The Cornerstone Association of Realtors reported a 35% decrease in sales in Hamilton-Burlington last month, marking the lowest number of sales in February since 2009. New listings in the region were down about 9%, which is comparable to long-term trends for the month. Cornerstone Spokesperson Nicolas von Bredow says that despite recent market fluctuations, the market is showing signs of stabilization and better alignment with long-term trends when it comes to inventory and prices.
The steep decline in sales and a more modest decline in new listings resulted in a 28% increase in inventory. There were 2,599 active listings in the region, the highest February inventory since 2013.
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Let’s take a closer look at what happened in the local real estate market last month:
Hamilton Market Activity
| Variable | 2025 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Activity | 388 | -24.7% |
| New Listings | 909 | 0.4% |
| Active Listings | 1,671 | 37.6% |
| Months of Inventory | 4.3 | 82.7% |
| Average Price | $764,838 | -1.8% |
| Median Price | $700,500 | -4.7% |
| Average Days on Market | 37.0 | 7.7% |
Burlington Market Activity
| Variable | 2025 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Activity | 100 | -51.9% |
| New Listings | 278 | -17.0% |
| Active Listings | 455 | 28.5% |
| Months of Inventory | 4.6 | 167.3% |
| Average Price | $1,065,534 | -5.5% |
| Median Price | $962,500 | -4.2% |
| Average Days on Market | 24.1 | -13.9% |
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Sales Activity
There were 388 home sales in Hamilton last month, a dip of about 25% year-over-year. Burlington saw an even deeper decrease in sales. There were 100 home sales in Burlington, down 52% over February 2024.
New Listings
New listings were slightly up by less than 1% in Hamilton with 909 new listings coming to market in February. There were 278 new listings in Burlington, down 17% over last year.
Active Listings
The steeper decline in sales compared to the more modest dip in new listings resulted in the highest February inventory in the area since 2013. In Hamilton, there were 1,671 active listings, up 38% year-over-year. Inventory in Burlington was up 29% over last year with 455 active listings.
Months of Supply
Months of inventory/supply saw a significant increase last month. We saw 4.3 months of inventory in Hamilton for February, up 83% over 2024. Burlington months of supple was up by an even greater margin. At 4.6 months of inventory, it was up 167% over February last year.
Average Days on Market
Despite months of supply increasing so much, the average days on market stayed relatively stable. Hamilton listings had 37 days on market, on average, up about 8% over last year. Burlington days on market were actually down about 14% over 2024 with 24.1 days on average.
Average Prices
An increase in supply and a decrease in sales resulted in a slight year-over-year price dip. The average residential price in Hamilton last month was $764,838, down about 2% over last year. The average residential price in Burlington was $1,065,534, down about 6% over February 2024.
In the News
After a 30-day “pause” on his plans, U.S. President Donald Trump enacted his 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada on March 4th. He also announced an additional 10% tax on Chinese imports. The new tariffs would apply to all Canadian and Mexican imports, excluding Canadian energy products, which will be subject to a 10% tariff. However, hardly 48 hours later, he partially backtracked on the tariffs after a steep decline in the stock market and concern over the economic impact a tariff war would incite.
Later in the week, he signed an order exempting Canadian and Mexican goods that fell under the North American trade agreement, USMCA until April 2. This is when he is expected to reveal “reciprocal duties” against specific sectors as well as other nations around the world. Exempt products include automobiles and parts that meet USMCA requirements. Other products like Canadian potash and many energy products will be subject to a 10% tariff.
Canada’s GDP performed stronger than expected in 2024. Data from Statistics Canada shows the GPD rose 0.2% in December, finishing the quarter with an increase of 2.6% (annualized pace.) That momentum was carried into January, with advance data showing the GDP rose 0.3%. This data could further “bolster” the Bank of Canada’s decision to cut rates again at this week’s policy meeting.
A Look at What’s to Come
February was a strong month at MSJ Realty. Despite multiple snowstorms and frigid temperatures—one week spent digging out temporarily slowed our progress—we still achieved record-setting results on several fronts. Had the weather cooperated, we would have been on track for another record month.
While lower sales in February were mainly due to freezing weather, tariff discussions may also be influencing market psychology.
Looking ahead, the Bank of Canada will announce its March interest rate decision next week. With tariffs in play, market predictions suggest a 95% chance of a rate cut—we’ll see what happens.
Supply has increased significantly since the holidays, reaching levels unseen in the past 24 months. Despite this, our market remains balanced, and properties continue to move when priced appropriately.
The spring market gained momentum two months ago and will officially kick off soon. If rates drop and tariffs are lifted, we could be in for a busy spring.
Are you thinking about making a real estate move in the near future? Call us at 1-844-484-SOLD or email us here for everything you need to know about buying and selling in this market.
