Welcome to the first of our new weekly Tuesday posts. Every week, Sierra, Bianca and I will share what we’re seeing in North Toronto real estate, in plain language and without the jargon. After more than 35 years in this business, I can tell you one thing never changes: good decisions start with good information. So let’s start with the numbers.

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) released its Market Watch report for September 2026 on October 6. Here is what it tells us about the Greater Toronto Area as a whole, and about our home turf, TRREB district C04.

The Big Picture: The GTA in September 2026

Across all TRREB areas, the market stayed in what TRREB describes as a holding pattern. Many buyers are waiting on the sidelines while they watch the economy, inflation and borrowing costs. Here are the headline numbers:

• Sales: 5,040, down 9.0% from 5,540 in September 2025
• Average price: $1,006,409, down 5.1% from $1,060,036
• New listings: 16,500, down 14.4%
• Active listings: 26,131, down 9.3%
• MLS HPI Composite benchmark: down 4.7% year over year
• Average days on market: 34 days (listing) and 51 days (property)
• Average sale-to-list price ratio: 98%
• Sales-to-new-listings ratio (trend): 37.8%, with 4.6 months of inventory

The interesting part is that new listings fell even faster than sales. Sellers are being patient too. TRREB’s Chief Information Officer, Jason Mercer, also pointed to substantial pent-up demand. In other words, plenty of buyers want to move. They’re just waiting for more confidence before they do.

Closer to Home: North Toronto (C04) in September 2026

C04 covers some of the city’s most loved neighbourhoods, including Lawrence Park, Bedford Park, the Cricket Club area and much of North Toronto. Here is how all home types performed last month:

• Sales: 54
• Average price: $2,176,506
• Median price: $1,984,000
• New listings: 207
• Active listings: 271
• Average sale-to-list price ratio: 97%
• Average days on market: 27 days (listing) and 36 days (property)
• Sales-to-new-listings ratio (trend): 39.1%, with 4.0 months of inventory

Two things stand out to me. First, homes in C04 sold faster than the GTA average, 27 days on market versus 34 across the region. Second, inventory is a little tighter here, at 4.0 months compared with 4.6 for the GTA. North Toronto continues to hold its appeal, even in a more cautious market.

Detached Homes in C04

Detached homes made up most of the activity in the district:

• Sales: 37
• Average price: $2,650,889
• Median price: $2,335,000
• New listings: 145
• Active listings: 181
• Average sale-to-list price ratio: 97%
• Average days on market: 23 days

At 23 days, well-presented detached homes are still finding buyers at a healthy pace. The ones that sit longer are usually the ones where the price and the presentation haven’t quite met the market yet.

What the Benchmark Prices Say

The MLS Home Price Index (HPI) helps smooth out the month-to-month swings by tracking a “typical” home. In C04 for September 2026:

• Composite benchmark: $1,862,100, down 2.33% year over year
• Single-family detached benchmark: $2,390,800, down 3.58% year over year

Compare that with the 4.7% decline in the GTA-wide composite benchmark, and you can see that North Toronto values have held up better than the broader region. That is the kind of resilience we’ve seen in this neighbourhood through many market cycles.

A Quick Look at the Neighbours

For context, nearby Toronto C03 recorded 40 sales at an average price of $1,774,707, while C10 recorded 54 sales at an average of $1,114,261. The City of Toronto overall saw 1,937 sales with an average price of $1,034,320.

What This Means for You

If You’re Selling

Buyers are careful right now, and they’re doing their homework. With homes in C04 selling at an average of 97% of list price, pricing it right from day one matters more than ever. Thoughtful preparation, strong marketing and realistic pricing are what get homes sold in this market. Think of it like a first date. You want to make a great first impression, not a “we should really talk” impression three weeks later.

If You’re Buying

This is a market with choice. With 271 active listings in C04 in September, there is good selection, and you have time to make a considered decision. With TRREB pointing to substantial pent-up demand, buyers who move while others wait may find the best opportunities before competition picks up again.

Thinking About a Move? Let’s Talk

Our family team is actively listing and selling in North Toronto, Lawrence Park and the Cricket Club area, and we’d love to help you understand what today’s market means for your home. Whether you’re curious about your home’s value or planning your next move, a conversation with us costs nothing and comes with plenty of honest advice.

Book a consultation or request a complimentary home valuation: call us at 416-960-9995, email adam.parsons@sothebysrealty.ca, or visit adamparsons.ca.

See you next Tuesday!

Adam, Sierra and Bianca
Adam Parsons Group, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

Source: Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), Market Watch, September 2026 (released October 6, 2026). Statistics reflect TRREB MLS® System data and are subject to revision.