Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS Reports Balanced Market in May 2026

Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS — May 2026

In May 2026, the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® reports a total of 1,093 homes sold, reflecting a 5% decline from May 2025. The composite benchmark price stands at $572,700, with an average price of $498,955, indicating a year-over-year price increase of 0.6%.

Market Analysis

The real estate market in Nova Scotia remains balanced as of May 2026, with 4.6 months of inventory available. This figure is an increase from 4 months in May 2025, suggesting a slight shift towards a more favorable environment for buyers. The total number of active listings has risen to 4,999, marking a 9.6% increase compared to the same month last year, and is 29.1% above the five-year average. This increase in inventory provides buyers with more options, although sales activity has decreased by 10.6% year-to-date compared to 2025, indicating a cooling in demand.

Property Type Analysis

When examining property types, the benchmark price for detached homes is $592,200, while attached/townhouses are priced at $542,000, and apartments at $437,600. The benchmark price for single-family homes has seen a modest increase of 1.4% year-over-year, while townhouse/row units have experienced a minor decrease of 2.8%. Apartments have faced a more significant decline, with prices down 4.9% from last year, reflecting varying demand across different property types.

Regional Highlights

Regionally, the market dynamics show that while the number of new listings has decreased by 5.6% from May 2025, new listings remain in line with both the five-year and ten-year averages for this time of year. This stability in new listings, combined with the increased active listings, suggests that sellers are responding to market conditions by listing their properties, which may help balance supply and demand in the coming months.

For Buyers

For prospective buyers, the current market conditions present an opportunity to explore a wider range of properties due to the increased inventory. With prices showing only modest increases, buyers are encouraged to conduct thorough research and consider their options carefully, as the balanced market allows for negotiation on price and terms.

For Sellers

Sellers should be mindful of the current market dynamics and the increase in active listings. To attract potential buyers, it is advisable to price homes competitively and ensure properties are well-presented. Additionally, being flexible with showings and negotiations can enhance the chances of a successful sale in this balanced market.