The June 2026 real estate numbers show three different market conditions across the region. The City of Peterborough remained in seller’s market territory, the County of Peterborough moved in a more balanced range, and the waterfront market continued to offer buyers more selection.

Months of inventory is one of the most useful ways to understand market conditions. As a general guide, 0.0 to 3.9 months of inventory points to a seller’s market, 4.0 to 5.9 suggests a balanced market, and 6.0 or more typically indicates a buyer’s market. These are guidelines only, as conditions can vary by price range, location, property type, and overall buyer demand.

In the City of Peterborough, the market remained relatively steady in June. Sales held at 112, the same as May, while the median selling price increased slightly to $575,450. Active listings rose to 351, and months of inventory remained at 3.1. That places the City in seller’s market territory, although not as tight as the market conditions seen during peak periods.

For buyers in the City, this means there is some choice, but not enough inventory to assume every seller will be heavily negotiable. Well-priced homes are still selling, and the average sale-to-list ratio remained at 98%. Buyers should still be prepared, but they may have more room to compare options than they did in stronger seller’s market conditions.

For sellers in the City, the numbers show that opportunity still exists, but pricing remains important. The median selling price was slightly lower than June of last year, and sales were also down year-over-year. Homes need to be positioned properly from the start, especially when buyers are comparing condition, location, updates, and overall value.

In the County of Peterborough, sales increased from May to 106, and the median selling price rose to $725,000. At the same time, active listings increased to 579, pushing months of inventory to 5.5. That places the County in a more balanced market range.

For buyers in the County, the increase in available inventory provides more choice and less urgency than a tighter seller’s market. However, balanced does not mean weak. Good properties can still attract attention, especially when they are well maintained, properly priced, and located in desirable areas.

For sellers in the County, the market is more competitive. With more inventory available, buyers can compare similar properties more easily. Pricing should be based on current competition, recent sales, condition, location, and buyer demand within the specific segment of the market.

The waterfront market in Peterborough and The Kawarthas showed stronger buyer activity in June. Sales increased to 81, up from 66 in May, and the median selling price rose to $835,000. Active listings also increased to 509, while months of inventory improved to 6.3. That still places the waterfront segment in buyer’s market territory, but the increase in sales shows that buyers are active when they see value.

For waterfront buyers, this market offers more selection than the City or County residential markets. That creates an opportunity to compare lake, frontage, shoreline, exposure, privacy, road access, condition, and overall setting. However, strong waterfront properties can still sell, particularly when they are priced in line with the market.

For waterfront sellers, the key point is that buyers are being selective. The average sale-to-list ratio was 95%, which suggests that many properties are selling below asking price. That does not mean every property needs a major discount, but it does mean pricing strategy and presentation matter. Waterfront values are highly property-specific, and two properties in the same general area can perform very differently.

Overall, June showed an active but selective market. Buyers have more choice in many segments, especially outside the City and in the waterfront market. Sellers still have opportunity, but success depends on realistic pricing, strong presentation, and understanding where your property fits within the current market.

Real estate decisions should not be based on one headline or one month of data. The trend matters, but so does your specific property, price range, location, and segment of the market.