FEBRUARY 2026, Cornerstone Real Estate Market Update, CORNERSTONE

March 16, 2026

The statistics provided in this report are based on information from the ITSO MLS® System. Multiple MLS® Systems operate within Ontario, and while none can be guaranteed to include every property listed or sold within a given area, they effectively illustrate market trends.

There were 928 home sales recorded via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone) in February 2026, representing a 14.7 per cent increase month-over-month, and a 12.9 per cent decline year-over-year. 

“While February’s sales activity showed a modest month-over-month rebound, the market continues to remain constrained by affordability challenges and global economic uncertainty,” says Bill Duce, CEO of Cornerstone. “Buyers in the market are benefitting from longer listing times, more favourable interest rates, and slightly softer prices. However, without meaningful policy changes that introduce incentives for buyers, we risk losing the progress needed to increase market activity and restore balance. We encourage all levels of government to introduce more incentives that will reduce financial barriers, such as removing the HST for all new home buyers and introducing first-time home buyers down payment assistance programs. These are just a couple of our calls for action to help future homeowners trying to get their foot in the door.” 

While prices in Cornerstone’s major market areas are down year-over-year in the HPI benchmark, most areas saw an increase on a month-over-month basis.  

The Composite MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Benchmark Price by market area: 

AreaHPI Benchmark 
February 2026 
Monthly % ChangeYr./Yr. % Change
Burlington $890,300+4.3%-8.0%
Cambridge $683,100+1.0%-8.2%
Haldimand County $629,000-3.5%-7.5%
Hamilton $679,500+0.7%-8.2%
Kitchener-Waterloo $646,2000.0%-9.3%
Mississauga $965,900+1.7%-7.8%
Niagara North $676,500-2.0%-7.6%
Norfolk County $565,300-0.5%-2.8%

There were 2,148 new listings added to Cornerstone’s MLS® System last month, a decline of 16.1 per cent year-over-year, and a decline of 1.9 per cent over January 2026.  

The total inventory across Cornerstone’s market areas increased 5.5 per cent over the previous month and represents a 0.9 per cent decrease year-over-year. There was a 3.2-month supply at the end of February, representing a 10.3 per cent year-over-year increase. The number of months of inventory represents the time it would take to sell the current inventory at the current sales rate.  

The average days on the market across all Cornerstone market areas was 47 in February, compared to 54 days in January 2026.

View our HPI tool to explore HPI or Benchmark Prices across property types and additional areas.

For in-depth market coverage, please follow these links: 

Hamilton-Burlington-Haldimand-Niagara North

Mississauga

Norfolk County

Waterloo Region

Links to monthly Market Indicator Reports will be posted on the 5th of each month

Cornerstone cautions that average sale price information can help identify long-term trends but should not indicate that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months’ Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. Local REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for to get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone) is a not-for-profit organization with over 325 years of collective service from its founding associations.

Established on July 1, 2024, Cornerstone leads with purpose, advocates boldly, and creates positive change for the success of our members throughout Burlington, Haldimand County, Hamilton, Mississauga, Niagara North, Norfolk County, Waterloo Region and surrounding areas.

With approximately 7,500 members, Cornerstone is the second-largest REALTOR® association in Ontario, dedicated to promoting the greater good of the real estate community.

SOURCE, CORNERSTONE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

To learn more, visit CORNERSTONE ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA.

The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.

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