Halifax Real Estate Update: Early Signs in 2026 Confirming Winter Woes

Halifax and Dartmouth Real Estate Market Update

Feb 2026

The latest MLS numbers posted mid February, reflecting January 2026 activity, show softer sales volume compared with last year, higher inventory, and supply levels that are much closer to long run norms across Nova Scotia. Halifax and Dartmouth continue to represent a large share of provincial activity, but the market is more price sensitive than it was during the tight inventory years.

*The following statistics are based on CREA MLS data reported by CREA and the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS.

Market Snapshot

Halifax and Dartmouth stats for January 2026

• Total residential sales: 226 homes

• Change in sales vs January 2025: -9.6%

• Average sale price: $569,778

• Change in average price vs January 2025: -5.6%

Nova Scotia stats for January 2026

• Total residential sales: 496 homes

• Change in sales vs January 2025: -10.3%

• Average sale price: $435,387

• Change in average price vs January 2025: -3.3%

• Total dollar volume: $216 million, -13.3% year over year

• New listings: 988, -9.4% year over year

• Active listings: 3,315, +3.7% year over year

• Months of inventory: 6.7 months, up from 5.8 last year, and close to the long run January average of 6.8

Nova Scotia pricing detail

The MLS Home Price Index benchmark is often more reliable than averages for tracking price trends over time. In January 2026:

• Composite benchmark: $417,700, +0.6% year over year

• Single family benchmark: $414,800, +1.1% year over year

• Townhouse benchmark: $516,500, +0.7% year over year

• Apartment benchmark: $409,100, -7.7% year over year

Sales activity in January also came in 9.9% below the five year average and 16.1% below the ten year average for the month, which reinforces the slower pace compared with typical longer term January levels.

Regional results across Nova Scotia

January 2026 sales and average prices vary significantly by region:

• Annapolis Valley: 84 sales, +5.0%, avg price $361,056, +6.1%

• Cape Breton: 38 sales, -13.6%, avg price $266,345, -7.0%

• Halifax Dartmouth: 226 sales, -9.6%, avg price $569,778, -5.6%

• Highland Region: 20 sales, -35.5%, avg price $285,545, +0.6%

• Northern Nova Scotia: 71 sales, -15.5%, avg price $314,135, +8.9%

• South Shore: 48 sales, -11.1%, avg price $340,644, -21.3%

• Yarmouth: 9 sales, -10.0%, avg price $262,978, +35.9%

What This Means for Buyers

Higher inventory and months of inventory that are close to long run norms point to a more balanced environment for buyers. In many cases, this allows more time for due diligence and creates more negotiating room than we saw when supply was tighter. Overall, buyers are operating with more choice and less urgency, especially outside the most competitive neighbourhoods and price points.

What This Means for Sellers

With active listings higher and supply closer to balanced levels, pricing accuracy matters more than it did when inventory was extremely tight. Well positioned homes can still sell efficiently, but overpricing is more likely to show up in longer market time and tougher negotiations. Strong presentation and a realistic list price remain the most controllable levers for sellers in this environment.

Source:

CREA Statistics, Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS MLS reporting.

Reference links

• https://creastats.crea.ca/board/nsar

• https://creastats.crea.ca/