The Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors (CKAR) reports that home sales took a hit last month, but prices gained momentum.
CKAR said 74 homes worth a total of $33.3 million were sold in January 2026, a decline of 14.9 per cent or 13 sales from January 2025. Home sales last month were also 5.9 per cent below the five-year average and 6.1 per cent below the 10-year average for the month of January, said CKAR.
"January home sales were lower than a year ago, marking the slowest month we’ve seen since February 2025. The number of newly listed homes also slipped year over year, but we did see a modest post-holiday rebound from December, bringing supply more in line with seasonal norms," said CKAR President Carrie Patrick.
The association noted the average price of a home sold in January 2026 was $449,774.
"The average price reached its highest level since January 2025 and ranked among the highest levels seen in any January on record," Patrick said. "With rates appearing to hit bottom for now and the spring market right around the corner, we’re heading into 2026 with cautious optimism."
The number of new listings dropped 15 per cent from January 2025, according to CKAR, with 153 new homes for sale last month. They also said new listings were 1.7 per cent below the five-year average and 19.4 per cent above the 10-year average for the month of January.
CKAR noted a total of 378 homes were for sale in Chatham-Kent at the end of January, a modest gain of 1.6 per cent or six listings from the same period last year.
"Active listings haven't been this high in the month of January in a decade," repeated CKAR. "Active listings remained elevated compared to long term averages for the month, which was welcome news for buyers looking to jump into the market, as it gave them more choice than they’ve usually have in a typical January."
According to CKAR, active listings were 32.1 per cent above the five-year average and 64.1 per cent above the 10-year average for the month of January.
