A Slower Start, with Clear Signals
January at a Glance
Sales activity was lower across most communities, which is typical for winter
Prices were mostly stable, with modest declines in Kingston and Napanee
Homes are taking longer to sell, giving buyers more time and leverage
Sellers need realistic pricing and strong preparation
The market is balanced, not stalled
All statistics below are based on January 2026 PropTX MLS® data.
Kingston & Area: The Big Picture
January is traditionally one of the quietest months of the year for real estate, and January 2026 followed that pattern. Cold weather, snow, and fewer daylight hours all played a role in slowing activity. At the same time, interest rates remained steady, giving buyers and sellers a more predictable environment.
Across Kingston and the surrounding communities, sales volumes declined year over year. Prices, however, largely held, and most homes sold close to asking price — just without the urgency seen in past years.
This is shaping up to be a market where strategy matters more than speed.
Kingston
As the largest and most active market, Kingston provides the clearest insight into overall trends.
In January 2026, Kingston recorded 80 sales, down from 85 sales in January 2025, a 5.9% year-over-year decline. The average sale price was $575,715, down 5.8%, while the median price fell 6.8% to $550,000.
Homes took longer to sell, with average days on market increasing from 47 to 58 days. Buyers are clearly taking more time to evaluate options.
Only 11.3% of homes sold above asking price, compared to 17.6% last January. Meanwhile, 81.3% sold below asking, confirming that buyers currently have more negotiating power.
New listings increased month over month to 208, though that remains 6.3% lower than January 2025. Terminations rose to 64, up 36.2% year over year, suggesting some sellers are adjusting pricing or timing.
Loyalist Township (Amherstview, Odessa, Bath)
Loyalist Township stood out as one of the more resilient markets this January.
There were 11 sales, down from 14 last year, but prices moved higher. The average sale price increased 3.6% to $531,640, and the median price rose 2.5% to $535,000.
Sales activity was focused in Odessa (5 sales), Amherstview (2), and Bath (1).
Homes moved more efficiently than last winter. Average days on market dropped from 95 to 48 days, and the sale-to-list price ratio improved to 97.1%, up from 95.6%.
New listings increased to 64, up 12.3% year over year, while terminations doubled to 16, indicating more inventory but steadier pricing discipline.
South Frontenac
South Frontenac experienced the sharpest decline in sales volume, though prices held relatively firm.
There were 10 sales in January, down from 22 last year, a 54.5% decrease. Despite this, the average price increased slightly by 1.8% to $635,400, and the median price jumped 13.7% to $602,500.
Homes took longer to sell, with average days on market rising to 71 days. Only 10% of homes sold above asking, down from 22.7% last January.
The sale-to-list price ratio declined to 94.4%, giving buyers more negotiating room. Total dollar volume fell 53.7% to $6.35 million, reflecting fewer transactions overall.
Greater Napanee
Greater Napanee recorded 9 sales, compared to 10 last January, a 10% decrease.
The average sale price declined 10.1% to $544,444, while the median price held steady at $455,000. Homes sold more quickly, with average days on market dropping from 55 to 41 days.
The sale-to-list price ratio improved to 97.0%, up from 94.2%, showing better alignment between asking prices and buyer expectations.
New listings declined 17.2% year over year to 53, which could limit choice later in the year if demand increases.
Stone Mills
With only 3 sales in January, down from 8 last year, Stone Mills data should be interpreted carefully.
The average price declined 3.7% to $637,000, and the median price fell 2.0% to $560,999. Notably, 33.3% of homes sold above asking, and the average sale-to-list price ratio reached 100.3%, suggesting competition for select properties.
Average days on market increased to 64 days, and new listings slipped slightly to 22.
Gananoque
Gananoque recorded no sales in January 2026, compared to 6 sales last January.
At the same time, 13 new listings came onto the market, slightly more than last year. For a smaller, waterfront-influenced market, this kind of winter pause isn’t unusual, but it does mean inventory is quietly building ahead of spring.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
For Sellers
Pricing accurately from the start matters more than ever. Homes are selling, but buyers are cautious, informed, and willing to wait. Strong preparation and realistic expectations are key.
For Buyers
This market offers more breathing room. Less competition means more time for due diligence, clearer negotiations, and better decision-making — especially before spring activity picks up.
Looking Ahead
January 2026 shows a market that’s calm, balanced, and more strategic than emotional. As we move toward spring, interest-rate signals, weather, and how quickly winter inventory is absorbed will shape momentum.
Understanding your specific local market — not just the headlines — is what makes the difference.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Kingston and area and want to understand how these trends apply to your home or plans, we’re always happy to talk it through.
