I wrote this article 5 days into 2026 - taking time to reflect on where the last 5 years have taken us, and what might dictate the market as we move forward. One thing to be sure of, however, is that as we move into 2026, the frantic energy of the pandemic-era housing market has officially faded. We are entering a new phase of the Canadian housing market—one defined by balance, sustainability, and a return to "normal" (The Coast).

While national headlines might sound a bit shaky, Halifax continues to stand out as a beacon of stability in Atlantic Canada. Here is the breakdown of what 2026 has in store for our city.

📊 The Numbers: Growth is Steadier, Not Slower

Halifax remains more resilient than major hubs like Toronto or Vancouver. While the national average home price is expected to stay relatively flat at $823,000 (Royal LePage), Halifax is still on an upward—albeit more realistic—trajectory.

• Projected Growth: We are looking at a 3% price increase for Halifax throughout 2026 (RE/MAX Canada).

• The Average Price Tag: The average residential sale price in the city is now hovering just above $600,000 (RE/MAX Canada).

• Detached vs. Condo: Detached homes continue to show the most resilience, while the condo market is seeing a slight softening in price, mirroring a 2.5% decline seen in the national condo sector (Royal LePage / WOWA).

National vs. Local Comparison

🏠 Rents and the "Affordability Gap"

The rental market in Halifax remains a double-edged sword. While record construction has helped increase the vacancy rate slightly, the cost of living remains high.

A one-bedroom apartment in Halifax is averaging roughly $1,770 per month (CityNews Halifax). For many, this "rent trap" is actually driving the transition to homeownership. As rents climb and mortgage rates stabilize, the gap between a monthly rent check and a mortgage payment is narrower than it has been in years (Canadian Mortgage Trends / The Coast).

⚠️ Key Risks & Opportunities to Watch

Even in a stable market, there are variables every buyer and seller should keep on their radar this year:

1. The Renewal Wave: Many homeowners who locked in low rates in 2021 are facing renewals this year. This "rate shock" could lead to an increase in listings as some owners choose to downsize (RBC Economics).

2. Increased Inventory: Unlike the "bidding war" years, listings have increased modestly, giving buyers more selection and breathing room (RE/MAX Canada).

3. Negotiation Power:  "Subject to inspection" and "subject to financing" clauses have become standard again in Halifax (WOWA), albeit they were absent for only a little while during the pandemic.

💡 Advice for 2026

For Sellers:

The "list it and it will sell" era is over. With a more balanced market, presentation matters. Well-staged homes that are priced accurately based on current 3% growth trends are the ones commanding the best offers (RE/MAX Canada).

For Buyers:

Don’t be afraid to be picky. With more options hitting the market (RE/MAX Canada), you have the luxury of time (within reason). Get your pre-approval in place and look for value in the condo sector, where competition is currently lower (Royal LePage). Another strategy you might try is searching for homes that have been on the market for 90+ days already, as they may be motivated to do a deal or negotiate a price that works for you.

The Bottom Line

2026 isn't about dramatic swings; it’s about a healthy, stabilizing market (Royal LePage). For Halifax, that means your home remains a solid investment, but the "frenzy" is replaced by a much more manageable pace for everyone involved.

Ready to Navigate the 2026 "Great Reset"?

Whether you're looking to capitalize on the stabilizing condo market or wondering how much equity you’ve built in your home during the boom years, you don't have to guess.

• 🏠 What’s My Home Worth? – Get a real-time valuation based on 2026 local Halifax data.

• 🔍 Browse Halifax Listings – See the latest detached homes and condos hitting the market this week.

• ☕ Let’s Chat Over Coffee – Have questions about interest rates or renewals? Let’s build your strategy for the year ahead.

Looking forward to helping you in 2026!

Posted on Dec 31st, 2026 by Don McCooeye

🏘️ Elmsdale vs. Enfield vs. Lantz: December Market Snapshot

Date range analyzed: December 1 – December 30, 2025
Region: East Hants (Area 105)

As we closed out 2025, the East Hants real estate market didn’t grind to a halt — it exhaled.

December is traditionally a slower month, and the numbers reflect that. But slower does not mean weak. What we’re seeing is a more measured, rational market where pricing, presentation, and positioning matter more than ever. The chaos of 2021–2023 is officially behind us. No bidding wars by default. No “throw it on the market and see what happens.”

This is what a balanced market looks like — and frankly, it’s healthier for both buyers and sellers.

Whether you’re planning a spring sale or quietly watching listings over the holidays, here’s how Elmsdale, Enfield, and Lantz stacked up heading into the new year.

📊 East Hants Market Percentages Breakdown (Dec 1 – Dec 30)

🏠 Total Listings on Market: 38
✅ Homes Sold: 13
🆕 New Listings: 5

🔢 Percentage Calculations

✅ Sales-to-Listing Ratio (Absorption Rate)

13 sold / 38 total listings = 0.342 → ~34.2%

➡️ Interpretation:
About one-third of all available homes sold in December. For a holiday month, that’s solid. This indicates a balanced market leaning slightly toward sellers for well-priced, well-presented homes.

🆕 New Listings as % of Market Inventory

5 new / 38 total = 0.1316 → ~13.2%

➡️ Interpretation:
New listing activity slowed significantly — typical for December. Sellers largely chose to wait for the spring market, which helped prevent inventory from ballooning.

📉 Listings That Did Not Sell

38 total – 13 sold = 25 unsold
25 / 38 = ~65.8%

➡️ Interpretation:
Roughly two-thirds of listings carried over into January. Buyers are selective. Homes that missed the mark on price, condition, or marketing simply didn’t move — even in good locations.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS: ENFIELD • ELMSDALE • LANTZ

📍 Enfield: Still the Engine

🏠 Active Listings: 9
🆕 New Listings: 2
✅ Sold: 7

Enfield once again led the corridor in sales volume. Despite fewer new listings, buyer demand stayed strong — especially for detached homes in established neighbourhoods. This remains the most liquid market in East Hants.

💡 Seller takeaway:
If you’re planning to sell in Enfield in spring, preparation now matters. Pricing correctly out of the gate will be critical as more inventory returns.

📍 Lantz: Inventory-Heavy, Still Moving

🏠 Active Listings: 13
🆕 New Listings: 0
✅ Sold: 3

Lantz carried the highest active inventory into year-end. While sales did happen, buyers were cautious and selective. Homes that were newer, clean, and realistically priced performed best.

📉 Buyer opportunity:
With inventory sitting, there is room for negotiation — particularly on homes that missed the fall market.

📍 Elmsdale: Quiet, But Not Dead

🏠 Active Listings: 9
🆕 New Listings: 1
✅ Sold: 1

Elmsdale slowed the most in December. That said, this is not a red flag — it’s seasonal. Buyers here remain value-driven and price-sensitive, and many have simply paused until January.

🛠️ Seller tip:
Homes that are dated or priced aspirationally will struggle. Clean, staged, and move-in ready still wins.

📊 How Do They Compare?

🧭 The Bottom Line

• Enfield continues to be the most resilient and active market in East Hants.

• Lantz offers opportunity, especially for buyers willing to negotiate.

• Elmsdale is poised for a spring rebound — but pricing will matter more than ever.

The market hasn’t slowed — it has normalized. And that’s a good thing.

If you’re thinking about selling in spring 2026, the work starts now. And if you’re buying, this is a smart window to plan, watch, and prepare.

🔧 Ready to Make a Move?

✅ Thinking of Selling?

We’ll help you price it right, prep it properly, and launch with intention — not hope.
📩 Start with the Seller Intake Form

✅ Looking to Buy in East Hants?

We’ll help you zero in by neighbourhood and strategy.
🔎 Browse East Hants Homes Here

📞 Prefer to chat? Book a call or reach us directly at (902) 903-6605

There's a moment every first-time homebuyer remembers forever—that instant when you walk into a property and suddenly see your future unfold before your eyes. For Luke and Alicia, that moment happened at an open house on an ordinary weekend. But what made their story extraordinary wasn't just finding the right home. It was finding the right agent at exactly the right time.

The Dream Deferred (But Not Forgotten)

Like so many young couples in today's housing market, Luke and Alicia had been playing the long game. They'd been diligently saving money, watching their bank account grow while paying rent month after month. Apartment living had its advantages—no maintenance headaches, flexibility, and lower upfront costs made renting practical while they built their financial foundation.

Then everything changed when their beautiful baby girl arrived.

Suddenly, thin apartment walls meant worrying about crying disturbing neighbors. Limited space meant creative storage solutions for diapers, toys, and baby gear. The lack of a yard or dedicated nursery wasn't just inconvenient—it represented everything they wanted to give their daughter but couldn't. Apartment living, perfectly adequate for two adults, simply wasn't the life they envisioned for their growing family.

The Open House That Changed Everything

With their savings in place and motivation crystal clear, Luke and Alicia started browsing real estate listings. When they spotted a property that checked their boxes, they attended the open house to see it in person.

Walking through those rooms, they could picture it all. The nursery where their daughter would take her first steps. The kitchen where they'd prepare countless family meals. The yard where birthday parties would create lifelong memories. This wasn't just a house—it was the foundation for their family's next chapter.

But here's where many first-time buyers make a critical mistake.

The agent hosting the open house was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. But there was one crucial detail: they represented the seller. While that agent is obligated to be fair and honest, their fiduciary duty—their primary loyalty—belongs to the seller. Luke and Alicia recognized they needed someone in their corner. Someone whose sole focus would be getting them the best possible deal. They needed their own advocate.

The Friday Night Phone Call That Changed Everything

It was Friday evening at 9 PM. Most people are winding down their week, settling in for the weekend, turning off work mode. Luke and Alicia had been thinking about the house all day, and they had questions. They needed guidance from someone who would represent their interests.

So they called Don.

And Don picked up.

Not with a rushed "I'll call you back Monday" brush-off. Not with an annoyed tone suggesting they were interrupting his personal time. Don picked up the phone at 9 PM on a Friday night and gave Luke and Alicia his full attention. They talked through their questions, concerns, and excitement. They discussed strategy, pricing, and next steps.

That conversation changed everything. It demonstrated something crucial that every buyer should understand: your agent's availability and commitment during critical moments can make or break your home buying experience.

Moving at the Speed of Opportunity

Real estate moves fast, especially in competitive markets. Properties that check all the boxes don't stay available long. Luke and Alicia understood that timing mattered, and with Don's guidance, they were ready to act decisively.

By Monday morning—just three days after their Friday night conversation—an offer was submitted. Don had helped them craft a competitive offer that reflected true market value while protecting their interests. This wasn't guesswork; it was strategic, informed, and purposeful.

The waiting game that followed is one every buyer knows. Hours feel like days. You second-guess every decision. You wonder if you offered too much or too little, if someone else submitted a better offer, if this is really going to happen.

By Wednesday, they had their answer: SOLD.

But here's the beautiful part—they didn't just win the house. They paid LESS than the asking price. In a market where bidding wars and over-asking offers dominate headlines, Luke and Alicia secured their dream home below asking. That's not luck. That's skilled negotiation and expert representation working in their favor.

The Bonus That Made It Even Sweeter

As if getting their dream home below asking wasn't enough, there was another pleasant surprise. The remainder of the home's new home warranty transferred to them as the new owners.

For first-time buyers, this is huge. New home warranties provide peace of mind during those critical early years of homeownership. Knowing that major systems and structural components are covered means you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about unexpected repair bills. With a three-month-old baby, that peace of mind is priceless.

Moving In: The Dream Realized

Last week, Luke and Alicia moved into their new home with their beautiful three-month-old daughter. The apartment they'd been renting became a memory. The dream they'd been saving for became their reality.

Their daughter will never remember the apartment. Her first memories will be of this house—her house, her home. She'll learn to crawl on these floors, celebrate birthdays in this yard, and grow up with the stability and space that Luke and Alicia worked so hard to provide.

The Lessons Every First-Time Buyer Should Learn

Luke and Alicia's story offers valuable insights for anyone navigating the home buying journey:

Have Your Own Representation: Open house agents work for sellers. You need someone working exclusively for you, protecting your interests and negotiating on your behalf.

Responsiveness Matters: An agent who answers at 9 PM on a Friday isn't just being nice—they're demonstrating the level of commitment your biggest financial decision deserves.

Act Decisively When Ready: Luke and Alicia didn't hesitate once they found the right property. They moved from Friday night call to Monday morning offer because they were prepared and had expert guidance.

Expert Negotiation Gets Results: Paying less than asking price doesn't happen by accident. It happens when you have skilled representation that understands market dynamics and negotiation strategy.

Timing Is Everything: From that Friday night phone call to Wednesday's acceptance, the entire process took less than a week. In real estate, speed and decisiveness often separate successful buyers from disappointed ones.

Your Story Could Be Next

Luke and Alicia's journey from apartment renters to homeowners happened because they made smart decisions at critical moments. They saved diligently, recognized when they found the right property, secured proper representation, and acted decisively.

Most importantly, they understood that buying a home isn't just a transaction—it's the foundation for your family's future. Whether you're expecting your first child, outgrowing your current space, or simply ready to stop paying someone else's mortgage, your dream home is out there waiting.

The question is: when opportunity knocks at 9 PM on a Friday night, will you have someone ready to answer?

Ready to write your own home buying success story? Let's talk about your goals, your timeline, and how we can make your dream home a reality—no matter what time you call.

When most Nova Scotia homeowners think about selling their property, they imagine warm spring days with blooming gardens and bright sunshine streaming through windows. The conventional wisdom suggests waiting until April or May when the market "wakes up" and buyers flood open houses. But what if I told you that listing during the winter months—yes, even during the holiday season—might actually be one of the smartest strategic decisions you could make?

Let's dive into the real data and explore why winter listings deserve a second look.

The Reality of Winter Real Estate in Nova Scotia

I won't sugarcoat it: winter is historically the slowest season for real estate activity in Nova Scotia. The numbers tell a clear story. During the peak summer months, the market sees between 1,100 and 1,400 home sales. Compare that to winter months, which typically range from approximately 550 to 750 units sold. That's nearly half the activity.

Additionally, homes tend to spend more time on the market during winter. Recent data shows the median days on market reached 48 days in the first quarter of 2025, compared to lower figures during the busier summer months. These statistics are what drive most sellers to wait for spring.

But here's where it gets interesting: lower activity doesn't necessarily mean worse outcomes for sellers who understand how to leverage winter's unique advantages.

The Challenges: What You're Up Against

Before we explore the opportunities, let's acknowledge the legitimate challenges of winter listings. Understanding these obstacles helps you prepare and potentially turn them into advantages.

Weather and Curb Appeal: This is the most obvious hurdle. Snow-covered lawns, bare trees, and grey Maritime skies don't exactly scream "dream home." Your property's exterior charm—one of the most powerful selling tools—is significantly diminished. Icicles hanging from gutters and snow banks lining the driveway don't photograph as beautifully as summer gardens and manicured lawns.

Fewer Active Buyers: With substantially lower sales volumes, you're working with a smaller pool of potential buyers. Many people simply postpone their home search until spring, choosing to enjoy the holidays rather than trudge through showings in winter boots.

Logistical Complications: Winter weather creates practical challenges. Showings become more complicated when driveways need constant clearing. Moving during a snowstorm is nobody's idea of fun. Even the simple act of maintaining your home in "showing ready" condition becomes more demanding when you're constantly tracking in snow and salt.

Holiday Distractions: During November and December specifically, potential buyers are focused on family gatherings, holiday shopping, and year-end work deadlines. Real estate often takes a backseat to seasonal priorities.

These are real concerns, and any agent who dismisses them isn't being honest with you.

The Hidden Advantages: Why Winter Could Be Your Secret Weapon

Now for the counterintuitive truth: these very challenges create opportunities for savvy sellers.

Dramatically Reduced Competition: When sales volumes drop by nearly 50%, so does your competition. In a typical spring market, dozens of comparable homes might be competing for the same buyers. In winter, you might be one of only a handful of options in your neighborhood or price range. Your listing doesn't get lost in the noise—it stands out.

Think about it from a buyer's perspective: they open their real estate app and see 15 homes in summer versus 5 homes in winter. Which listings get more attention and closer scrutiny?

Serious Buyers Only: Here's a crucial insight that many sellers miss: winter buyers are typically the most motivated buyers. Nobody casually browses open houses in January snowstorms. People looking at homes during the holidays are doing so because they need to—job relocations, life changes, growing families, divorces, or other circumstances that can't wait for spring.

These buyers often have deadlines, which can work in your favor during negotiations. They're not dreamers or tire-kickers; they're ready to make decisions and move forward.

Better Negotiating Position (Sometimes): While winter presents reduced competition among buyers, it also surfaces more motivated sellers. However, if you're not under time pressure and your home shows well, you can actually be the exception—the well-presented, fairly-priced option that captures serious buyers without appearing desperate.

Early Access to Spring Buyers: Many serious buyers begin their search in January and February even if they're not ready to move until spring. By listing in winter, you capture these early researchers who are getting a head start on the market. When spring arrives and competition floods back in, you may have already found your buyer.

Making Winter Work: Strategic Considerations

Success with a winter listing requires honest assessment and smart preparation.

Your home needs to show exceptionally well despite the weather. This means maintaining a clear driveway and walkways, ensuring excellent heating (buyers notice cold houses immediately), creating warm and inviting interior staging, and maximizing lighting to combat grey winter days.

Pricing becomes even more critical in a slower market. You can't command premium pricing when there are fewer buyers competing. However, competitive pricing in a less crowded market can generate faster results than overpricing in a busy spring market.

Professional photography matters more in winter because buyers rely heavily on online listings. Consider twilight photos that showcase warm interior lighting, virtual tours that let buyers explore from home, and professional editing that makes winter scenes look appealing rather than bleak.

The Bottom Line: Is Winter Right for You?

Winter listing isn't right for everyone, but it's worth serious consideration if:

• Your home shows well year-round with good bones and interior appeal

• You're pricing competitively and realistically

• You need to sell on your timeline, not the market's timeline

• You appreciate the value of less competition

• Your property has features that shine in winter (amazing heating system, cozy fireplace, winter views)

Most sellers wait for spring because that's what everyone does. But smart sellers recognize that when everyone else zigs, there might be opportunity in zagging. Winter presents reduced competition and motivated buyers—a combination that shouldn't be dismissed simply because it's unconventional.

The question isn't whether winter is the "best" time to list. The question is whether winter's unique advantages align with your specific situation, property, and goals. For the right home with the right preparation and pricing, winter might just be your competitive edge.

Ready to explore whether a winter listing makes sense for your property? Let's discuss your specific situation and create a strategy that works for you—regardless of the season. Book a Call Here!

As the latest sales numbers roll in across the East Hants corridor, one big question keeps surfacing from homeowners:
“Is the market slowing down — or just settling into a new normal?”

With 29 closed sales this month and prices holding steady, the data points firmly toward stabilization, not decline. Let’s break down what’s happening across Elmsdale, Enfield, and Lantz and how buyers and sellers should interpret the shift.

What’s Happening in the East Hants Market Right Now?

Even as interest rates continue to influence borrowing power, the East Hants region is proving resilient.

Here are the key numbers from this month’s sold dataset:

• 🛒 29 Total Sales

• 💰 Average Price: $520,910

• 🏡 Median Price: $535,000

• 📈 High Sale: $1,079,900

• 📉 Low Sale: $60,000

• 🔄 List-to-Sale Ratio: 97.9%

• 💵 Total Volume: $15.1M

What stands out most is that homes continue selling for nearly 98% of their asking price — a clear sign that buyers remain confident and sellers are pricing strategically.

Is the Market Slowing — or Normalizing?

The narrative that “the market is slowing down” tends to surface every fall, and while activity usually cools slightly this time of year, the numbers tell a different story.

Here’s what we’re really seeing:

1️⃣ Prices Are Holding, Not Dropping

Both the average and median sale prices this month fall tightly within East Hants’ normal range. No dramatic dips, no distressed pricing — just steady, predictable movement.

2️⃣ Buyers Have More Room to Breathe

While homes are selling close to list price, gone are the days of frantic bidding wars and sight-unseen offers. Today’s buyers have time to think, compare, and choose strategically.

3️⃣ Sellers Still Control Value Through Pricing

The strongest performers this month were the homes priced in the $400K–$600K range, where the majority of sales occurred. Well-priced homes continue to move efficiently.

4️⃣ This Is a Return to a Healthy, Sustainable Market

The chaos of 2020–2022 was an anomaly.
The calmer, steadier behaviour we’re seeing now?
That’s what a normal real estate cycle looks like.

How Did Each Community Perform?

TMG Area Breakdown – Lantz, Elmsdale & Enfield (2025 Sales Provided)

Below are property counts, average sale prices, median sale prices, and individual sale details for each of the three East Hants communities between Nov 1st and Dec 1st 2025.

⭐ LANTZ

Sales Included (4):

1. 1438 Hwy 2, Lantz — $409,900

2. 112 Dutch Settlement Road, Lantz — $419,900

3. 26 Frederick Allen Drive, Lantz — $546,000

4. L039A 49 Lew Crescent, Lantz — $560,400

Lantz Summary

• Number of Sales: 4

• Average Sale Price: $484,050

• Median Sale Price: $482,950
  (median of $419,900 and $546,000)

⭐ ELMSDALE

Sales Included (1):

1. 6 Codys Lane, Elmsdale — $574,000

Elmsdale Summary

• Number of Sales: 1

• Average Sale Price: $574,000

• Median Sale Price: $574,000
  (only one sale)

⭐ ENFIELD

Sales Included (5):

1. 49 Parker Place Crescent, Enfield — $290,000

2. 3 Sherwood, Enfield — $490,000

3. 1 Sherwood, Enfield — $493,000

4. 30 Deep Woods Lane, Enfield — $535,000

5. 25 Sam Crescent, Enfield — $542,000

Enfield Summary

• Number of Sales: 5

• Average Sale Price: $470,000

• Median Sale Price: $493,000Price Breakdown: What Sold This Month?

Here’s a look at how the 29 sales spread across the market:

• Under $250K: A handful of rural or land-value opportunities

• $250K–$400K: Solid activity

• $400K–$550K: The busiest segment

• $550K–$700K: Healthy mid-upper market

• $700K+: Strong performance with two standout luxury sales

The standout sale was $1.079M, underscoring that there is still high-end demand for exceptional rural and lake-area homes.

Sales Volume: Stronger Than Expected for Late Fall

With $15.1M in total volume, the market outperformed typical late-season expectations. This tells us:

• Buyers are still active

• Sellers entering the market are being rewarded

• Pricing strategy is crucial

• No signs of a meaningful downturn

Even without days-on-market data, pricing stability alone suggests that listings are not stagnating.

So… What Does This Mean for 2025?

For Sellers

• A balanced market is the best time to sell strategically.

• Homes priced accurately to their condition and location still attract steady interest.

• Professional marketing continues to separate top performers from the rest.

For Buyers

• Stability means less competition and more negotiating power.

• Waiting for “the big price drop” is increasingly unlikely to pay off.

• The East Hants corridor offers more diversity across price points than any period in the last three years.

Final Thoughts: Stability Is Not a Slowdown — It’s a Strength

The East Hants real estate market is not cooling in the alarming way national headlines sometimes suggest. Instead, it’s settling comfortably into a predictable rhythm, giving both buyers and sellers something they haven’t had in years:

➡️ Clarity
➡️ Balance
➡️ Confidence

If you're planning a move, curious about your home’s value, or simply keeping an eye on the local market, The McCooeye Group is here to help you make smart, informed decisions.