As we move into a new year, many homeowners are wondering what direction the Windsor-Essex real estate market is heading. January 2026 gave us some very clear signals, and while the market is still active, it has shifted in ways sellers need to understand before making any decisions.
Across Windsor-Essex County in January, there were 788 new residential listings, while 267 homes sold during the same period. By the end of the month, 1,292 residential properties were actively listed for sale. This growing gap between new listings and completed sales is one of the most important trends to watch. It tells us that inventory is building faster than buyer demand, which naturally gives buyers more choice and more negotiating power.
From a pricing perspective, the average residential sale price in Windsor-Essex for January 2026 was $528,040, while the median sale price came in at $500,000. While buyers are still purchasing homes, they are doing so more cautiously. The rapid price acceleration we saw in earlier years has eased, and today’s buyers are taking more time, comparing options, and pushing back when pricing does not align with market reality.
One of the most useful insights from January’s data is seeing which types of homes are actually selling and at what prices. The most common home sold was the bungalow, with 58 sales at an average price of $460,357. Ranch-style homes followed with 40 sales averaging $621,843. Two-storey homes recorded 39 sales with an average price of $577,193. Raised ranches averaged $641,714 across 28 sales, while one-and-a-half storey homes averaged $442,938 with 30 sales.
This breakdown is important for sellers because it shows that buyers are making decisions based on layout, functionality, and overall value, not just square footage or past market performance. Pricing a home today based on what worked a few years ago can lead to longer time on market and eventual price adjustments.
The key takeaway from the January market is that homes are still selling, but the approach needs to be more strategic. Inventory has increased, buyers are informed, and correct pricing from the start has become critical. Sellers who understand how their home fits into the current market are the ones seeing smoother transactions, while those who overprice are often left chasing the market.
If you are considering selling or buying in Windsor-Essex in 2026, or simply want to understand what homes are worth in today’s market, having a clear, data-driven strategy matters more than ever.
If you would like to discuss how these numbers apply to your specific home or neighbourhood, I am always happy to connect and walk through the details.