In a recent Global News Morning interview with Paul Brothers, I provided a current Halifax real estate market update for 2026. We discussed how the latest market data shows stability and confidence in the single-family home segment, while the condo market continues to adjust and present opportunities for buyers. The conversation focused on what these trends mean for both buyers and sellers here in Halifax, offering insight into pricing dynamics, demand shifts, and where the market appears to be headed as we move further into 2026.

January’s market data reinforces a trend we’ve been discussing for some time now: consistency in the single-family home market and ongoing adjustment in the condo segment. While the headlines may change month to month, the underlying patterns are becoming clearer — and that clarity matters for buyers and sellers making decisions in 2026.

Let’s break down what the numbers are telling us and, more importantly, what they mean for homeowners and buyers across the Halifax region.

Single-Family Homes: Stability Builds Confidence

The single-family market continues to demonstrate resilience and predictability — two characteristics that are critical for long-term confidence.

In January, the average sale price came in at $619,309, slightly lower than December but still higher than this time last year. Sales activity strengthened meaningfully with 230 homes sold, up both month-over-month and year-over-year. Inventory levels remained controlled, with 2.1 months of supply, keeping the market firmly in seller-leaning territory.

New listings rebounded sharply following the typical December slowdown, landing almost exactly where they were this time last year. This tells us something important: the market is behaving normally again.

That predictability is healthy. When prices move within a narrow range, inventory is absorbed steadily, and sales volumes remain consistent, buyers are more willing to engage and sellers are more comfortable listing their homes. As confidence builds, activity tends to follow.

Looking ahead, this environment should set the stage for a busy and competitive Spring market, particularly for well-prepared and correctly priced homes. While we are unlikely to see the volatility of past cycles, strong demand paired with limited supply continues to support values.

Condos: A Market Still Searching for Balance

The condo market tells a very different story.

January’s average condo price declined to $458,118, down from both the previous month and from a year ago. Inventory remains elevated, with 175 units for sale and 3.6 months of supply, well above last year’s levels. While sales activity improved month-over-month, overall demand has not kept pace with supply.

This imbalance has created downward pressure on pricing and greater variability in outcomes. Some properties are selling well when priced strategically, while others struggle when expectations are not aligned with market realities.

That said, markets rarely move in a straight line. As prices adjust, condos will eventually reach a point where they represent a compelling alternative to single-family homes — particularly for first-time buyers, downsizers, and value-focused purchasers. When affordability improves enough, demand tends to return quickly.

For 2026, I expect the condo market to remain uneven but more stable than in the previous year, as pricing becomes clearer and buyer expectations recalibrate.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For single-family homeowners, the message is encouraging. The market remains supportive, but success still depends on thoughtful preparation, accurate pricing, and professional marketing. Stability does not eliminate competition — it rewards strategy.

For condo sellers, realism is essential. Pricing aggressively or relying on last year’s numbers can lead to extended days on market. In today’s environment, the first few weeks of exposure matter more than ever.

For buyers, opportunity looks different depending on the segment. Single-family buyers should be prepared for competition, while condo buyers may find greater negotiating leverage and long-term value if guided properly.

Final Thoughts

Markets don’t reward guesswork — they reward informed decision-making.

January’s data reinforces a clear takeaway:
single-family homes are benefiting from consistency and confidence, while condos are still in a period of adjustment and opportunity creation.

At Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty, my role is to interpret these shifts clearly, set expectations early, and help clients move forward with confidence — regardless of market conditions.

If you’re considering a move in 2026 and want to understand how these trends affect your specific situation, a personalized market strategy is always the best place to start.

—

Chris Perkins
Broker/Owner, Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
902 210 1223
chrisperkins@cbmaritime.ca

Nova Scotia has introduced a new First-Time Home Buyers Program (Pilot) that could help many renters become homeowners much sooner than they thought possible. The upside is clear: lower upfront costs, less money needed for a down payment, and major savings by avoiding mortgage insurance.

But like most well-intentioned housing programs, there’s another side to the story. While this program helps buyers get into the market faster, it does not create more homes — and that matters in a market where competition is already intense.

Before you decide whether this program is right for you, it’s important to understand how it works, who it helps most, and where the risks lie.

What Is the First-Time Home Buyers Program?

This pilot program, launched by the Government of Nova Scotia, is designed to help first-time buyers who can afford monthly mortgage payments but struggle to save a traditional down payment.

Instead of needing 5% or more down, eligible buyers may be able to purchase a home with as little as 2% down through participating credit unions across the province.

Even more importantly, buyers using this program do not pay mortgage insurance, which is typically required when you put less than 20% down.

Why Mortgage Insurance Matters (A Lot)

Mortgage insurance is one of the most misunderstood costs of buying a home.

Normally, when a buyer puts less than 20% down:

• Mortgage insurance is mandatory

• The premium is added directly to the mortgage

• It often costs $10,000 or more, depending on the purchase price

Under this program:

• The Province provides a guarantee instead of mortgage insurance

• That premium does not get added to your loan

• Your mortgage balance starts lower than it otherwise would

This means that although you’re starting with less equity because of the smaller down payment, much of that difference is offset by not financing a large insurance premium.

Who Is This Program Designed For?

In simple terms, this program is for people who:

• Are first-time home buyers

• Have stable income and can afford monthly payments

• Have struggled to save a full down payment

• Plan to live in the home as their primary residence

The program applies only in Nova Scotia and is accessed through participating credit unions, not directly through the government.

The Big Picture: How This Impacts the Market

To understand the broader impact, it helps to look at where most buyers are shopping.

In the Halifax Regional Municipality:

• Roughly 50% of all home sales occur between $400,000 and $600,000

• This price range is already the most competitive segment of the market

• Many first-time buyers are competing for the same limited inventory

This program makes it easier for more buyers to enter that same price range — but it does not add new housing supply. Learn more about the program here: First-time Homebuyers Program: pilot project - Government of Nova Scotia, Canada

My Professional Take

This program will absolutely help first-time buyers in the short term.

It allows people who can genuinely afford to own a home — but who can’t quite accumulate a down payment — to enter the market sooner. The savings from avoiding mortgage insurance alone are significant and shouldn’t be overlooked.

That said, there is also risk.

By removing barriers to entry without increasing housing supply, this program has the potential to:

• Increase competition in the most active price ranges

• Push prices higher more quickly over time

• Make affordability challenges worse for future buyers

In my view, the only sustainable way to improve housing affordability is by adding more inventory — more homes, more density, and more supply options that meet real demand.

This program is a helpful tool, especially right now. But it’s not a long-term solution on its own.

Written by Chris Perkins, Broker/Owner
902 210 1223
chrisperkins@cbmaritime.ca
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty

After nearly 20 years in real estate, I still find myself in situations I never could have anticipated — not because of the paperwork or negotiations, but because of the people, emotions, and stories that come with every move. In 2025, I experienced one of the most meaningful moments of my career, and it involved an 18-year-old cat named Lilo.

People often describe me as detail-oriented, responsive, professional, and strategic — and while those qualities are important, I’ve always believed they’re simply the baseline for doing this job properly. What really matters to me is how my clients feel at the end of their journey.

And sometimes that involves going beyond the transaction.

Meeting Lilo

I was meeting with homeowners who were preparing to sell their house and move overseas. We walked through the property, talked through their goals, and discussed how to position the home for the best possible outcome.

That’s when I noticed their cat.

Lilo was 18 years old — confident, calm, and clearly the queen of the house. Because of her age, international travel wasn’t an option. Unfortunately, nobody in their circle was able to take her in, and placing a senior cat through a shelter would have given her almost no chance of adoption. The reality they were facing was heartbreaking. They were preparing to put Lilo down.

I couldn’t accept that.

I told them, “No way, I’ll make sure Lilo is included with the sale of this house.”

From that moment on, I made it my mission to help her — while still ensuring we protected the integrity of the sale and my clients’ plans.

Multiple Offers — and an Emotional Choice

The home went on the market and received strong activity almost immediately. Within a few days, we had three excellent offers. Two of the buyers agreed to adopt Lilo as part of the purchase — something that gave everyone hope. But the sellers felt deeply connected to the third buyer. Their offer wasn’t higher — it was their story that resonated. They had recently lost their own cat and were still grieving, and that emotion struck a chord.

They didn’t initially want to take on Lilo. I went back to them and explained what it would mean to give her a home — not just to my clients, but to them as well. After some thought, they agreed.

It felt like the right decision, and we all believed the story had found its ending.

Then Everything Changed

A week before closing, my clients received a call from their lawyer. The buyers’ lawyer had issued notice that Lilo would not be staying with the property. The timing, stress, and logistics of their relocation left my clients with no way to challenge the decision. They had already sold belongings, booked flights, and finalized their plans.

Heartbroken, they made arrangements to put Lilo down. I was devastated — angry, frustrated, and deeply disappointed. What had felt like a compassionate and meaningful resolution suddenly became a story of broken trust.

A Last-Minute Miracle

A few days later, I received a frantic call from the buyers’ Realtor.

“My clients want the cat — they never changed their minds!”

Their lawyer had acted based on outdated information without consulting them. The buyers had always intended to keep Lilo — and were horrified when they realized what had happened. I immediately contacted my clients. Lilo’s appointment hadn’t happened yet. She was safe. There were tears on every side of the conversation — the buyers, the sellers, their agent, and I’ll admit, me as well. It felt like a miracle at the final hour. And it reminded me why I love what I do.

Why This Story Matters to Me

Of all the real estate experiences I had in 2025, this one stayed with me the most.

Because real estate is rarely just about houses.

It’s about:

• the lives connected to them

• the memories inside them

• the emotions tied to change

• and the responsibility we have to guide people through it

Lilo wasn’t just a pet — she was part of a family’s story. And I’m grateful I was there to help protect that.

If You’re Planning a Move

Every real estate journey has layers — excitement, uncertainty, transition, and hope.

I don’t take lightly the trust people place in me when they invite me into that process. If you’re considering buying or selling, I’d be would love the opportunity to guide you with the same care, integrity, and compassion that carried Lilo safely into her next chapter.

Let me help you write yours.

After a year of global volatility, the Nova Scotia real estate market has once again proven its resilience. While housing markets in Ontario and British Columbia continue to feel the effects of economic uncertainty and Trump tariffs, Halifax and the broader Nova Scotia market have benefited from a diverse, stable economy supported by technology, universities, the military, and tourism.

The story of 2025? Measured growth, stable pricing trends, and a market that continues to favour sellers — while still offering opportunities for buyers.

🏡 Halifax & Nova Scotia Single-Family Home Market — 2025 Price Trends

By the end of 2025, the average price of a single-family home in Nova Scotia reached $635,361, a 4.8% increase year-over-year. As usual, prices peaked in the spring at $654,454 due to seasonal demand and higher buyer activity.

If we see another 5% increase in 2026, average prices could land around $661,500 — and I wouldn’t be surprised if we brushed $700,000 by June.

The good news for buyers is that inventory has improved compared to previous years. There is more selection in the market, although lower-priced homes remain competitive. Roughly 50% of all home sales occur between $400,000 and $600,000, reflecting where most household budgets fall.

If you’re planning to upgrade in 2026, this creates a strategic opportunity:

• Sell in a competitive lower-price bracket

• Maximize equity

• Move into a higher price range with more negotiating power and selection

Sales volume remained steady, while new listings increased by 8%. Even so, we’re still sitting at 2.5 months of inventory — below the 3–6 month threshold of a balanced market. With conditions still favouring sellers, homes received an average of 99% of list price as values continued to climb.

🏢 Halifax Condo Market Update — Rising Inventory & Softer Demand

Condos told a different story in 2025.

Although cranes across the city may suggest a flood of new condominium supply, most of these developments are purpose-built rental buildings, not condos for purchase.

Even so:

• Condo listings increased by 6%

• Condo sales declined by 9%

• Average condo prices dipped slightly to $483,000

Government policy has played a major role in this shift.

With both a foreign buyer ban and Nova Scotia’s non-resident deed transfer tax, out-of-province buyers who do not move here full-time face a 10% tax — a policy that has significantly reduced investor demand. Seasonal and rental investment buyers have largely stepped back from the condo market.

At the same time, a surge in new rental inventory means parents are less likely to purchase condos for university students.

Condos are still selling — but pricing must closely align with current market conditions.

📉 Interest Rates, Market Stability & Halifax Real Estate Outlook for 2026

Interest rates have stabilized and are likely at — or very near — their lowest levels in the current cycle. As stability returns, many buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines are beginning to re-enter the market.

Stable interest rates create:

• Predictability

• Consumer confidence

• Stronger buying activity

I expect a busy Spring 2026 real estate market in Halifax, peaking in May and June as usual.

If you’re buying, it may be wise to avoid peak months where possible.
If you’re selling, timing your listing strategically can help you maximize exposure and value.

Looking ahead, Nova Scotia remains well-positioned thanks to:

• A diverse, resilient economy

• Defense spending initiatives

• Strong tourism demand

• Continued in-migration

If you’re waiting for prices to drop, I don’t believe that will happen. Expect moderate growth in 2026, with a market that still slightly favours sellers — but continues to offer smart opportunities for well-prepared buyers.

💬 Have questions about the Halifax or Nova Scotia real estate market?

Leave a comment below — or reach out any time. I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you make the most of your next move.

Written by, 

Chris Perkins, Broker/Owner
Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty
902 210 1223
chrisperkins@cbmaritime.ca

For many years, my business has been built on relationships, trust, and helping people make confident decisions about where — and how — they live. Whether you’re buying your first home, considering a move, or exploring what your current property may be worth, real estate is always about more than a transaction. It’s about stories, timing, opportunity, and understanding the bigger picture.

That belief is what inspired the redesign of SoldByPerkins.com.

This new site has been thoughtfully built to create a smoother, more intuitive experience for my clients and community — a place where you can explore the Halifax market with clarity, confidence, and up-to-date information at your fingertips.

Why I Built This New Website

Real estate isn’t static — the market shifts, trends evolve, and buyer motivations change over time. I wanted to create a platform that reflects that reality:

✔ constantly updated listing information
✔ market insights rooted in real experience
✔ purposeful tools tailored to the way people actually search

Rather than offering a generic feed of listings, this site is structured around how people live — and how they choose homes in Halifax.

That includes curated search pathways for:

• Halifax Peninsula homes

• Condos & urban lifestyle living

• Luxury and waterfront properties

• Character & heritage homes

• New and just-listed opportunities

These searches are designed to help you explore the types of homes that truly matter to you, not just sort through endless pages of inventory.

If you’re curious about trends, neighbourhoods, lifestyle fit, or long-term value — I want this site to be a place where your questions don’t just get answered… they feel understood.

A More User-Friendly & Client-Focused Experience

My goal was simple:

Make real estate information approachable, meaningful, and easy to navigate.

On the new SoldByPerkins.com, you’ll find:

• a clean and intuitive browsing experience

• thoughtfully organized listing categories

• real-time updates synced with current MLS data

• accessible insights for both buyers and sellers

• tools designed for learning — not pressure

For homeowners, the Home Equity Check-Up offers a thoughtful way to understand your property’s value over time — especially as the market shifts.

For buyers, the curated search pages help you explore options based on lifestyle, location, and features, rather than feeling overwhelmed or lost in the process.

This site reflects what I value in my real estate practice:

👉 clarity
👉 transparency
👉 personalization
👉 and respect for the journey you’re on

Rooted in Story — Built Around Real People

My approach to real estate has always been relationship-driven.

• Homes carry history.

• Moves mark new beginnings.

• Decisions take time, conversation, and care.

The redesigned site allows me to continue sharing the human side of real estate — whether through market reflections, client stories, community insights, or resources created to support you along the way.

Thank You — And an Invitation to Connect

If you’re exploring the market, curious about your home’s value, or simply browsing possibilities — I’d love for you to take some time to explore the new site and see what’s been built with you in mind.

And of course…

If you ever want to talk through your goals, your next step, or even just a “what if,” I’d be happy to connect.

Real estate decisions don’t happen overnight — and you don’t have to navigate them alone.

I’m here when you’re ready.

Chris Perkins, Broker/Owner/
9022101223
chrisperkins@cbmaritime.ca