Nova Scotia Single Family Home Market Report

New listing activity in October 2025 totaled 1,131 properties, marking a 7.0% increase compared to October 2024. This uptick in seller activity contributes to the expanding inventory landscape across Nova Scotia's single-family home market. Year-to-date new listings reached 12,780, reflecting an 8.1% increase over the same period in 2024, demonstrating sustained seller confidence and market participation throughout the year.

For investors and buyers in the Halifax real estate market, increased listing activity typically correlates with enhanced selection and negotiating leverage, particularly in submarkets experiencing the most pronounced inventory growth. Strategic buyers are well-positioned to capitalize on this dynamic, especially when evaluating properties with extended market exposure.

October 2025 recorded 881 closed transactions, representing a 4.1% decline from the 919 sales completed in October 2024. Despite the monthly softening, year-to-date closed sales through October reached 8,243 transactions, up 2.6% from 8,032 in the comparable 2024 period. This divergence between monthly and cumulative performance reflects typical seasonal market moderation as Nova Scotia's real estate sector approaches year-end.

Transaction volume remains healthy by historical standards, indicating sustained demand fundamentals despite rising inventory levels and extended marketing periods. For sellers in the Halifax market, this underscores the importance of competitive pricing strategies and property presentation to maintain market traction during seasonal transitions.

The average days on market metric extended to 53 days in October 2025, representing a 6.0% increase from the 50-day average recorded in October 2024. Year-to-date, properties are averaging 48 days on market, up 6.7% from 45 days in 2024. This gradual extension in marketing periods reflects the recalibration occurring as inventory expands and buyer selectivity increases across Nova Scotia's housing market.

Properties priced strategically relative to recent comparable sales continue to achieve faster absorption rates, while those priced above current market equilibrium face extended exposure. For high-net-worth sellers working with experienced listing agents in Halifax, data-driven pricing strategies become increasingly critical in this evolving market environment.

Nova Scotia's single-family home pricing demonstrates measured appreciation through 2025, with the median sales price reaching $434,500 in October, up 3.1% year-over-year, while the average sales price increased 4.8% to $475,058. Year-to-date metrics show the median at $450,000 (+4.7%) and average at $487,021 (+5.5%), indicating sustained upward pressure on home values despite moderating transaction velocity.

The spread between median and average pricing—approximately $40,000—suggests a market composition that includes significant higher-end transaction activity, particularly relevant for executives and investors evaluating premium properties in Halifax and surrounding communities. This price appreciation occurs against a backdrop of expanding inventory and extended marketing periods, creating a nuanced environment where well-positioned properties continue to command strong valuations while mispriced listings face market resistance.

Active inventory surged 14.2% year-over-year to 3,409 homes in October 2025, compared to 2,986 properties available in October 2024. This inventory expansion represents one of the most significant shifts in Nova Scotia's single-family home market dynamics, transitioning from the constrained supply conditions that characterized previous years toward a more balanced marketplace with enhanced buyer selection.

The corresponding months of supply metric increased 10.3% to 4.3 months, approaching the threshold typically associated with balanced market conditions (generally considered 4-6 months of supply). For buyers and investors in the Halifax real estate market, this inventory growth creates opportunities for negotiation and selection, particularly when targeting properties that have experienced extended market exposure or require strategic pricing adjustments.

For Buyers and Investors: The current market environment presents strategic opportunities for disciplined buyers. Rising inventory levels, extended days on market, and moderating price-to-list ratios create conditions favorable to negotiation, particularly for properties priced above current market equilibrium. High-net-worth investors should focus on submarkets within Halifax and Nova Scotia demonstrating the strongest fundamentals, including employment growth, infrastructure development, and demographic trends supporting sustained demand.

For Sellers: Success in October's market requires sophisticated positioning strategies. Properties must be priced competitively relative to recent comparable sales, with particular attention to condition, location, and market absorption rates within specific submarkets. Sellers working with experienced listing agents who provide data-driven pricing recommendations and strategic marketing approaches will achieve optimal results in this recalibrating environment.

Market Outlook: Nova Scotia's single-family home market exhibits characteristics of a healthy recalibration rather than fundamental weakness. Sustained price appreciation, positive year-to-date transaction growth, and expanding inventory suggest a marketplace transitioning toward balance after years of constrained supply. Seasonal factors will likely continue influencing monthly metrics through year-end, with spring 2026 market dynamics dependent on broader economic conditions, interest rate trajectories, and regional employment trends.