Peterborough Market update
The median sold price in the City of Peterborough in March 2026 was $544,500. There were 72 homes sold, 290 active listings, and homes sat on the market for an average of 44 days. The Bank of Canada interest rate is 2.25% as of April 10, 2026. Peterborough is currently in a balanced market with roughly 4 months of inventory. If you are thinking about buying or selling in Peterborough or the Kawarthas this spring, here is what the real numbers mean for you — explained in plain language by a local REALTOR® who works here every day.
You Keep Hearing Different Numbers — So What Is Actually Happening?
If you live in Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth, or anywhere across the Kawarthas, you have probably seen confusing headlines lately. One source says prices are up. Another says they are down. Some talk about the whole region. Others focus only on the city.
It is hard to make a confident decision about buying or selling when the information feels scattered and the numbers do not match.
This blog brings everything together in one place. No jargon. No hype. Just the numbers, what they mean, and what you can actually do with them. Whether you are a first-time buyer in Peterborough, a family looking to move up, or a homeowner thinking about selling this spring — this is for you.
Peterborough Housing Market at a Glance — Spring 2026
| Stat | March 2026 Data |
|---|---|
| Median Sold Price (City) | $544,500 |
| Homes Sold (City, March) | 72 |
| Active Listings (City) | 290 |
| New Listings (City, March) | 164 (-10.4% YoY) |
| Average Days on Market | 44 days |
| Months of Inventory (MOI) | 4 (balanced market) |
| Median Bidding Gap | -$14,000 (below asking) |
| Bank of Canada Rate | 2.25% |
| Peterborough Population (est.) | ~98,861 |
Sources: Wahi.com — City of Peterborough Housing Market Report, April 2026 | Central Lakes Association of REALTORS® — March 2026 | Bank of Canada | World Population Review
How Peterborough in 2026 Compares to 2017
One of the two source reports used for this article was a Zolo market report from May 2017. Here is how things have changed in Peterborough over the past nine years:
| Metric | May 2017 | March 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average/Median Sold Price | $363,310 | $544,500 | +50% |
| Days on Market | 9 days | 44 days | Much slower |
| New Listings (28 days) | 189 | 164 (monthly) | Fewer listings |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 107% (over asking) | ~97% (below asking) | Shift to buyers |
| Market Type | Strong seller's market | Balanced market | Major shift |
| Bank of Canada Rate | 0.50% | 2.25% | Higher borrowing costs |
| Population (City) | ~81,000 | ~98,861 | +22% growth |
What this tells you: Home values have grown significantly since 2017, but the pace has cooled. Buyers today have more negotiating power. Homes are no longer selling in 9 days with multiple offers over asking. In spring 2026, patience and preparation matter more than speed.
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What Do These Numbers Mean If You Are Buying in Peterborough?
You have more breathing room than buyers had two or three years ago. With 290 active listings and homes spending an average of 44 days on market, there is time to compare options, schedule inspections, and negotiate.
The median bidding gap is -$14,000 below asking. That means most homes in Peterborough are selling under list price right now. This is a real shift from the peak years when bidding wars pushed sale prices well above asking.
What to watch:
- The Bank of Canada rate sits at 2.25%. Bond markets suggest rates may hold steady through most of 2026.
- A 5-year fixed mortgage is sitting around 4.0%–4.5% at most major lenders.
- The mortgage stress test still applies. You qualify at the greater of your contract rate plus 2%, or 5.25%.
Example for a first-time buyer: A home at the Peterborough median of $544,500 with 5% down means a down payment of roughly $27,225, plus closing costs of about $8,000 to $22,000. For a full breakdown of closing costs, read: What Costs Do Buyers Forget When Buying a Home in Peterborough?
If you are not sure where in Peterborough to start looking, this guide may help: Which Peterborough Neighbourhood Fits Your Home Search Best?
What Do These Numbers Mean If You Are Selling in Peterborough?
Homes are taking longer to sell than during the frenzy years. The average is 44 days on market in March 2026, compared to just 9 days back in May 2017.
Pricing right from the start matters more now than it has in years. Homes that sit too long lose momentum. Buyers in a balanced market compare more carefully and are less likely to overlook overpricing or poor presentation.
The good news: there were 72 sold listings in March for the city alone. That is up from 2023 levels and not far behind 2025 for the same period. Homes that are well prepared and properly priced are still moving.
If you are planning to list this spring, read:
- What Should Home Sellers Do Before the Spring Market Heats Up in Peterborough?
- What Actually Helps a Home Sell in Peterborough in 2026?
Want to know what your home is worth today? Get a Free Home Evaluation
Peterborough Price History: How Did We Get Here?
| Year | Approx. Average Price | Market Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | ~$363,000 | Fast-rising, seller's market |
| 2020 | ~$480,000 | Pre-pandemic growth |
| 2022 (peak) | ~$780,000+ | Extreme seller's market, bidding wars |
| 2023 | ~$580,000–$620,000 | Correction, rates rising |
| 2024 | ~$560,000–$590,000 | Stabilizing, balanced |
| Spring 2026 | $544,500 (median, city) | Balanced, 4 MOI, 44 DOM |
The market has come down from its 2022 peak but remains well above where it was even five years ago. The broader Peterborough and Kawarthas region average was around $710,000 as of mid-2025.
Peterborough Compared to Nearby Areas
| Area | Approx. Median Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City of Peterborough | $544,500 | Balanced, 44 DOM |
| Peterborough & Kawarthas (region) | ~$600,000–$710,000 | Includes waterfront, rural |
| Kawartha Lakes | Varies widely | Waterfront premiums |
| Cobourg / Port Hope | ~$550,000–$650,000 | GTA commuter demand |
| Greater Toronto Area | ~$1,050,000+ | Significantly higher |
Peterborough remains one of the more affordable communities within a reasonable drive of the GTA. That is part of why the city's population has grown over 22% since 2016.
Map: Peterborough, Ontario
Median Sold Price by Bedrooms — City of Peterborough (March 2026)
| Bedrooms | Median List Price | Median Sold Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $541,000 | $530,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $559,675 | $555,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $599,900 | $588,750 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $719,900 | $692,500 |
Source: Wahi.com, City of Peterborough, March 2026
Active Listings Growth — City of Peterborough (March, Year-Over-Year)
| Year | Active Listings (March) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 107 |
| 2024 | 158 |
| 2025 | 246 |
| 2026 | 290 |
Buyers have nearly 3 times the inventory they had in March 2023. More choice means less pressure to rush.
More Resources for Peterborough Buyers and Sellers
- Buying a Home in Peterborough
- Trapped in Your Starter Home in Peterborough?
- Mortgage Renewal — Payment Going Up?
- Will High-Speed Rail Help Peterborough Real Estate?
- Peterborough & Kawarthas 2025–2026 Forecast
Trusted external sources:
- Central Lakes Association of REALTORS® — Housing Reports
- Wahi.com — City of Peterborough Market Report
- Bank of Canada — Policy Interest Rate
- RE/MAX Canada — Peterborough Housing Market Outlook 2026
- CMHC Housing Market Information Portal
- Realtor.ca — Peterborough Listings
- City of Peterborough — Community Profile
Frequently Asked Questions — Peterborough Real Estate Spring 2026
What is the average home price in Peterborough, Ontario in 2026?
The median sold price in the City of Peterborough as of March 2026 is $544,500. The wider Peterborough and Kawarthas region average is higher, around $600,000 to $710,000 depending on property type and location.
Is Peterborough a buyer's market or a seller's market right now?
Peterborough is in a balanced market with about 4 months of inventory as of March 2026. Neither buyers nor sellers have a strong upper hand. Well-priced homes still sell, but buyers have more negotiating room and more listings to choose from than in past years.
How long does it take to sell a home in Peterborough in 2026?
The average days on market in March 2026 was 44 days. This is much longer than the 9 days seen during the 2017 seller's market, but it is a healthy pace for a balanced market.
What is the Bank of Canada interest rate in April 2026?
As of April 10, 2026, the Bank of Canada policy rate is 2.25%. The next rate decision is April 29, 2026. Bond markets currently assign a low probability to any change at that announcement.
Are home prices going up or down in Peterborough?
Prices have stabilized. The March 2026 median of $544,500 is down from the 2022 peak of roughly $780,000 but well above the 2017 average of $363,000. Most forecasts suggest modest adjustments of 1 to 2 percent either direction through 2026.
Is Peterborough a good place to buy a home in Ontario?
Peterborough offers relative affordability compared to the GTA, a growing population approaching 99,000, access to trails and waterfront along the Otonabee River and Kawartha Lakes, Trent University, and a compact walkable downtown. It is a strong option for families, retirees, remote workers, and first-time buyers.
How much do I need for a down payment on a home in Peterborough?
For a home at the median price of $544,500, the minimum down payment in Canada is 5% on the first $500,000 ($25,000) plus 10% on the remainder ($4,450), for a total of about $29,450. You will also need closing costs of roughly $8,000 to $22,000.
About the Author
Frank Rosso is a local trusted REALTOR® with RE/MAX Hallmark Eastern Realty, Brokerage, serving Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and surrounding communities. He holds both the ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) and SRS (Seller Representative Specialist) designations, meaning he has advanced training in representing both buyers and sellers.
Frank focuses on helping regular people navigate what can feel like an overwhelming process. Whether you are buying your first home in Peterborough, selling a family property in Lakefield, or wondering what your home is worth in Bridgenorth, Frank provides local data, honest advice, and a calm approach.
Contact Frank Rosso:
- Website: www.peterboroughagent.com
- RE/MAX Profile: frankrosso.remaxhallmarkeastern.com
- Blog: peterboroughagent.com/blog
- Get a Free Home Evaluation
Ready to Make Your Next Move in Peterborough?
Whether you are buying, selling, or just curious about what your home is worth, I am here to help. Reach out anytime — no pressure, no obligation.
Frank Rosso | RE/MAX Hallmark Eastern Realty, Brokerage
ABR, SRS
www.peterboroughagent.com
Get Your Free Home Evaluation Today | Contact Frank