Is the Market on Thin Ice, or Just Waiting for Spring?

The February numbers for the Kingston and area real estate market are starting to paint a picture for 2026, but it’s still early. With only two months of data so far this year, we need to be careful about drawing big conclusions from small samples.

What we can say is that the market is showing different trends in different communities. Kingston looks different from Napanee. Loyalist Township looks different from South Frontenac. And in smaller markets like Stone Mills or Gananoque, a handful of transactions can dramatically affect the statistics.

Across the region, a few themes are emerging.

Well-priced homes are selling. Homes that appeal to first-time buyers and entry-level buyers are moving right now. At the same time, the number of new listings is down in many areas, which suggests some sellers may be sitting on the sidelines waiting for a signal.

What signal? That’s the big question right now. Interest rates, buyer confidence, and the momentum of the spring market will likely all play a role.

One thing worth watching closely is supply. With fewer new listings coming to market, if buyers return in greater numbers later this spring, we could see price pressure re-emerge simply because there aren’t enough homes available.

February at a Glance

Here is a quick snapshot of what happened across the Kingston and area housing market in February 2026:

• Kingston: 94 homes sold with an average price of $573,006. New listings dropped significantly compared with last year. Kingston

• Greater Napanee: 21 homes sold with an average price of $505,545, almost unchanged from last year. Greater Napanee

• Loyalist Township: 15 homes sold with an average price of $548,560 across Bath, Amherstview, and Odessa. Loyalist

• South Frontenac: 9 homes sold with an average price of $511,889. South Frontenac

• Stone Mills: Only 2 homes sold, illustrating how statistics can shift dramatically in small rural markets. Stone Mills

• Gananoque: 5 homes sold with an average price of $377,980. Gananoque

Across most communities, new listings were lower than last year, while buyers continued to move forward on homes that were priced appropriately.

Kingston Real Estate Market – February 2026

The Kingston, Ontario real estate market remains the largest and most stable segment of the region.

February saw 94 homes sell, which is 8.7% fewer sales than the same month last year. Kingston

New listings totaled 204 properties, representing a 22% drop compared with February 2025. Year-to-date, listings are down 14.7%. Kingston

The average sale price was $573,006, down 3.3% year-over-year. The median price was $542,500. Kingston

About 83% of homes sold below asking price, while roughly 15% sold above list price. Kingston

That tells us buyers still have some negotiating room. At the same time, pricing strategy remains critical. Homes that are priced appropriately continue to attract buyers.

Days on market averaged 44 days, which is longer than last year. With only two months of data, however, it’s difficult to draw conclusions from that statistic alone. What we are seeing in practice is that well-priced homes are selling relatively quickly, while homes priced too high tend to sit.

Greater Napanee Real Estate Market – February 2026

The Greater Napanee real estate market shows a slightly different pattern.

Napanee recorded 21 home sales, which is 10.5% higher than the same month last year. Greater Napanee

At the same time, new listings dropped sharply to 31 properties, down 38% year-over-year. Greater Napanee

The average sale price was $505,545, essentially unchanged from last year. Greater Napanee

About 81% of homes sold below list price, and the average sale-to-list ratio was around 94.5%. Greater Napanee

This suggests that buyers are still cautious and price-sensitive. Sellers who price realistically are continuing to see activity.

Loyalist Township Real Estate Market – Bath, Amherstview, and Odessa

The Loyalist Township real estate market, including Bath, Amherstview, and Odessa, saw 15 homes sell in February, down 11.8% from last year. Loyalist

There were 40 new listings, which is 13% fewer than the same month last year. Loyalist

The average sale price was $548,560, down 6.7% year-over-year. Loyalist

Another factor affecting the Loyalist Township market is new construction activity. Building permits issued in the township have been significantly lower than in recent years, which suggests builders are slowing down and not putting as many shovels in the ground.

This may be due to several factors. The cost of financing construction remains high, and builders are also navigating uncertainty in global markets, including tariffs affecting building materials and shifting demand.

Within Loyalist Township, the smaller communities show different patterns.

Amherstview recorded four sales, with an average price of $577,250. Loyalist - Amherstview

Odessa saw three sales, with an average price of $548,333, slightly higher than last year. Loyalist - Odessa

Bath recorded four sales, with an average price of $523,875. Loyalist- Bath

Because the number of transactions is small, monthly percentages can shift dramatically. The key takeaway is that buyers are still active when homes are priced correctly.

South Frontenac Real Estate Market – February 2026

The South Frontenac real estate market saw nine homes sell, down 25% compared with last year. South Frontenac

There were 40 new listings, roughly the same as last year. South Frontenac

The average sale price was $511,889, a 2.4% decrease year-over-year. South Frontenac

Days on market declined compared with last year, but with a small number of sales and only two months of data, it’s difficult to interpret that statistic too strongly.

What we are seeing is that buyers looking for rural homes within commuting distance of Kingston remain active, particularly in price ranges that appeal to first-time buyers and move-up buyers.

Stone Mills Real Estate Market – February 2026

The Stone Mills real estate market illustrates how small sample sizes can distort statistics.

Only two homes sold in February, compared with 13 sales in February of last year. Stone Mills

The average price was $342,500, though the year-to-date price change is only slightly lower, showing how monthly averages can swing when there are very few transactions. Stone Mills

New listings dropped to seven properties, down significantly from last year. Stone Mills

Stone Mills continues to be a rural market where prices vary widely depending on property type, acreage, and location.

Gananoque Real Estate Market – February 2026

In the Gananoque real estate market, five homes sold in February, down 28.6% from last year. Gananoque

The average sale price was $377,980, though small sample sizes can exaggerate monthly percentage changes. Gananoque

About 80% of homes sold below asking price, with an average sale-to-list ratio of about 97%. Gananoque

Gananoque continues to attract buyers seeking small-town living near the Thousand Islands while remaining within commuting distance of Kingston.

What This Means for the Kingston and Area Housing Market

Across the Kingston and area real estate market, several themes are emerging early in 2026.

Inventory is lower in many communities, suggesting some homeowners may be waiting before listing their properties.

Buyers are active but selective. Homes priced appropriately are still attracting offers, especially in price ranges that appeal to first-time buyers.

The market also remains highly local, with different trends emerging in Kingston, Loyalist Township, Napanee, and the surrounding rural communities.

If buyer confidence increases this spring while listing inventory remains limited, we could begin to see renewed upward pressure on prices simply due to limited supply.

For now, however, it is still early in the year. The spring real estate market in Kingston and surrounding communities will likely provide a clearer picture of what 2026 may bring.

Thinking of Buying or Selling in Kingston and Area?

If you’re considering buying or selling real estate in Kingston, Greater Napanee, Loyalist Township, South Frontenac, Stone Mills, or Gananoque, it’s important to understand the conditions in your specific neighbourhood and price range.

Real estate is always local, and the right strategy can make a significant difference.

If you would like a custom market update for your home or neighbourhood, I would be happy to help.

If you already own a home in Kingston and area and you’re thinking about moving, you’re not alone in feeling unsure about the logistics.

We hear this all the time:
“I’d move… but how does it actually work if I have to sell and buy at the same time?”

The good news? It’s completely manageable. The key is understanding the sequence, the risks, and your options before you jump in.

Here’s how we guide our clients through it.

 Step 1: Start With a Clear Game Plan

Before you look at homes, we recommend sitting down and mapping out:

• Your home’s likely market value

• Your estimated net proceeds after closing costs

• Your mortgage situation (penalties, portability, timelines)

• Your ideal timing

We’ll leave financial advice to your mortgage broker or financial advisor, but from a real estate perspective, clarity is everything. When you know your numbers, you make better decisions.

Step 2: Decide Your Order of Operations

There are generally three approaches:

Option 1: Sell First, Then Buy - The most conservative approach.

Pros:

• You know exactly how much money you have.

• No risk of owning two homes.

• Strong negotiating position when buying.

Cons:

• You may need temporary housing.

• You may feel pressure to find something quickly.

This works especially well in balanced or slower markets.

 Option 2:  Buy First, Then Sell - Higher risk, higher flexibility.

Pros:

• You secure the home you love.

• No need for temporary housing.

Cons:

• You may carry two properties.

• Financing can be more complex.

• Pressure to sell quickly.

This can work in a strong seller’s market — but it requires careful planning.

 Option 3:  Conditional Purchase (Sale of Buyers’ Property Clause)

You make an offer on a new home conditional on selling your current one.

Pros:

• Reduces financial risk.

• Protects you from owning two homes.

Cons:

• Less competitive in multiple-offer situations.

• Some sellers won’t accept this condition.

This approach depends heavily on current market conditions in Kingston and area.

Our Best Advice: Don’t Close Both Transactions on the Same Day

We strongly advise against closing your sale and purchase on the exact same day.

Here’s why:

• If funds from your sale are delayed (even by hours), your purchase can’t close.

• A delay in the buyer’s financing can ripple into your purchase.

• Movers can’t unload if keys aren’t released.

• You could end up in a legal and financial mess that’s completely avoidable.

Instead, we typically recommend closing your sale first and your purchase a few days later.

Yes, that means a short gap.
Yes, it may require temporary storage or creative moving logistics.

But that small buffer dramatically reduces stress and risk.

In our experience in Kingston and surrounding communities, that cushion is worth it every time.

 What About Bridge Financing?

If you’ve sold your home firm and purchased another, but the closings don’t align perfectly, your lender may offer bridge financing.

Bridge financing can:

• Allow you to access equity from your sale early.

• Help you close on your new home before your sale funds arrive.

Your mortgage broker is the right person to advise you here, and we’re always happy to connect you with trusted local professionals.

 What Makes This Process Easier

In Kingston and area — whether you’re moving within the city, heading to Amherstview, Napanee, Gananoque, or beyond — smooth transitions usually come down to preparation and coordination.

Here’s what truly helps:

• Pre-listing prep before you shop. Get your home photo-ready, staged, and market-prepared early so you can move quickly once you find the right property.

• Clear pricing strategy. Overpricing delays your ability to buy confidently. Strategic pricing gives you control over timing.

• Flexible closing dates built into negotiations. We negotiate timelines intentionally to reduce overlap risk.

• Strong communication between all parties. Realtors, lawyers, lenders, and buyers all need to be aligned. We stay in front of those conversations so you’re not chasing updates.

• A backup plan. Temporary accommodation, short-term storage, or family support options are discussed before they’re needed — not during a crisis.

• Realistic market expectations. Understanding inventory levels and competition prevents rushed decisions.

When you plan ahead, the process feels organized instead of overwhelming.

Bottom Line

Buying when you already own a home isn’t risky — doing it without a plan is.

If you’re even thinking about a move in Kingston and area this year or next, the smartest first step is a conversation.

We can map out your options, timelines, and strategy long before you list.