Just as summer slips away, the Autumn 2025 Kingston real estate market update reveals smart moves for buyers. The market is shifting from the fast pace of spring and early summer to a calmer outlook this fall. While it isn’t fully balanced yet, buyers are seeing more listings, softer prices, and the chance to negotiate with more confidence than in recent years.
1. Market Conditions This Fall
The most important measure of market health is months of inventory—how long it would take to sell all current listings at the present sales pace.
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Kingston now sits at 4.8 months of inventory, which technically falls into the “balanced” range defined by CREA (4–6 months).
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But price trends tell another story: many homes are selling below list price, and in some cases even below appraised value.
In practical terms, this means sellers can no longer expect bidding wars, and buyers have regained leverage. The market is not crashing—it’s stabilizing. Compared with the COVID-era frenzy of 2020–2021, when homes often sold far above asking in under a week, Fall 2025 feels measured.
For buyers, this translates into time and power—time to tour homes, secure financing, and make informed decisions without fear of being outbid overnight.
2. Listings Are Piling Up
This fall, Kingston buyers are seeing more choice than in years past.
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714 new listings were added in July—the most for that month in over a decade.
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Active listings reached 1,479, well above five- and ten-year averages.
For buyers, more inventory means:
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Variety: everything from compact starter bungalows to larger rural homes.
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Negotiation power: inclusions like appliances, repairs, or flexible closing dates are back on the table.
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Room to think: with fewer bidding wars, buyers can compare multiple properties before committing.
👉 Sellers, meanwhile, must be realistic. Overpricing a listing in this environment often means sitting on the market longer and eventually reducing.
3. First-Time Buyers: A Window of Opportunity
For first-time buyers, the Autumn 2025 Kingston real estate market update highlights one of the best entry points in years. Nationally, home prices have softened by 2–3%, and Kingston has held steady year-over-year but is trending toward affordability with many homes closing under list.
Neighbourhood Snapshots
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Kingscourt: Affordable detached homes and duplexes, many priced below the city average. Its proximity to downtown, Queen’s, and transit makes it appealing to young professionals. Ongoing infill and renovation projects signal long-term upside.
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Rideau Heights: Long seen as a budget-friendly area, it continues to evolve through city investment in infrastructure and green spaces. Buyers can secure lower entry prices today with potential for appreciation over time.
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Rural Communities (Verona, Harrowsmith, Napanee): Here, budgets stretch further—larger lots, more square footage, and lifestyle perks like access to lakes and trails. The trade-off: longer commutes and fewer walkable amenities.
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Westbrook & Cataraqui Woods: Suburban-style neighbourhoods that balance affordability with convenience. Family-friendly layouts, close to schools and shopping, continue to attract steady demand.
👉 For buyers priced out in 2021–2022, when Kingston homes often soared $100K above asking, this fall offers a chance to re-enter the market on fairer terms.
4. Why Autumn Works for Buyers
The Autumn 2025 Kingston real estate market update underscores several seasonal advantages:
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Motivated Sellers: Many want to close before winter weather and the holiday season.
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Less Competition: Spring brings a surge of buyers; fall is calmer, meaning fewer multiple offers.
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Clear Inspections: With no snow cover, buyers and inspectors can properly assess roofs, foundations, driveways, and drainage.
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Utility Insights: Purchasing in the fall gives buyers a realistic preview of heating costs as furnaces are turned on.
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Strategic Timing: Buying in autumn means moving in before winter sets in and locking in rates ahead of potential new-year market shifts.
5. Quick Market Snapshot (Fall 2025)
| Metric | Fall 2025 Status | What It Means for Buyers |
|---|---|---|
| Benchmark Price | $593,200 | Flat year-over-year; many closings below list |
| Average Sale Price | $613,160 | Slight 0.9% rise; some below appraised value |
| Months of Inventory | 4.8 | Balanced range; buyer-friendly leverage |
| New Listings (July) | 714 | Highest in a decade |
| Active Listings | 1,479 | More choice than in 5+ years |
| Days on Market (avg) | 33 | Up 6% from last year; no rush decisions |
Final Word
The Autumn 2025 Kingston real estate market update makes it clear: this season isn’t fully balanced yet, but it’s tipping toward buyers. With more listings, softer prices, and less competition, Fall 2025 offers one of the strongest opportunities in years for first-time buyers and families alike.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this fall might be it.
📧 realtorbill76@gmail.com | 📞 613-449-2630
🏡 Bill Stevenson, REALTOR® – Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate
Helpful Resources
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