The last two years have been extraordinary for the Kingston real estate market. Low inventory, low interest rates, and strong buyer demand have pushed average sale prices up 50.2% since October 2019. Even before the pandemic, Kingston was firmly in a seller’s market, but the acceleration that followed the spring of 2020 was unlike anything we’d seen.
Traditionally, Kingston and the surrounding areas—Napanee, Loyalist Township, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington—follow a predictable seasonal rhythm. Spring is typically the busiest time of year. July and August tend to slow down, activity picks up again in early fall, and the market usually gets quieter over the holidays. Recently, we’ve seen a shift back toward that familiar pattern.
A common question we hear from homeowners is whether they should sell now or wait for spring. We wish we had a crystal ball, but real estate doesn’t work that way. What we can do is look at history and today’s indicators, and those suggest that conditions should remain strong as we move into 2022.
In October, 343 homes were listed and 330 sold. Average prices were 26.3% higher than the same month last year. Homes are moving quickly and selling for top dollar.
How to Decide When to Sell
Choosing the right timing depends on your circumstances.
• Do you need to move soon?
If your life situation has changed—job relocation, family needs, or financial considerations—you may not have the option of waiting for the “spring market.” In that case, now is still an excellent time to sell.
• Who is most likely to buy your home?
Understanding your likely buyer helps with timing.
Young families often move in the summer between school years.
Retirees and snowbirds are less active during peak winter travel months.
First-time buyers, often renters, have more flexibility and can move at almost any time of year.
• Will you also be buying your next home?
Spring brings more buyers—but also more competition when you’re house hunting yourself. Balancing both sides of your move is a key part of the strategy we build with our clients.
Every home in Kingston and area is unique, and so is every seller’s situation. If you’re considering a move, we’re happy to walk through your options and help you map out the best approach for your goals and timeline.
Thinking about selling? Reach out anytime—we’re here to help you plan your next step.