Newsletter

Nova Scotia market update 👀

March numbers are in—and things are shifting across the entire province:

✔️ Sales are down
✔️ New listings are down
✔️ Prices? Still holding (with a slight increase overall)

Translation: the chaos has calmed a bit… but this is not a slow market.

Some areas are up, some are flat, some dipping slightly—it’s a mixed bag right now, which makes strategy more important than ever.

Buyers — you’ve got a bit more breathing room, but don’t get too comfortable
Sellers — pricing right and standing out is key in this kind of market

Bottom line: real estate in Nova Scotia isn’t one-size-fits-all right now.

If you want to know what’s happening in your specific area, I’ve got you 👍

PROVINCE WIDE HOUSING MARKET SNAPSHOT – FEBRUARY 2026

This image is a “Housing Market Snapshot” from the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (NSAR) for February 2026. It provides a high-level look at how the province’s real estate market performed compared to February 2025.

Overall, the data shows a market that is cooling in terms of activity (fewer sales and listings) but continues to see moderate price growth on average across the province.

Core Provincial Statistics

  • Home Sales: Down 8%, with a total of 624 homes sold.
  • New Listings: Down 6%, with 926 new listings added to the market.
  • Average Price: Up 3.6%, bringing the provincial average to $467,926.

While the provincial average rose, the “Average Price Change” varied significantly by region, showing a “split” market:

Region Price Change

Cape Breton +27% (Highest growth)

Highland Region +24%

Annapolis Valley +14%

South Shore +6.6%

Northern Nova Scotia +2.5%

Halifax-Dartmouth +0.7% (Most stable/flat)

Yarmouth -27.4% (Significant decrease)

HALIFAX/DARTMOUTH – FEBRUARY 2026

The provided market report for Halifax/Dartmouth in February 2026 outlines the following key statistics for single-family homes:

  • Average Home Sale Price: $623K.
  • Average Price per Sq/Ft: $323.
  • Sold Properties: 223 homes were sold during the month.
  • Average Days on Market: Properties spent an average of 46 days on the market.

When compared to the broader provincial data from the same period, the Halifax/Dartmouth region shows distinct characteristics:

  • Price Stability: While the province saw a 3.6% average price increase, Halifax/Dartmouth experienced a very modest year-over-year change of only +0.7%.
  • Market Share: The 223 properties sold in this region account for roughly 35.7% of the total 624 home sales across all of Nova Scotia for the month.
  • Premium Pricing: The average sale price in Halifax/Dartmouth ($623K) remains significantly higher than the provincial average of $467,926.

HALIFAX/DARTMOUTH – FEBRUARY 2026

Real Estate Market Report for the Halifax/Dartmouth area, specifically covering February 2026 for single-family homes. The data is sourced from the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors (NSAR).

Here is a summary of the key metrics:

Market Activity Metrics

  • New Homes Listed: 315 new properties hit the market during the month.
  • Total Homes For Sale: There were 671 total active listings available.
  • Pending Sales: 233 homes were under contract/sale pending.

Pricing Trends

  • Percent of Original Price: Homes sold at an average of 97.2% of their original asking price. This suggests a slightly competitive market where buyers have some room for negotiation, or sellers are pricing just slightly above the final market value.

With 671 total homes for sale and 233 pending sales, the market appears to have a healthy level of inventory relative to demand, though the high percentage of original price retained (97.2%) indicates that sellers are still commanding strong figures.

MORE THAN JUST A ‘FOR SALE’ SIGN

“In today’s real estate world, the difference between ‘Listed’ and ‘Sold’ often comes down to the details. From professional staging and high-end photography to a deep understanding of local pricing, I pride myself on providing a full-service experience.

But don’t just take my word for it—here is what a recent client had to say about our journey together:

📊 December Market Update Compared to November

As we moved into the holiday season, the Halifax/Dartmouth market showed a seasonal slowdown in activity, while home values remained steady.

Key Month-Over-Month Changes

  • Average Price per Sq. Ft.:
    Decreased slightly from $304 in November to $294 in December
  • Average Days on Market:
    Increased from 42 days to 51 days, giving buyers more time to make decisions
  • Sold Properties:
    Declined from 297 sales in November to 242 in December, typical for year-end
  • Average Sale Price:
    Increased from $624,000 to $630,000, showing continued price strength

🏠 What This Means for Buyers

December brought less competition and more time to act. With homes taking longer to sell and selling slightly below peak momentum, buyers had more opportunity to negotiate and secure favourable terms. Despite fewer sales overall, average prices held steady, highlighting the importance of acting decisively when the right home comes along.

🏡 What This Means for Sellers

While activity slowed in December, home values remained strong, with the average sale price increasing month-over-month. Buyers were still active, but homes needed to be priced correctly and well-presented to stand out. Sellers who were prepared and realistic continued to achieve solid results.

📞 Thinking of Buying or Selling in 2026?

Market conditions are shifting, and the right strategy matters more than ever. Whether you’re planning to buy your first home, move up, downsize, or sell this year, I’d be happy to help you understand what these numbers mean for your specific situation.

📲 Reach out anytime to start the conversation and plan your next move with confidence.

TOP 20 ACHIEVEMENT 2025 – SUTTON GROUP PROFESSIONAL REALTY

I’m honoured to have finished #8 in the Top 20 for Sutton Group Professional Realty, ranking among 70 Realtors in our office. While I wasn’t able to attend the awards dinner as I was supporting my son at a hockey tournament, I’m truly grateful for the recognition and incredibly thankful to my clients, colleagues, and community for their continued trust and support.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply want an up-to-date market conversation, I’d be happy to help—reach out anytime for a no-obligation chat.

PRINCESS AND THE PURSE CAMPAIGN

So proud of this year’s Princess and the Purse campaign. Thanks to the incredible kindness and generosity of our community, we were able to collect 50 purses for single women and moms this year. From the bottom of our heart, thank you to everyone who donated, shared, and supported us this year. Your kindness truly makes a difference.

Shout out to: Sutton Group Professional Realty, Gretchen Tanner, Deanna Deal, Holly Bond, Cluett Insurance, Lisa Blair, Jennifer Chambers and anyone I may have missed. This year the purses went to Stepping Stone and the The Marguerite Centre.

📊 December Market Update Compared to November

🏠 What December’s Market Means for Buyers

With fewer homes coming on the market in December (182 new listings, down from 306 in November), buyers saw less inventory but also less competition. Homes sold for 95.2% of asking price, offering buyers a bit more negotiating room than in November. For those ready to act, December created opportunities to move forward with less pressure and more flexibility from sellers.

🏡 What December’s Market Means for Sellers

December brought a typical seasonal slowdown, with fewer listings and fewer pending sales. That said, inventory dropped to 682 homes, and well-priced homes continued to attract motivated buyers. Selling close to asking price shows that demand remains strong, especially for homes that are priced and presented correctly.

📞 Thinking of Buying or Selling in 2026?

Market conditions are constantly changing, and timing matters. Whether you’re considering buying your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or selling this year, having the right strategy can make all the difference. Let’s talk about what this market means for you and how to make your next move a smart one.

📲 Reach out anytime — I’m here to help you navigate the market with confidence.