Sellers' Market

Learn what a sellers' market is in Canadian real estate — how it affects pricing, strategy, and negotiation for buyers and sellers alike.

Sellers' Market

June 06, 2025


What is a Sellers' Market?

A sellers' market occurs when demand for real estate exceeds available supply, giving sellers more negotiating power and often leading to higher prices and bidding wars.

Why Sellers' Markets Matter in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, a sellers' market is common in high-demand urban areas or when interest rates are low and housing inventory is limited.


Characteristics of a sellers' market include:
  • Multiple offers and bidding wars
  • Short time on market for listings
  • Increased home prices
  • Reduced buyer negotiation leverage



This market condition affects pricing strategies, financing timelines, and buyer competitiveness.



Understanding when you're in a sellers' market helps both buyers and sellers adjust expectations and strategies accordingly.

Example of a Sellers' Market in Action

In Toronto’s hot spring market, listings received multiple offers within days, a clear sign of a sellers’ market.

Key Takeaways

  • Occurs when demand exceeds supply
  • Sellers gain leverage and higher pricing
  • Results in bidding wars and quick sales
  • Affects financing and offer strategies
  • Measured with SNLR and inventory data

Related Terms

  • Buyers' Market
  • Sales-To-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR)
  • Market Type
  • Housing Inventory
  • Multiple Offers

Additional Terms

Public Realm Improvements

Public realm improvements are enhancements to public spaces such as sidewalks, parks, plazas, and streetscapes, often funded or contributed by. more

Mortgagee in Possession

A mortgagee in possession is a lender who takes control of a property after borrower default, but before foreclosure or power of sale. The lender. more

Lease Surrender Agreement

A lease surrender agreement is a negotiated contract between a landlord and tenant that ends a lease before its scheduled expiration. Terms may. more

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure refers to natural or engineered systems that manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve sustainability in developments.. more

Escrow Holdback

An escrow holdback is a portion of funds withheld at closing and held in escrow until specific conditions are met, such as completion of repairs,. more

Underused Housing Tax

The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is a federal annual 1% tax on the value of vacant or underused residential property owned by non-resident,. more

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