2026 NS Real Estate Buyer Outlook Nick Ogden Realtor

Nova Scotia Real Estate Market 2025 Review: What Buyers Can Expect in 2026

Happy New Year! As 2026 begins, it’s the perfect time to look back at how the Nova Scotia real estate market performed in 2025 and what this means for buyers planning their next move and what buyers can expect in 2026. Whether we worked together this year, you referred someone, or we simply stayed connected, thank you. Your support continues to shape my business in meaningful ways.

Each January, I review the previous year’s trends so homebuyers can enter the new year informed, confident, and prepared. Below is your complete 2025 Year in Review Market Analysis for Nova Scotia, including price trends, inventory levels, buyer opportunities, and insights that will help you navigate the 2026 market with clarity.

Nova Scotia Real Estate Market Year at a Glance (2025 vs. 2024)

Nova Scotia Real Estate Market 2025 Buyer Analysis

A balanced, stable, opportunity-rich market shaped 2025 ideal conditions for thoughtful, strategic buyers.

1. Prices Grew Steadily, Not Dramatically

A 5.58% increase in average closed price reflects healthy appreciation, not volatility.
For buyers, this means:

• predictable pricing
• more room for long-term planning
• opportunities to build equity without competing in extreme bidding wars

Stable growth → stronger confidence.

2. More Inventory, More Choice

Inventory rose by 5.59%, giving buyers more selection and easing pressure.
While this is not a full buyer’s market, it creates:

• fewer multiple-offer situations
• better negotiating conditions
• more time for thorough decision-making

This is especially encouraging for first-time homebuyers and move-up buyers.

3. Homes Sold Faster but with Less Rush

Average Days on Market improved from 75 to 64 days, showing strong activity but not frenzy.
Buyers now have:

• time to book second viewings
• opportunity for inspection-based decisions
• room to negotiate on properties sitting longer than average

It’s the best mix of opportunity and breathing room.

4. Price Per Square Foot Still Delivers Strong Value

At $341 per sq. ft., Nova Scotia continues to outperform most Canadian provinces for affordability.
Even with moderate increases, buyers gain:

• more space for their budget
• better long-term value
• stronger investment potential

This is why NS remains one of Canada’s top relocation destinations.

5. Balanced Inventory Creates Ideal Conditions for Strategic Buyers

With 3.82 months of inventory, the market sits comfortably balanced.
This allows buyers to:

• negotiate more effectively
• avoid bidding wars on many properties
• benefit from sellers pricing more realistically

Balanced markets reward buyers who are prepared, informed, and working with the right agent.

Buyer Takeaways for 2026

✔ Expect steady not dramatic price growth
This supports confident and stable long-term decision-making.

✔ Inventory is improving, giving you more options
Especially early in the year before spring competition returns.

✔ Negotiation is possible
Properties sitting past the average Days on Market offer strong value opportunities.

✔ Spring will likely mirror last year’s peak
Buyers who prepare early beat the rush.

✔ Work with a data-driven REALTOR®
Local micro-market insights shape the difference between overpaying and making an exceptional purchase.

Thinking of Buying in 2026? Let’s Build a Strategy Together.

If you’re planning to buy your first home, upgrade your space, or invest in a growing Nova Scotia market, I’d love to help you navigate the process with confidence.

📞 Call/Text: 902-240-0635
📧 Email: nogden@pressrealty.ca
🌐 Search homes: makehalifaxhome.ca

Warm regards,
Nick Ogden, REALTOR®
Press Realty | Halifax, Nova Scotia