As the summer market gets underway, June brought a mix of evolving trends to the Durham Region real estate landscape. Buyers are gaining more leverage with growing inventory levels, while sellers are seeing increased competition that requires strategic pricing and staging. This shift signals a continued move away from the intense seller’s market conditions of previous years.
Throughout Durham, inventory has expanded year-over-year, and while sales activity has slowed modestly, the number of listings continues to grow—providing more options and flexibility for buyers. At the same time, average prices across several municipalities have adjusted slightly downward compared to last year, suggesting a more balanced market where negotiation is once again becoming a central part of the transaction process.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the Durham market performed this month.
MARKET OVERVIEW
June 2025 marked a noticeable shift toward a more balanced real estate market in Durham Region. With sales down 6.8% year-over-year and active listings up significantly, buyers now have greater selection and more room to negotiate. The average selling price declined to $891,662, reflecting a normalization from the heightened prices seen last year. For sellers, this means strategic pricing and presentation are critical; for buyers, it’s an opportune moment to enter the market with more confidence and less urgency.
CITY-BY-CITY BREAKDOWN
- Oshawa
Oshawa’s market activity moderated in June with 144 homes sold and 278 new listings entering the market. The average sale price of $764,501 highlights the city’s continued affordability within Durham Region. With 4.3 months of inventory and an average of 21 days on market, buyers had increased negotiating power. Sellers, meanwhile, needed sharp pricing strategies to stay competitive in this shifting landscape.
- Whitby
Whitby remained one of Durham’s strongest-performing markets in June, recording 189 sales alongside 326 new listings. The average sale price reached $961,292, maintaining its position as one of the region’s higher-value areas. With just 2.7 months of inventory and homes selling in an average of 19 days, demand continued to outpace supply. Sellers benefited from swift transactions, while buyers needed to act decisively on well-priced properties.
- Bowmanville
Bowmanville’s housing market saw a cooler pace in June with 144 homes sold and 300 new listings brought to market. The average sale price settled at $807,960, offering a balanced blend of affordability and value for buyers. With 3.1 months of inventory and homes selling in an average of 15 days, well-presented properties moved quickly. Buyers had more options than last year, but competitive pricing remained key for motivated sellers.
CITY-BY-CITY COMPARISON
Listings Comparison
Listing activity across Durham Region rose modestly in June, with most cities seeing an uptick in new inventory compared to the same time last year. Whitby and Oshawa led the way with notable increases, offering buyers a broader selection of homes. Bowmanville saw a slight decline in new listings, though overall supply remained healthy. This growing inventory signals a shift toward a more balanced market, easing pressure on buyers.
Sales Comparison
Sales activity in Durham Region softened in June, with all major cities experiencing year-over-year declines. Oshawa and Bowmanville both saw sales drop by over 20%, while Whitby had a more modest decrease. This slowdown reflects a market where buyers are taking more time to evaluate options amid rising inventory. Despite the dip, well-priced homes continued to attract strong interest and firm offers.
Average Price Comparison
Average home prices across Durham Region continued to adjust in June, reflecting a more balanced and competitive market. Oshawa and Bowmanville saw moderate year-over-year price declines, reinforcing their appeal to budget-conscious buyers. Whitby maintained the highest average price among the three, though it too experienced an 8% dip from last year. These shifts indicate increased affordability and strategic opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
MOI (Months of Inventory) Comparison
Months of Inventory (MOI) rose across all key Durham cities in June, signaling a shift away from the tight seller's market conditions of prior years. Oshawa saw the highest MOI at 4.3, indicating more available supply and slower turnover. Bowmanville followed at 3.1, while Whitby maintained tighter conditions at 2.7 months. This upward trend gives buyers more leverage, while sellers must position their homes competitively to attract offers.
Dollar Volume Comparison
Total dollar volume declined across Durham Region in June, driven by both lower sales activity and softening average prices. Oshawa and Bowmanville experienced the sharpest year-over-year drops, each down over 25%, while Whitby showed a more moderate 18% decrease. These reductions reflect the broader market shift toward stabilization and affordability. For sellers, it underscores the importance of strategic pricing to maintain strong market presence.
Days on Market (DOM) Comparison
Days on Market (DOM) in June highlighted a shift in buyer behavior, with properties generally taking longer to sell compared to last year. Oshawa experienced the biggest increase, rising to 21 days from 15, while Whitby and Bowmanville saw slight improvements with DOM decreasing to 19 and 15 days respectively. These variations suggest that while some markets are cooling, well-priced and well-presented homes still attract swift interest. Sellers should be prepared for longer listing periods in more competitive areas.
WHAT THESE MEAN FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS
For buyers, the June market brought expanded inventory, reduced competition, and more time to make informed decisions. With average prices adjusting downward and MOI increasing, conditions are more favorable for negotiating price and terms especially in markets like Oshawa and Bowmanville. Steady interest rates also make this a strategic time to secure financing and enter the market with confidence.
For sellers, success now hinges on accurate pricing, strong property presentation, and proactive marketing. Homes that are move-in ready and priced according to local comparables are still selling quickly especially in high-demand areas like Whitby. However, with buyers gaining leverage, it's essential to differentiate your property from the growing competition. Partnering with a knowledgeable local REALTOR® is key to navigating these evolving conditions.
WHAT APRIL 2025 REVEALS ABOUT THE DURHAM REGION MARKET
June 2025 confirmed a market in transition, shifting steadily from the frenzied pace of previous years to a more balanced and opportunity-driven environment. Inventory growth across Durham Region has empowered buyers, while modest declines in average prices signal an easing of upward pressure. Although sales volume has dipped, demand remains healthy for well-priced, quality homes, particularly in established communities like Whitby. Overall, the region is entering a more sustainable phase, offering strategic advantages for both buyers seeking value and sellers ready to position their properties competitively.
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