Bringing you a 2025 wrap-up message from local realtor and friend of FreshBrick, Doug Folsetter of Folsetter & Associates...
(my two cents in green)
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| Photo by Cathy Koop/No More Cowboys Media |
As we wrap up the year, Hamilton’s real estate market, especially in classic neighbourhoods like Kirkendall, Durand, and Westdale (Dundas and Ancaster too)—tells an interesting and encouraging story. It wasn’t a fast or flashy year, but it was an important one.
Throughout the year, we saw some exceptional character homes sell well (114 Aberdeen Av, 5 Mayfair Pl and 53 Glenfern Av, 36 Cayley St, 38 Jerseyville Rd W, and 50 South St W to name a few). These were often the homes that were thoughtfully prepared, priced realistically, and aligned with what today’s buyers are looking for.
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| 114 Aberdeen Avenue - Photo by Cathy Koop/No More Cowboys Media (SOLD for $1.645M in Sep 2025) |
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| 5 Mayfair Place - Photo by Cathy Koop/No More Cowboys Media (SOLD for $3.150M in Oct 2025) |
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| 53 Glenfern Avenue (SOLD for $1.912M in Aug 2025) |
At the same time, many equally charming homes didn’t quite come together (45 Markland St, 55 Cayley St, and 77 Claremont Dr to name a few). That’s less a reflection of the homes themselves and more a sign of a market that asked buyers to slow down and be more deliberate (less confidence and more caution for sure -- the end of the 'trigger happy' buyer).
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| 45 Markland St - Photo by Cathy Koop/No More Cowboys Media (Currently active at $1.999M) |
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55 Cayley St - Photo by VOGEL Creative Photography
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There’s no question the market was softer this year, but as the months went on, we began to see signs of stabilization. Buyers didn’t disappear—they simply became more selective. Confidence has been gradually rebuilding, and by the end of the year, activity felt more measured and predictable than earlier on.
As we head into the holidays, it’s common to see listings pause. Many homes that didn’t sell this year will resurface after the holidays, often with refreshed pricing or strategy. What’s worth noting is that buyers are typically ready early in the new year, while sellers tend to wait. That timing can create real opportunity, particularly for well-located, character homes in established neighbourhoods.
Looking ahead to the beginning of next year, there’s quiet optimism. Inventory is likely to remain manageable and serious buyers are already watching closely.
This past year was about adjustment (30 South St W, 11 Oak Knoll, 340 Dundas St E, and 66 Weirs Ln, were on the market for long periods of time and all sold after significant price adjustments). The year ahead looks more about opportunity for those who are prepared, well-advised, and ready to move when the timing feels right.
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| 30 South St W - Photo by VOGEL Creative Photography (First listed for $3.250M in May 2023 -- SOLD for $2.4M in Jun 2025) |
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| 11 Oak Knoll (First listed for $2.699M in Jun 2025 -- SOLD for $1.680M in Nov 2025) |
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| 66 Weirs Lane (First listed for $8.995M in Mar 2024 -- SOLD for $4.720M in Aug 2025) |
My advice: If you're a seller, reach for the stars but don't take too long to come down to earth. If the market isn't responding, you may need to reset your expectations. Take the price that allows you to move on vs holding out and reaching a stalemate. If you're a buyer don't get caught up in the micro. Think bigger picture and look at your carrying costs vs their asking price. What you can afford is how you should move forward (or pull back). And always shoot your shot. You never know what offer may be accepted if you don't try (list price doesn't always = reality).
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