Fall Home Buying Season in London, Ontario: What Buyers Should Know in 2026

Fall is shaping up to be one of the smartest times to buy a home in London, Ontario this year. As a London REALTOR® with Century 21, First Canadian, I've been watching this market shift all summer, and the numbers back it up: more listings to choose from, softer prices than a year ago, and sellers who are increasingly willing to negotiate.

If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right moment, this fall home buying season in London, Ontario could be it. Here's what's actually happening in the market right now, and how to make the most of it.

Key Takeaways

• London's average home sale price was $606,614 in June 2026, down 6.7% from June 2025, according to the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR).
• The market recorded 4.6 months of inventory in June 2026, giving buyers noticeably more selection than in recent years.
• LSTAR's June sales-to-new-listings ratio was 41.6%, below the 45-65% range CREA considers a balanced market, which points to conditions favouring buyers.
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) projects 2026 as a transition year for Ontario housing, with a stronger recovery expected into 2027.
• Fall typically brings fresh inventory as sellers who held off over summer relist before year-end, giving buyers more to compare.

Why Fall Is Different From Spring and Summer in London's Market

Spring gets all the attention in real estate, but fall has its own rhythm. Families who want to move before the school year are already settled, which means the buyers still shopping in September and October tend to be more serious and less rushed. Sellers notice this too. In my experience helping buyers across London this year, September listings often come from people who need to move for a job relocation, a growing family, or a downsizing plan, not just testing the waters.

That shift in buyer and seller motivation tends to open the door to more realistic pricing conversations. According to LSTAR, London's average sale price eased from $662,292 in May to $618,665 in April and $606,614 in June 2026, a pattern that reflects a market recalibrating after several years of rapid price growth.

What the Current Numbers Mean for London Buyers

LSTAR reported 753 homes sold through the MLS® in June 2026, up 1.6% compared to June 2025 and in line with typical June activity over the past four years. What stands out is the sales-to-new-listings ratio of 41.6%. CREA defines a balanced market as a ratio between 45% and 65%, so London currently sits just below that range, a sign that buyers have more negotiating room than they did during the tighter markets of recent years.

Inventory tells a similar story. With 4.6 months of supply recorded in June, there's more time to make a considered decision rather than feeling pressured into a bidding war. That doesn't mean every property in London will sit unsold. Well-priced, move-in-ready homes in desirable pockets of the city are still moving quickly. But overall, this fall favours buyers who do their homework and move decisively when the right property appears.

What to Expect Heading Into the Fall Housing Market

CMHC, Canada's federal housing agency, describes 2026 as a transition year for Ontario's housing market, with expectations for a stronger recovery in 2027 as affordability continues to improve. That outlook lines up with what I'm seeing on the ground in London: gradually easing borrowing costs, more inventory sitting on the market longer, and sellers who are motivated to close deals before winter slows things down further.

For buyers in London, this means fall 2026 offers a window where conditions genuinely favour negotiation, particularly on properties that have been listed for several weeks. It's not a guarantee prices will keep softening, so buyers who find a home that fits their needs and budget shouldn't assume waiting will always produce a better deal.

Tips for Buying a Home in London This Fall

Get your financing sorted before you start touring. With inventory sitting longer, you have time to shop for the right mortgage rate and get pre-approved, which puts you in a stronger position to negotiate once you find a property you like.

Look closely at days-on-market. A home that's been listed for three or four weeks in this market often signals room for a conversation on price, closing date, or included items like appliances.

Don't skip the inspection to compete. Because bidding wars are less common right now than they were a few years ago, buyers generally have more room to include standard conditions like financing and home inspection in their offers.

Watch specific neighbourhoods, not just the city average. London's average price reflects the whole market, but individual areas like Byron, Sunningdale, or Old North can move differently depending on local demand and available inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fall a good time to buy a house in London, Ontario?
Yes, for many buyers. Current LSTAR data shows more inventory and softer prices compared to the spring market, giving buyers more room to negotiate on price and terms.

Are home prices dropping in London, Ontario in 2026?
LSTAR reported London's average sale price at $606,614 in June 2026, down 6.7% from June 2025. Prices have eased compared to the highs of recent years, though individual neighbourhoods vary.

How much inventory is available in London's housing market right now?
LSTAR recorded 4.6 months of inventory in June 2026, meaning buyers currently have more homes to choose from than during the tighter markets of the past several years.

Should I wait until next year to buy in London?
That depends on your personal timeline and goals. CMHC projects a stronger market recovery into 2027, so buyers who wait may face more competition later. I always recommend basing the decision on your own financial readiness and housing needs rather than trying to perfectly time the market.

Do I still need a home inspection in a buyer's market?
Absolutely. A home inspection protects you regardless of market conditions, and in today's London market you typically have more room to include one as a condition of your offer.

Ready to Make Your Move This Fall?

Fall in London brings a rare combination: more homes to choose from, sellers open to negotiation, and less pressure to rush a decision. Whether you're a first-time buyer, relocating to the area, or ready to upsize, I'd love to help you find the right home before the season shifts again.

Call me, Gloria Roman, at (647) 883-7135, or schedule a free consultation to start your search today.