Central Lakes Housing Market: Expanding Inventory and Mixed Price Trends

The Central Lakes market underwent a period of transition in April 2025, marked by increased inventory and varying pricing trends across its key regional areas. CLAR President Christine Riley noted, “Sales are trending upward across all areas of our Region. We are also seeing an increase in the number of active listings, which is providing buyers with more options. This greater supply is contributing to lower average prices across our markets compared to last year.”

Durham Region

Durham Region saw 769 homes sold in April 2025, marking a year-over-year decline of 18.9% compared to April 2024’s sales. However, sales were up 14.6% month-over-month from March 2025. The average sale price declined by 3.2% year-over-year, settling at $913,500, with a median price of $855,000, although this was also a slight 0.23% price increase month-over-month from March. 

Active listings surged by 58% to 2,445, while new listings rose 16% to 1,565. 

Hastings Region

Hastings stood out as the only CLAR region to record a year-over-year increase in sales. April 2025 sales reached 209, up 5.6% from April 2024. Average prices dipped by 2.9% to $552,265, while the median price was $535,000. 

Kawartha Lakes

Kawartha Lakes experienced a substantial drop in transactions of 36.4% in April 2025, down from the previous year. The average price decreased 1.8% to $731,313, while the median price was $648,700. Active listings rose slightly, up 4.8% to 454. 

Northumberland County

Sales activity declined in Northumberland, falling 12.7% from 142 in April 2024 to 124 in April 2025. The average price climbed 1.7% year-over-year to $726,817, with a median of $629,000. Inventory increased 17% to 600 active listings, and 191 new listings were recorded in April. 

Peterborough Region: Slight Sales Decline, Notable Drop in Prices

Peterborough reported 174 sales in April 2025, a 2.8% decline from April 2024’s transactions. The average price fell more sharply, down 5.2% to $673,403. Active listings expanded by 20%, from 473 to 569. Although sales volume held relatively steady, there was a downward pressure on prices, coupled with a rise in listings. In April 2025, the Peterborough Region saw the average home price decline by 5.3% year-over-year to $673,403.

Prince Edward County: Price Surge Reflects Strong Demand

Prince Edward County had a notable 26% year-over-year price increase, as the average sale price jumped from $704,938 in April 2024 to $887,993 in April 2025. The region’s small sample size may amplify price volatility, however.

Inventory Growth Rebalances Regional Trends

Across the Central Lakes region, the dominant theme in April 2025 was rising inventory. Active listings increased year-over-year in all areas where data was provided, expanding options for buyers and relieving some of the pressure that had driven recent price growth.

Durham, Hastings, Kawartha Lakes, and Peterborough all posted year-over-year declines in average sale prices, while Northumberland and Prince Edward County posted gains. Hastings was the only region to post a year-over-year sales increase, though Durham showed strength month-over-month.