October’s statistics continued to show a market finding its balance across Nova Scotia, with the Halifax Real Estate Market October 2025 update highlighting steady conditions, rising inventory, and firm demand. While overall provincial sales dipped slightly compared with the same month last year, new listings and inventory levels continued to climb. Buyers now have more breathing room, and conditions are beginning to resemble the stable, pre-pandemic rhythm of the market. The Halifax and Dartmouth region also performed well, showing steady urban demand and renewed confidence as interest rates begin to ease.
Data sourced from CREA/NSAR. View the full October 2025 Nova Scotia Market Data Report here .
Nova Scotia Real Estate Market Snapshot — Actual (Year-over-Year)
| Metric | October 2025 | YoY | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 1,078 | 0.9 % | Flat |
| New Listings | 1,419 | 8.0 % | Up |
| Active Listings | 4,626 | 9.9 % | Up |
| Months of Inventory | 4.3 | 10.3 % | Up |
| Average Price | $464,573 | 4.2 % | Up |
| Median Price | $420,000 | 2.1 % | Up |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.4 % | 1.1 pp | Down |
| Median Days on Market | 41.5 days | 12.2 % | Up |
Findings:
This comparison shows Halifax and Dartmouth Real Estate market maintain its position as Nova Scotia’s most active and resilient market. Sales rose three percent, new listings increased nearly four percent, and inventory expanded by more than eighteen percent. The additional supply is helping restore balance and giving buyers more time to make decisions without driving down values.
The average sale price climbed to $602,837, just over four percent higher than a year ago. Homes are taking longer to sell, averaging about a month on the market, but demand remains steady, especially for well-priced listings. Halifax and Dartmouth continues to benefit from in-migration, a diverse economy, and limited new construction. These factors together provide a foundation for continued price stability and long-term growth.
Nova Scotia Real Estate Market Snapshot — Year-to-Date (YTD)
| Metric | 2025 YTD | YoY | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 9,713 | 1.5 % | Up |
| New Listings | 15,448 | 6.8 % | Up |
| Active Listings (avg) | 4,267 | 10.9 % | Up |
| Months of Inventory | 4.4 | 10.0 % | Up |
| Average Price | $464,573 | 4.2 % | Up |
| Median Price | $420,000 | 2.1 % | Up |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.4 % | 1.1 pp | Down |
| Median Days on Market | 41.5 days | 12.2 % | Up |
Findings
The year-to-date (YTD) data captures totals and averages from January through the end of October, compared with the same period in 2024. Overall, Nova Scotia continues to outperform last year, with sales, listings, and prices all showing steady, consistent growth. The rise in new listings reflects a return to normal market behavior rather than a surge in seller optimism. Many homeowners who waited through the highly competitive years of 2021 to 2023 are now listing as market conditions stabilize and interest rates trend lower.
The four percent increase in average price and a modest rise in days on market show that Nova Scotia is entering a period of sustainable balance. This stability gives buyers and sellers confidence to make moves without the urgency or unpredictability that defined the past few years. Looking ahead, improving affordability and stable pricing should encourage healthy activity as we move into 2026.
Halifax and Dartmouth Real Estate Market Snapshot — Actual (Year-over-Year)
| Metric | October 2025 | YoY | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 516 | 3.2 % | Up |
| New Listings | 641 | 3.7 % | Up |
| Active Listings | 1,575 | 18.2 % | Up |
| Months of Inventory | 3.1 | 14.8 % | Up |
| Average Price | $602,837 | 4.1 % | Up |
| Median Price | $560,000 | 5.0 % | Up |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.2 % | 1.9 pp | Down |
| Median Days on Market | 31 days | 21.6 % | Up |
Findings:
This comparison shows Halifax and Dartmouth maintaining its position as Nova Scotia’s most active and resilient market. Sales rose three percent, new listings increased nearly four percent, and inventory expanded by more than eighteen percent. The additional supply is helping restore balance and giving buyers more time to make decisions without driving down values.
The average sale price climbed to $602,837, just over four percent higher than a year ago. Homes are taking longer to sell, averaging about a month on the market, but demand remains steady, especially for well-priced listings. Halifax and Dartmouth continues to benefit from in-migration, a diverse economy, and limited new construction. These factors together provide a foundation for continued price stability and long-term growth.
Halifax and Dartmouth Real Estate Market Snapshot — Year-to-Date (YTD)
| Metric | 2025 YTD | YoY | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 4,629 | 0.5 % | Up |
| New Listings | 6,740 | 8.4 % | Up |
| Active Listings (avg) | 1,410 | 16.6 % | Up |
| Months of Inventory | 3.0 | 15.4 % | Up |
| Average Price | $603,132 | 3.9 % | Up |
| Median Price | $562,500 | 3.6 % | Up |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.5 % | 1.4 pp | Down |
| Median Days on Market | 28 days | 21.7 % | Up |
Findings
The year-to-date data for Halifax and Dartmouth compares January through October 2025 with the same period in 2024. The results show a market that has matured into a steady and sustainable phase. Sales have held consistent, prices continue to rise gradually, and listing activity is up across all segments. The increase in inventory is creating more opportunity for buyers while keeping price growth at a healthy pace.
Halifax and Dartmouth remains the province’s economic and housing hub, accounting for nearly half of all residential transactions. The combination of solid employment, strong population growth, and steady migration continues to support the market’s strength. The region’s performance this year suggests that both buyers and investors see long-term value in Halifax real estate, and this confidence should carry through into 2026.
Market Commentary & Analysis
October’s data confirms that Nova Scotia’s housing market is finding balance after several years of rapid change. Inventory is increasing, prices are holding firm, and buyer activity is adjusting to more traditional patterns. This environment benefits both sides of the transaction by reducing uncertainty and restoring predictability.
Halifax and Dartmouth continues to lead the province, setting the tone for pricing and activity levels across other regions. Demand is stable, new listings are trending upward, and both buyers and sellers are benefiting from a more even playing field. As Nova Scotia moves toward the end of the year, this consistent performance suggests that 2026 will begin from a position of strength and stability.
Takeaways
For Buyers: More listings mean greater choice and time to make confident decisions. Pre-approvals and market awareness remain important, as desirable homes still attract strong interest.
For Sellers: Proper pricing and presentation are crucial. While homes take longer to sell than in previous years, motivated buyers remain active, particularly in well-located neighborhoods.
For Investors: The current market offers a solid opportunity to purchase quality assets before the next phase of growth. Rental demand remains strong, and long-term fundamentals continue to support value appreciation.
Carlisle’s Note
Each month’s numbers reinforce what we are seeing on the ground: a healthy market built on stability rather than speculation. It is refreshing to see balance return, where strategy, preparation, and timing matter more than speed or emotion.
Personally, I see this as an exciting period for both homeowners and investors. The market is mature enough to provide predictability yet still dynamic enough to offer opportunity. The key is to focus on the fundamentals such as location, value, and long-term vision, and to make decisions based on facts rather than fear or headlines.
At Full Circle Realty, our goal is to help clients understand these trends and use them to their advantage. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing, this is a market that rewards focus, patience, and informed action. Opportunities continue to exist for those who look closely and plan ahead.