Essa had more homes on the market than it did one year ago, but exactly the same number of sales. What does that mean for buyers and sellers heading into October?

September’s year-over-year numbers show active inventory rising by 17.8%, from 101 to 119 listings. Sales held steady at 18, while the average sale price declined by 27.8% to $788,444.

For buyers, the increase in available homes means more choice than last September. For sellers, steady sales alongside higher inventory make pricing and presentation especially important. The large change in average price also needs context because Essa’s relatively small number of monthly sales can cause the average to shift noticeably depending on which properties sold.

Information provided by Toronto Regional Real Estate Board. September 2026 compared with September 2025. Figures shown reflect detached-home activity. Average sale price can vary based on the size, location, condition, features, and price range of homes sold during the reporting period.

What is happening in the Essa real estate market this October?

Essa reported 119 active listings, 18 sales, and an average sale price of $788,444 in September. Compared with September 2025, there were more homes available, the same number of completed sales, and a lower average sale price.

The changes from August were much smaller. Active listings increased from 114 to 119, sales moved from 19 to 18, and the average sale price declined from $804,521 to $788,444.

At first glance, these numbers may seem to pull in different directions. Buyers had more listings to consider, but the number of sales remained unchanged from last year. For sellers, that means there is still activity in the market, but there is also more competition for buyers’ attention.

Are buyers still active in Essa?

Yes. Essa recorded 18 sales in September, exactly matching the number completed in September 2025. Buyer activity did not increase year-over-year, but it did not decline either.

The difference is that buyers had more homes to choose from. With 119 active listings compared with 101 last September, sellers need to give buyers a clear reason to choose their property. Appropriate pricing, thoughtful preparation, and strong presentation can all help a home stand out.

What does higher inventory mean for Essa sellers?

Active inventory increased by 17.8% year-over-year, making Essa the only one of the five local markets in our comparison to report more available listings than last September.

More inventory means buyers can compare a wider range of homes before making a decision. A property that is priced well and presented properly can still attract attention, but pricing based on older market conditions may make it harder to compete with current listings.

What does the change in Essa’s average sale price mean?

Essa’s average sale price was $788,444 in September, down 27.8% from $1,091,751 in September 2025. It was also slightly lower than August’s average of $804,521.

This does not mean every Essa home lost 27.8% of its value. With only 18 sales in each September comparison, differences in the size, location, condition, features, and price range of the homes sold can have a substantial effect on the monthly average.

For an individual property, recent sales of similar homes in the same part of Essa will usually provide a much clearer picture of current value than the municipality-wide average alone.

What does this mean if you are buying or selling in October?

For sellers, the increase in inventory makes a strong first impression especially important. Buyers have more homes to compare than they did last September, so the asking price, condition, photography, and overall presentation need to work together from the beginning.

For buyers, more inventory provides more options, but each property still needs to be assessed on its own merits. Looking at recent comparable sales and understanding the differences between Angus, Thornton, and Essa’s rural areas can help you make a more informed decision.

Bottom Line

Essa’s September numbers show more active inventory, unchanged year-over-year sales, and a lower average sale price. Buyers had more listings to choose from, while sellers faced more competition for the same number of completed sales.

The sharp year-over-year price change needs to be viewed in the context of Essa’s smaller monthly sales count and the mix of properties sold. Heading into October, current local comparisons will provide a clearer picture than the municipal average alone.