Kingston and Area Real Estate Association Reports May 2026 Market Trends: Balanced Conditions Persist

Kingston and Area Real Estate Association — May 2026

In May 2026, the Kingston and Area Real Estate Association recorded 317 home sales, reflecting an 18.7% decline from the previous year. The composite benchmark price for homes in the area stands at $545,800, with an average price of $639,295.

Market Analysis

The real estate market in Kingston remains balanced as of May 2026, with a months of inventory figure at 4.5, indicating a shift towards buyer's territory. Despite a significant influx of new listings—915 in total, which is 5.2% above the five-year average—sales activity has not rebounded as expected. This trend marks a 16% decrease from the five-year average and a 23.6% drop from the 10-year average for May, suggesting a cooling in buyer demand amidst rising inventory levels.

Property Type Analysis

When examining property types, the benchmark price for detached homes is $572,000, while attached/townhouses and apartments are priced at $394,800 and $341,700, respectively. The townhouse/row unit segment has seen a notable decline of 5.4% year-over-year, while apartments have decreased by 8.4%. In contrast, the benchmark price for single-family homes has only increased by 0.6%, indicating a relative stability in this segment compared to the other property types.

Regional Highlights

Active listings in Kingston total 1,437, which is 26.2% above the five-year average and 40.5% above the 10-year average for May. This increase in inventory may reflect a broader trend of sellers entering the market, yet the overall sales volume of $202.7 million represents an 18.6% decrease from May 2025, highlighting a disconnect between supply and demand.

For Buyers

Potential buyers are encouraged to take advantage of the current balanced market conditions, as increased inventory provides more options and negotiating power. With the introduction of new GST/HST rebates, buyers may also want to explore opportunities in the new home market, which could offer additional financial incentives.

For Sellers

Sellers should remain mindful of the current market dynamics and consider pricing strategies that reflect the increased competition from rising inventory levels. Given the decline in sales activity, it may be beneficial to present homes in optimal condition and leverage marketing strategies that highlight unique features to attract potential buyers.