The Kingston and Area housing market continued to favour buyers during May 2026. While home prices remained relatively stable, inventory levels stayed elevated and sales activity slowed compared to recent years.
During the month of May 2026, 317 residential properties sold, representing an 18.7% decrease from May 2025. Meanwhile, 915 new listings entered the market, and active inventory remained above 1,400 properties. Buyers now have considerably more choice than they did during the highly competitive markets of 2021 and 2022.
These changing conditions are becoming increasingly visible throughout the market. Price reductions are more common; some sellers are entering the market with lower asking prices than similar homes might have commanded a few years ago, and properties requiring repairs or significant updating are often taking longer to attract offers.
May 2026 demonstrated that well-presented homes that are priced appropriately continue to sell, and desirable properties still attract strong interest. Buyers have regained something that has been missing for several years: the ability to compare options, negotiate conditions, and take time before deciding.
Prices remain relatively stable
Despite slower sales activity, prices remained relatively stable during May.
The average residential sale price was $639,295, an increase of just 0.2% compared to the same month last year. The median sale price remained at $600,000.
The data implies that during May 2026, despite a decline in market conditions, property values have mostly remained stable. Sellers are no longer seeing the rapid price appreciation that characterized the market a few years ago, but widespread price declines have not appeared across most housing categories.
The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark price for all residential property types reached $545,800 in May, up 2.0% from one year ago.
Buyers have regained choice and negotiating power
The most significant story in the May 2026 market is not price movement. It is the growing amount of choice available to buyers.
Inventory remains well above levels seen during the highly competitive market conditions of 2021 and 2022. With over 1,400 active listings available across Kingston and the surrounding area, buyers can be more selective about location, condition, features, and price.
Many sellers discover buyers are less willing to overlook deferred maintenance or cosmetic issues. Homes requiring updates, repairs, or modernization are often spending longer on the market than comparable move-in-ready properties.
Price reductions have become increasingly common as sellers adjust to changing market conditions. It’s not uncommon for homes to be listed for less now than similar ones were a year or two back.
Well-priced and well-presented properties continue to attract interest. However, buyers now have more alternatives and are often willing to wait for the right opportunity.
Sellers face increased competition
The increase in inventory means sellers are competing against more homes than they have in recent years.
Properties that are clean, updated, and realistically priced continue to perform well. Homes in desirable neighbourhoods and popular price ranges can still sell quickly.
However, sellers who price aggressively or delay necessary improvements may find their homes spending more time on the market. Buyers find more opportunities to compare properties and increasingly focus on value.
The average home sold for approximately 97.4% of list price during May, reflecting a market where negotiation has become more common than it was during the peak pandemic years.
Buyers also can explore a wider range of options across different price points. Those searching for more affordable properties may wish to review our Kingston Area Homes Under $500K search page, which highlights some opportunities currently available in the market.
May 2026 – Trends differed in each segment.
Single-family homes remained the largest segment of the market. Sales activity declined compared to last year, but prices remained relatively stable.
Townhouses continued to perform reasonably well, providing an attractive option for first-time buyers and downsizers looking for affordability compared to detached homes.
Apartment condominiums remain the most buyer-friendly segment of the market. Inventory levels are higher than other property types, giving buyers additional selection and negotiating flexibility. For first-time buyers, downsizers, and investors, condominium properties continue to provide some of the more affordable ownership opportunities available in Kingston.
What this means for buyers and sellers
For buyers, today’s market provides opportunities that have been absent for several years. More inventory means more choice, more time to decide, and a greater ability to negotiate conditions and price.
For sellers, preparation and pricing have become increasingly important. The market continues to reward homes that show well and offer strong value relative to competing listings.
While Kingston and Area remains within the range often described as a balanced market by traditional inventory measurements, May 2026 conditions clearly favoured buyers more than sellers. Increased inventory, slower sales activity, and growing competition among listings have created a market where buyers hold considerably more leverage than they did just a few years ago.
As we move into the summer market, inventory levels and buyer confidence will remain key factors to watch.
While this May 2026 report focuses on Kingston and Area, national housing trends continue to influence local market conditions. Readers interested in broader Canadian housing forecasts can review the latest market outlook published by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), which is updated quarterly to reflect changes in sales activity, prices, interest rates, and economic conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kingston currently a buyer’s market?
Kingston and Area remains within the range often described as a balanced market, but current conditions favour buyers more than sellers. Inventory levels are higher than in recent years, giving buyers more choice and negotiating power.
Are home prices falling in Kingston?
Average prices remained relatively stable during May 2026. While some individual properties have experienced price reductions, overall market values have not seen significant declines.
Why are some homes taking longer to sell?
Buyers have more options than they did during the highly competitive markets of 2021 and 2022. Properties requiring updates, repairs, or aggressive pricing often face increased competition.
Is now a good time to buy a home in Kingston?
Many buyers are finding more opportunities due to increased inventory, reduced competition, and greater flexibility during negotiations.
Are condominiums a good option in the current market?
Condominiums currently offer some of the most affordable ownership opportunities in Kingston and Area, while also providing buyers with more selection than many detached-home segments.
Guides and Related Resources
Buyer, Seller, and Balanced Market Conditions
Learn how different market conditions affect pricing, negotiations, inventory levels, and buying or selling strategies.
Kingston Area Homes Under $500K
Browse affordable homes currently available throughout Kingston and the surrounding area.
First Home Purchase: Kingston Area
Learn about financing, inspections, closing costs, and navigating today’s housing market.
Working with a Kingston REALTOR®
Understand how local market knowledge can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.
April 2026 Kingston and Area Housing Market Update
Compare current market conditions with last month’s activity.