The leaves are mostly down around Jackson Park, the boats are coming out of Little Lake, and the fall market has settled into a quieter rhythm. Here’s our team’s look at what September’s numbers say about buying and selling in Peterborough and the County, and what they might mean for you.
September at a glance
The Central Lakes Association of REALTORS® (CLAR), the local real estate board that covers Peterborough City & County along with Durham, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Hastings and Prince Edward County, released its September 2026 figures on October 26 (read the release). For Peterborough City & County, it reported:
- 149 home sales
- An average selling price of $658,581, down from both August and September 2025
- 455 new listings
- 874 active listings, slightly higher than a year earlier
- An average of 46 days on market
Across all six of CLAR’s regions, 1,062 homes sold in September. The board described sales activity as moderating as the fall market began, with price trends varying from one local market to the next.
What the numbers suggest
A few things stand out to us. First, there was a lot of choice. With 455 new listings and 149 sales, roughly three homes came on the market for every one that sold. Second, at September’s pace of sales, the 874 active listings would take close to six months to sell. That’s our own rough math, not an official figure, but it points to a market where buyers generally have time to look, compare and think.
Third, homes took a while to sell, with an average of 46 days on market. That isn’t a sign that something is wrong. It’s a reminder that pricing, presentation and patience all matter more when buyers have options.
One caution: an average price can move because of the mix of homes that sold in a given month, not just because values changed. A few more waterfront sales or a few more condos can shift it. Your own home’s value depends on its street, condition and features, so treat a regional average as background, not a price tag.
Interest rates moved too
On October 28, the Bank of Canada raised its policy rate by a quarter of a percentage point, from 2.25% to 2.5%, pointing to inflation that has been higher and more persistent than expected. Its next scheduled decision is December 9.
How that affects you depends on your mortgage. Variable-rate payments and lines of credit tend to follow the Bank’s rate, while fixed rates are set by lenders based on other factors. If you’re shopping for a home, it’s worth checking whether your pre-approval holds a rate and for how long. If you have a renewal coming up, talk to your lender or mortgage professional early. Confirm the details for your own situation with your lender.
If you’re buying
More listings and longer days on market can mean more room to take your time, view a few homes, and include conditions such as financing and a home inspection. It doesn’t mean every home is a bargain. Well-priced homes in popular Ptbo pockets like East City or the Avenues can still move quickly. Our guide to home inspections in Peterborough is a good place to start.
If you’re selling
With plenty of competition, buyers are comparing your home against others in the same price range. Pricing realistically from the start, taking care of small repairs, and presenting the home well tend to matter more in a market like this one. If you’re weighing the costs, our post on what it costs to sell a home in Peterborough walks through them.
Whether you’re thinking about a move this winter or next spring, our team is always happy to talk through what these numbers mean for your street, your home and your plans, with no pressure and no rush.
About this update: written by McAuley Real Estate Group, a team at Bowes & Cocks Limited, Brokerage in Peterborough, Ontario. Market figures are from the Central Lakes Association of REALTORS® September 2026 housing statistics release (published October 26, 2026). Interest rate details are from the Bank of Canada’s October 28, 2026 announcement. This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Confirm the details for your situation with your lender, lawyer or accountant.
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