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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

Construction Loan

A construction loan is a short-term, interim financing option used to fund the building or major renovation of a property, with funds disbursed in. more

Certificate of Occupancy

A certificate of occupancy is an official document issued by a municipal authority confirming that a building complies with applicable codes and is. more

Bylaw Variance

A bylaw variance is official permission granted by a municipal authority allowing a property owner to deviate from local zoning or building bylaw. more

Absorption Rate

Absorption rate is a metric that measures the rate at which available properties are sold or leased in a specific market over a given period.. more

Corporate Restructuring

Corporate restructuring refers to the reorganization of a company’s operations, assets, or liabilities, often under court supervision, to improve. more

Consumer Proposal

A consumer proposal is a formal, legally binding agreement in Canada between an individual and their creditors to repay a portion of their debt over. more

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