The January market in Kingston opened 2026 in balanced territory, with 4.7 months of inventory and a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 43 percent.
After several years of sharp swings, Kingston is operating in a market that is neither overheated nor frozen. Buyers are active. Sellers are listing. But negotiation has clearly returned.
Let’s examine the key numbers to understand current market conditions in Kingston and what they mean for buyers and sellers.
Sales activity
There were 89 residential sales in Kingston in January.
That represents a modest increase compared to January of last year. Activity is steady, not explosive. Buyers are participating, but they are more deliberate than during the bidding-war environment of 2021 and early 2022.
Kingston housing prices in January
The average sale price in Kingston in January was $575,823.
That is down just under 6 percent year over year.
The median price came in at $550,000, also down year over year.
The price change indicates normalization rather than a collapse, showing prices remain above pre-pandemic levels and the market is recalibrating toward balance.
For buyers, this creates opportunity and stability.
For sellers, it reinforces the importance of pricing based on current data rather than peak 2022 expectations.
Inventory and market balance
With 4.7 months of inventory, Kingston is in balanced market territory, meaning neither buyers nor sellers have overwhelming leverage, affecting negotiation strategies.
Balanced conditions typically fall between four and six months of inventory. That means neither buyers nor sellers have overwhelming leverage.
In early 2022, Kingston had well under one month of inventory. Today’s environment is far more predictable. Buyers have time to evaluate properties. Sellers must compete on price, presentation, and condition.
Balanced markets reward preparation rather than urgency.
How homes are actually selling
The behavioural data is just as important as the headline prices.
In January:
82 percent of homes sold below list price
Just over 11 percent sold above list price.
The average sale-to-list price ratio was 97 percent.
Negotiation is back.
During peak years, multiple offers were common, and bidding above the asking price was routine. Today, most transactions involve discussion and adjustment.
Average days on market increased to 56 days. Median days on market rose to 57 days.
Properties are not disappearing overnight. They are being evaluated carefully.
Again, we are not panic selling. It is normalization.
Listing behaviour in Kingston housing market
There were 209 new listings in January.
Sellers are entering the market at a healthy pace. However, with the majority of homes selling below asking price, strategy matters more than ever.
Homes that are well prepared and realistically priced are selling.
Aspirational pricing is not.
If you’re preparing a home for sale, our guide on home inspections and selling your home fast can help.”
Where demand remains strongest
Activity remains concentrated in the $400,000 to $800,000 range; that segment continues to represent the core of Kingston’s buyer demand.
Higher price brackets remain active, but those segments are more sensitive to pricing and time on market.
What this means heading into spring
January rarely defines the full year, but it sets the tone.
Kingston begins 2026 with:
Balanced inventory
Modest year-over-year price adjustment
Active but disciplined buyers
Negotiation replacing bidding wars.
Unless interest rates change significantly, a steady spring market is expected, offering stability and predictability for buyers and sellers.
For many clients, steady is good. It allows buyers to make thoughtful decisions and sellers to plan strategically.
If you’re considering buying or selling in Kingston in 2026, focusing on positioning and preparation will help you feel confident and ready, rather than rushed.
For general market trends, there is good information available to you on realtor.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kingston in a buyer’s market right now?
No. With 4.7 months of inventory, Kingston is considered balanced. Buyers have more leverage than in 2021, but sellers are still achieving solid results when priced correctly.
Are home prices falling in Kingston?
Prices are down about 6 percent year over year. That reflects normalization from peak conditions rather than a market crash.
Are homes still selling over asking?
Some are, but it is no longer common. Most homes are selling below the list price and involve negotiation.
Is now a good time to sell in Kingston?
Yes, if pricing and presentation are handled properly. In a balanced market, preparation matters more than timing.
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