Fall Market Guide · October 2026
Buying or selling this fall?
Oxford County is still movingWhat September's numbers from Woodstock, Ingersoll and Tillsonburg tell us about making a move before winter.
Once the leaves start to turn, a lot of people assume the real estate market goes into hibernation until spring. In Oxford County, that's just not what's happening. In September the market held steady, and buyers and sellers in Woodstock, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg and the surrounding communities are still making moves. Here's a look at the latest numbers and what they mean if you're thinking about buying or selling this fall.
September 2026 by the numbers
Here's how the Woodstock Ingersoll Tillsonburg & Area market performed in September, based on data from the Woodstock Ingersoll Tillsonburg & Area Association of REALTORS® (WITAAR).
| Sept 2026 | Aug 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homes sold | 154 | 141 | +9.2% |
| New listings | 343 | 288 | +19.1% |
| Average sale price | $636,664 | $629,833 | +1.1% |
| Median days on market | 34.5 | 34 | +0.5 days |
People are still moving
Sales didn't slow down when summer ended. They went up. 154 homes changed hands in September, 13 more than in August. For context, August's sales were already about 11% above the five-year average for that month, and September built on that.
Sellers are clearly feeling confident too. 343 new listings hit the market in September, a jump of roughly 19% from August. That's a lot of people who decided fall was the right time to make their move.
Prices held steady, with the average sale price ticking up about 1% to $636,664. Homes are taking a little over a month to sell on average, which tells us buyers are taking their time and making thoughtful decisions rather than rushing into bidding wars.
Is it a buyer's or seller's market?
Right now, Oxford County is sitting in balanced territory with buyers holding a slight edge. Inventory is higher than it's been in years. At the end of August, there were 746 active listings in the area, the most for that month in over a decade. With new listings growing faster than sales in September, buyers have plenty of choice heading into the late fall.
That said, every neighbourhood and price point is different. A well-priced starter home in Woodstock can still move quickly, while a higher-end property might take longer. The numbers above are the big picture, and your specific situation is what matters most.
Source: Woodstock Ingersoll Tillsonburg & Area Association of REALTORS® (WITAAR) and CREA monthly market statistics, August and September 2026.
Why fall can work in your favour
If you're buying
- More choice. With inventory up, you're not stuck picking from a handful of listings.
- Less competition. Spring crowds have thinned, so you're less likely to end up in a bidding war.
- Room to negotiate. Sellers who listed in the fall usually want to close, which can mean better terms, conditions or price.
- See the home in real weather. Rain and cooler temperatures show you how the roof, gutters, windows and furnace actually hold up.
If you're selling
- Serious buyers. People shopping in October and November usually have a reason to move and a timeline to meet.
- Holiday motivation. Many buyers want to be settled before the holidays or the new year.
- Cozy curb appeal. A warm, well-lit home with fall touches photographs and shows beautifully.
- Get ahead of spring. Selling now means you're not competing with the wave of listings that typically arrives in March and April.
Fall tips for first-time buyers
If this is your first home, fall is a great season to learn the market without the spring pressure. A few things to keep in mind:
- Get pre-approved first. Knowing your budget lets you act confidently when the right home comes up.
- Look closely at heating and insulation. Ask about the furnace's age, recent gas bills and any drafty windows or doors before winter hits.
- Book your home inspection early. Inspectors can check the roof, gutters and grading more easily before snow covers everything.
- Plan your closing date carefully. Closings around the holidays can be busier for lawyers and lenders, so leave a little extra time.
Want a full walkthrough? Check out my first-time home buyer resources for Woodstock and Oxford County.
Fall tips for sellers
- Price it right from day one. With more homes on the market, buyers compare carefully. A realistic price helps you stand out.
- Keep up with the leaves. Raked lawns, clear gutters and a tidy walkway make a big first impression.
- Light it up. Days are shorter, so turn on lamps and open blinds before showings to make the space feel warm and bright.
- Take listing photos soon. Get exterior shots while the trees still have colour, before the first snowfall.
Curious what your home could sell for in today's market? Request a free, no-obligation home evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Is fall a good time to buy a house in Woodstock, Ontario?
Yes. In fall 2026, buyers in Woodstock and the wider Oxford County area have more listings to choose from and less competition than in the spring, which often means more room to negotiate on price and conditions.
Do home prices drop in the fall in Oxford County?
Not necessarily. In September 2026, the average sale price in the WITAAR area rose about 1% from August to $636,664. What fall often brings is more negotiating room rather than a big price drop.
Is the Oxford County real estate market slowing down?
No. Home sales in the Woodstock Ingersoll Tillsonburg area rose about 9% from August to September 2026, and new listings climbed about 19%. People are still actively buying and selling.
Should I wait until spring to sell my home?
It depends on your goals. Spring usually brings more buyers but also much more inventory from other sellers and more inventory can ultimately drive down home prices. Fall buyers tend to be motivated and ready to move, so listing now can work well if your home is priced right.
