September was a quieter month for Kingston real estate. Fewer homes sold, properties took a little longer to find buyers, and there were more homes to choose from.
But the price numbers tell an interesting story.
116 homes sold
Down 5.7% from September 2025
$598,479 average sale price
Down 3.8% year over year
$572,500 MLS® HPI benchmark price
Up 0.5% year over year
610 active listings
Up 4.5% year over year
32.5 median days on market
Up from 28 days last September
So what does that actually mean?
Buyers have a little more breathing room, while sellers are finding that pricing and presentation matter more than ever.
Here’s something worth noticing: the average sale price fell 3.8%, yet the benchmark price was slightly higher than a year ago. That’s because the average can change depending on which homes happen to sell, while the benchmark gives us a better picture of underlying price trends.
And there’s another wrinkle. Kingston’s benchmark price actually slipped 1.2% from August.
The takeaway? The market is becoming more selective, but what’s happening with a condo downtown may be quite different from a family home in the west end.
We’ve taken a closer look at the numbers, including what’s happening with different property types and what it could mean for your next move.
READ THE FULL SEPTEMBER MARKET UPDATE
Source: Canadian Real Estate Association, September 2026 MLS® Residential Market Activity and Home Price Index Report. City of Kingston statistics.
Buying This Fall? Is That Price Reduction Really a Bargain?
Seeing a home drop $20,000 or $30,000 in price can certainly catch your attention. But does that make it a better deal?
Not necessarily.
A price reduction might mean the seller is becoming more realistic. Or it might mean the home was priced too high in the first place.
The important question isn’t how much the price has dropped. It’s what the home is actually worth today.
Look at what similar properties have recently sold for, how long the home has been listed, and whether any repairs or updates could affect its value.
Sometimes a recently listed home at a fair price is a better buy than one that’s been reduced three times.
The opportunity in today’s market isn’t simply finding a discount. It’s recognizing good value when you see it.
Selling This Fall? Your First Asking Price Matters
There’s a temptation when selling to start a little high, just to see what happens. After all, you can always reduce the price later, right?
You can. But there’s a catch.
Your home often gets its greatest attention when it first hits the market. Buyers who’ve been watching for the right property will notice a new listing, but they may move on quickly if the price doesn’t make sense.
With Kingston homes taking longer to sell than they did a year ago, making a strong first impression matters.
That doesn’t mean underpricing your home. It means understanding what similar homes have sold for, what you’re competing against today, and where buyers are likely to see value.
A thoughtful asking price gives your home its best opportunity to attract serious interest from the beginning.
