homes in the median price range are selling quickly, and in some cases, attracting multiple offers. This reinforces what the data is showing: the market is rebuilding from the middle out. The median price has remained stable and is now showing modest growth, while the average price continues to fluctuate, reflecting ongoing softness in the higher-end segment.
Looking back over the past six years provides helpful context. In February 2020, just before the pandemic, the median home price in Hamilton was approximately $550,000. Prices rose rapidly, peaking near $961,000 in early 2022 before correcting as interest rates increased and market conditions shifted. At that time, we predicted that a return toward pre-COVID pricing levels would be necessary for the market to stabilize and rebuild. (Click here for the video with that prediction.)
Now, four years later, the median price sits around $680,000. When adjusted for typical inflation over that period, this aligns closely with where we had expected a healthy and sustainable market to be today. This is a strong indication that the market has reset and is now building on a more stable foundation.
As inventory shows early signs of tightening and sales activity increases, we expect this trend to continue. Our outlook for 2026 is one of modest, sustainable growth, with median prices potentially rising in the range of 4–7%. As confidence strengthens in the middle of the market, this should gradually extend into the higher-end segment as well.
For buyers, this remains a window of opportunity to enter the market with greater choice and negotiating power. For sellers, success continues to depend on accurate pricing and presenting a home in its best possible light. In a market like this, thoughtful strategy and clear, data-driven advice are more important than ever.
🏡 FEATURED LISTING
Offered at $629,000 😲
This charming century home in the heart of Paris is one of quirky character with lots of space in a quiet neighbourhood. Originally built in 1910, the home has evolved over time and carries with it a unique personality that sets it apart from more conventional properties.
Featuring 5 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, including a renovated main floor bath (2024) and a private ensuite off the primary bedroom, this home offers nearly 2,200 square feet of living space. The layout reflects its history, with two separate entrances that previously allowed for duplex use, creating flexibility for a variety of living arrangements.
A large, separate dining room provides an ideal space for gathering, complete with sliding doors that lead to the rear deck and yard. The home’s character finishes and thoughtful updates, including an updated furnace, air conditioning, and 200 amp electrical service, offer a blend of old-world charm and modern peace of mind.
Situated in an established neighbourhood in Paris just minutes from the charming downtown core and the scenic Grand River, this property presents a unique opportunity to own a home with both history and potential.
🕯️ A REFLECTION FOR THE SEASON
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of what we have been given, handling our resources with integrity, diligence, and wisdom. In our work, we are often guiding clients in decisions that impact their financial future and help them build stability through home ownership.
At the same time, we are reminded that nothing we build here is permanent. No matter how beautiful or comfortable a home may be, it is ultimately temporary. This creates a natural tension, one that points us beyond the present and toward something greater.
Each day, we are reminded to look forward to the home that Christ has promised, one that is not built by human hands, but prepared for us with perfect peace and joy. It is this hope that grounds us, even as we work faithfully in the responsibilities we have been given today.
🎁 LOOKING AHEAD
As we move toward the spring market, we anticipate increased activity alongside continued stability. Preparation, clarity, and thoughtful decision-making will remain key for both buyers and sellers.
We remain committed to guiding our clients with care, providing clear, data-driven insight, and helping each person navigate the market with confidence.
🤝 THANK YOU
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We are grateful for every conversation, every referral, and every opportunity to serve.
As always, we are never too busy for your referrals.
