Christina, Author at Lets Talk Real Estate Team

Indoor Things for Kids to Do in Guelph 2026: A Local Guide from the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team

Oct 12,2026 | Community

Rainy days, snow days, or just an afternoon when the kids need to burn off some energy, Guelph has plenty of indoor spots to keep them entertained all year round. As the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team, we spend our days helping families find the right home in Guelph, so we also love sharing the local spots that make raising a family here so great. Here are some of our favourite indoor activities for kids in Guelph.

1. Play with Clay

Located right in downtown Guelph at St. George’s Square, Play with Clay is an interactive drop-in pottery studio where kids can try pottery painting, hand-building, and even wheel throwing. It’s a great pick for a rainy afternoon or a birthday party, and everyone walks away with something they made themselves.

Highlights:

  • Drop-in pottery painting and hand-building
  • Kids camps and birthday party packages available
  • Located downtown, close to shops and restaurants
  • A second location recently opened in Fergus

2. Another World VR

Tucked inside the Old Quebec Street Mall in the heart of downtown Guelph, Another World is Canada’s largest free-roam virtual reality arena, with over 2,700 square feet of space for up to 15 players to move around at once. It’s a fully immersive experience where kids can actually walk, run, and explore instead of standing in one spot with a headset on.

Highlights:

  • Free-roam VR arena, no wires or fixed stations
  • Space for up to 15 players at the same time
  • Located downtown at the Old Quebec Street Mall
  • Popular for birthday parties, with a modern lounge area for waiting guests

3. The Children’s Art Factory

This sock-only, sensory play space on Yarmouth Street is designed for open-ended, hands-on creativity. Splatter painting, a mud pie kitchen, dress-up, and a sensory table that changes regularly all give kids the freedom to explore at their own pace, with the clean-up handled by staff, not you.

Highlights:

  • Drop-in process art studio for young children
  • Multiple stations: painting, sensory play, dress-up, and more
  • Ideal for toddlers and young kids still building fine motor skills
  • Everything your child creates goes home with them

4. Guelph Grotto

For families with a bit more energy to burn, the Guelph Grotto is an indoor climbing gym with bouldering and top-rope routes for climbers of every age and skill level. It’s a fun way to build confidence and try something new together as a family.

Highlights:

  • Bouldering and top-rope climbing for all experience levels
  • Kids climbing programs and classes available
  • Welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere
  • A great alternative to a typical gym workout for parents too

5. Splitsville Bowl

Formerly Woodlawn Bowl, Splitsville is Guelph’s go-to bowling and entertainment centre, with lanes, a two-level arcade, and a full food menu. It’s an easy win for a family outing or a kids’ birthday party, rain or shine. Splitsville even runs a Mini Strikers discount for bowlers under 5 on weekday afternoons, when the alley is quieter.

Highlights:

  • Bowling lanes plus a two-level arcade
  • Kids birthday party packages starting around $16.50 per child
  • Mini Strikers discount for bowlers under 5
  • On-site food and drink menu

6. Mini Chefs

Right in downtown Guelph at the Old Quebec Street Mall, Mini Chefs is a baking-themed spot where kids can decorate treats, take part in a baking camp, or celebrate a birthday in their own decorated party room. It’s hands-on, hands-in-the-dough fun, and everyone leaves with something sweet they made themselves.

Highlights:

  • Baking camps and drop-in baking sessions for kids
  • Decorated party room for birthday celebrations
  • Small group settings, great for making new friends
  • Located downtown, easy to pair with another stop on this list

7. Guelph Public Library

With a Makerspace, storytime programs, and hands-on tech tools like 3D printers and robotics kits, the Guelph Public Library is one of the best free indoor activities in the city for kids of all ages. The Main Library and Westminster Square branches both offer Makerspace access, and most programs are free with a library card.

Highlights:

  • Storytimes and early literacy programs for young children
  • Makerspace access with 3D printing, robotics, and a recording studio
  • Completely free with a library card
  • Multiple branches across the city, making it easy to find one close to home

Why We Love Raising a Family in Guelph

Between pottery studios, art spaces, climbing gyms, and bowling alleys, Guelph has something for every kind of kid, no matter the weather outside. It’s one of the many reasons families love calling this city home.

Looking for a home in a neighbourhood close to all of this? The Let’s Talk Real Estate Team would love to help you find the right fit in Guelph.

 

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About Nick FitzGibbon & The Let’s Talk Real Estate Team

Nick FitzGibbon is a trusted Guelph realtor specializing in residential real estate in Guelph and Centre Wellington. With a data-driven approach and deep local market knowledge, Nick helps buyers and sellers make confident, informed decisions in changing market conditions.

Nick is the Team Lead of the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team, working alongside experienced real estate professionals including John Clark, Collette Aeschlimann, Dave Aubrey, and Jeff Basso. Together, they provide comprehensive support throughout the buying and selling process across Guelph and Centre Wellington, ensuring every client receives personalized attention and expert guidance.

Guelph & Centre Wellington Real Estate Market: September 2026

Oct 8,2026 | Market Reports

September brought the usual fall return of inventory to Guelph, with 230 new listings coming to market, a 32.95% jump from August, though still 11.88% fewer than September 2025. Sales held fairly steady, with 96 homes sold, down 2.04% from August and 9.43% from September 2025.

The average sale price rose to $890,271, up 3.67% from August and 7.35% higher than September 2025. Homes sold for an average of 97.8% of list price and took 35 days to sell, unchanged from August and seven days longer than September 2025.

The jump in new listings gives buyers noticeably more to choose from heading into fall, while steady sales and firm pricing show that demand is still there for homes that are priced and presented well. Sellers coming to market now should expect a bit more competition from other listings and plan accordingly.

Detached Homes

Detached homes averaged $939,318 in September, up 5.15% from August and 8.60% compared to September 2025. This segment continues to lead the Guelph market in year-over-year price growth, supported by steady demand from move-up buyers and families.

With more detached listings now on the market, buyers have more options to compare, but well-located, move-in-ready homes are still attracting solid interest. Sellers in this segment remain in a good position, provided pricing reflects recent comparable sales.

Townhomes & Row Units

Townhomes and row units posted an average sale price of $723,818, up 4.15% from August and 1.51% from September 2025. This segment has held relatively stable over the past year, continuing to serve as an important entry point for first-time buyers and a practical option for downsizers.

Resale townhome sellers are still competing with new construction offering incentives, so thoughtful pricing and presentation continue to make a difference.

Condominium Market

The condominium market averaged $543,748 in September, up 4.94% from August and essentially flat compared to September 2025 (down 0.63%). After some larger month-to-month swings earlier in the year, condo pricing appears to be settling into a more consistent range.

Condo buyers continue to have good choice across both resale and new-build options, and resale sellers should price carefully to stand out against new-build rebate programs.

Centre Wellington Real Estate Market Update | September 2026

Centre Wellington saw a busier September compared to last year, with 41 homes sold, down 4.65% from August but up 17.14% from September 2025. New listings also increased, with 94 homes coming to market, up 9.30% from August and 13.25% from September 2025.

The average sale price came in at $980,949, up 10.67% from August but down 10.05% compared to September 2025. That year-over-year decline is larger than what we saw in any of the individual home types below, which tells us it was largely driven by the mix of homes that happened to sell rather than a broad drop in values. Homes sold for an average of 96.5% of list price and took 40 days to sell, unchanged from August and a notable 23 days faster than September 2025.

Faster sales and a higher number of transactions compared to last year suggest buyer activity in Centre Wellington has picked up, even as there is more inventory to choose from.

Detached Homes

Detached homes in Centre Wellington averaged $1,048,755 in September, up 14.45% from August but down 8.07% from September 2025. The monthly increase largely reflects the specific homes that sold this month, while the year-over-year figure shows this segment remains softer than it was a year ago.

Buyers continue to have some room to negotiate, particularly on homes that need updating. Sellers will be best served by realistic, comparable-based pricing from the start.

Townhomes & Row Units

Townhouse and row unit sales averaged $707,500, up 3.33% from August and 13.93% from September 2025. This segment has shown the strongest year-over-year growth in Centre Wellington, reflecting continued demand from buyers looking for a more affordable way into the local market.

Apartment/Condo Units

Apartment and condo units averaged $610,000, down 27.91% from August but up 5.90% from September 2025. With a limited number of condo sales in Centre Wellington each month, a swing this large usually reflects which units sold rather than a real change in value. The year-over-year comparison gives a more reliable picture, and it shows modest growth.

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What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

September brought more inventory to both markets as the fall season got underway. In Guelph, pricing firmed up across every home type while sales held steady, and buyers now have more choice than they did over the summer. In Centre Wellington, sales were up compared to last year and homes sold considerably faster, even though the overall average price was pulled down by the mix of homes that sold. In both markets, well-priced, well-presented homes continue to move.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Guelph or Centre Wellington this fall, we’re always happy to walk through what these numbers mean for your specific situation. Reach out any time.

About the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team

The Let’s Talk Real Estate Team at Coldwell Banker Neumann Real Estate, Brokerage, helps buyers and sellers across Guelph, Fergus, Elora, and the wider Centre Wellington area. Led by Nick FitzGibbon, with team members John Clark, Collette Aeschlimann, Dave Aubrey, and Jeff Basso, our team combines local market knowledge with clear, honest advice at every step, whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or selling an investment property. We share monthly Guelph and Centre Wellington real estate market updates so you always have current data to guide your next move. Contact the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team today to talk about your real estate goals.

100 New Condos Sold in Guelph

Oct 6,2026 | Guelph Living

Last week was a big one for The Tricar Group, the builder behind Gordon Square III in Guelph’s south end.

“We are officially over 60% sold, with over 100 new condominium homes now sold in the past year,” says Adam Carapella, President, The Tricar Group. “The remarkable success of the building is due in large part to the continued support from the Guelph realtor community, their clients, and the larger Guelph community in general. We are very proud of the relationships we have built with local realtors and thankful that so many of you could come out today to celebrate this collective achievement.”

To mark the occasion, Tricar hosted 50 local realtors in the lounge of Gordon Square III and celebrated with refreshments and a champagne toast.

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“As a realtor in the area for 20 years, when I introduce my clients to ‘Tricar living’ I do so with exceptional confidence,” says John Leacock. “Gordon Square III is truly the icing on the cake in terms of design and delivery. Their superior, trend-setting designs and comforts appeal to a wide demographic of buyers. I have super happy clients who have already moved in, and I am sure I will sell more.”

Tricar has set the standard in condominium living in Guelph. Gordon Square III has clearly struck the right chord, offering residents the just-right mix of modern features and finishes in their new condominium home. In fact, it is currently the best-selling condominium project in Guelph and possibly even Ontario and beyond.

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The eight-storey mid-rise features 181 large, move-in-ready suites and premium amenities, including secure underground parking, a fitness room, golf simulator, guest suite, library, and an exclusive resident’s lounge. The surrounding neighbourhood offers trails, parks, restaurants, and easy access to Highways 6 and 401.

Comforts include stylish, modern spaces for connecting, gathering, and being active, as well as practical touches such as the aforementioned indoor parking garage, indoor garbage and recycling access, storage lockers located on the same floor as your unit, and a secure and convenient mailroom — all luxuries when one thinks of the Guelph winters.

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Pricing for Gordon Square III is competitive and accessible. One-bedroom suites start in the $400’s while two-bedroom suites begin in the $500’s. The deposit structure is equally appealing, requiring only $40,000 down, far less than the industry-standard 20% deposit, which would typically mean $100,000 on a $500,000 condominium.

Additionally, Tricar offers a desirable sales incentive where a prospective homebuyer can purchase at Gordon Square III with the sale conditional on the sale of their existing home, a very effective tool for those empty nesters looking to sell their larger homes and downsize into a new condominium home.

Suites are up to twice as large and much less expensive than most other offerings in the marketplace. Purchasers include a mix of retirees, downsizers, established and younger professionals.

Sales Representative Nick FitzGibbon has championed this project since the beginning. “Reaching 100 sales at Gordon Square III is a really exciting milestone for our team. We’ve had the opportunity to work with many great people throughout this project, and it has been rewarding to see the community come together. We’re proud to be part of this project alongside Tricar and look forward to welcoming more residents to Gordon Square III,” he says.

With 40 years in the industry and 25 years building in Guelph, the builder has become a familiar and trusted name in our local community. The Guelph and London based builder continues to earn Tarion’s top honours, including High-Rise Builder of the Year and Top Performer awards for exceptional customer service.

Visit Gordon Square III at 1882 Gordon Street in Guelph or online at www.tricar.com/gordon3.

The sales team is available Wednesday and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Private appointments are available upon request.

Contact Nick FitzGibbon at 519-830-4823 or gordon3sales@tricar.com.

Where to Get Pie for Thanksgiving in Guelph and Elora: A Local Guide from the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team

Oct 5,2026 | Community

Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the table with the people you love and give thanks for the year behind you. It also happens to be one of the busiest cooking days of the year, so sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is skipping the pie-baking and picking one up from a local favourite instead. As the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team, we love supporting the small businesses that make Guelph and Elora such great places to call home, so here are a few of our go-to spots for Thanksgiving pie this year.

1. Market Fresh

Located at 10 Paisley Street in downtown Guelph, Market Fresh is a local gourmet grocer known for its scratch bakery, and their pies are a longtime local favourite. Whether you are after a classic apple or something a little different, this is an easy one-stop shop for your whole Thanksgiving spread, pie included. It is worth pre-ordering ahead of the holiday to guarantee your pick.

2. Strom’s Farm and Bakery

A Guelph fall tradition for over 40 years, Strom’s is as well known for its bakery as it is for its pumpkin patch. Their pies and other homemade baked goods are a staple of the season, and picking one up is a great excuse to grab pumpkins for the table at the same time, making it an easy stop to pair with a fall family outing. Strom’s gets busy this time of year, so plan ahead.

3. Dar’s Country Market

Just outside Elora at 6458 Wellington Road 7, Dar’s Country Market is a local favourite for homemade baking, including pies made the old-fashioned way. It is worth the short drive out of town for the quality and the classic country market feel, and it pairs nicely with a fall drive through the countryside.

4. Eric the Baker

Tucked into downtown Guelph at 46 Carden Street, Eric the Baker is a scratch bakery known for its baked goods made with care and a real passion for the craft. It is a great choice if you want something a little more special for the Thanksgiving table, and an easy stop to pair with other downtown errands.

5. Gerrie’s Farm Market

Just outside Elora at 7646 Colborne Street, Gerrie’s Farm Market is a family-run farm store known for its fresh, local produce and homemade Mennonite baking. Their pies are a local favourite for the holidays, and a visit is also a great chance to pick up other fresh, local ingredients for your Thanksgiving meal. Gerrie’s is family-run and open year round.

Why We Are Grateful for This Community

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, and this time of year always reminds us how grateful we are for the community we get to work and live in. Whether you are staying in Guelph or taking a short drive out to Elora, these local bakeries and farm markets are a wonderful way to round out your Thanksgiving table while supporting the small businesses that make our community special.

From our team to yours, we wish you a warm and happy Thanksgiving surrounded by family, good food, and hopefully a great slice of pie.

Looking for a home near your favourite local spots? The Let’s Talk Real Estate Team would love to help you find the right fit in Guelph or Elora.

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About Nick FitzGibbon & The Let’s Talk Real Estate Team

Nick FitzGibbon is a trusted Guelph realtor specializing in residential real estate in Guelph and Centre Wellington. With a data-driven approach and deep local market knowledge, Nick helps buyers and sellers make confident, informed decisions in changing market conditions.

Nick is the Team Lead of the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team, working alongside experienced real estate professionals including John Clark, Collette Aeschlimann, Dave Aubrey, and Jeff Basso. Together, they provide comprehensive support throughout the buying and selling process across Guelph and Centre Wellington, ensuring every client receives personalized attention and expert guidance.

For Sale: 5 Western Ave, Guelph

Sep 28,2026 | Selling

Property Details:

Welcome to this charming stone and cedar bungalow just minutes from downtown Guelph. A covered front porch and classic Dutch door set the tone for what’s inside: a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home fully renovated in 2016, with a bright, sun-filled, carpet-free main floor and an updated kitchen with GE Café appliances that’s easy to cook, gather, and linger in. Downstairs, the finished basement expands your living space with a cozy rec room that’s perfect for family movie nights, game days, or a spot for the kids to hang out with friends. A small home office gives you a quiet place to work or study, and there’s plenty of storage to keep everything organized and out of sight. Key updates include a furnace (2017), A/C and water heater (2020), and water softener (2021), so you can move in with confidence.Out back, the yard is a true destination. Fully fenced and beautifully landscaped, it’s a private retreat with a wooden hot tub, a pergola with lounge and dining areas, and plenty of spots to relax across the multi-level decks. Gardeners will love the newly built vegetable garden with raised beds, lush perennial gardens, and a tranquil pond, all framed by mature trees and glowing string lights for summer evenings that go well past sunset. A handy garden shed stores tools and seasonal gear, and the driveway was freshly resurfaced in 2025.Picture Saturday mornings strolling to the farmers’ market, coffee in hand, afternoons in the garden, and nights ending with a soak in the hot tub. With downtown’s shops, restaurants, parks, and trails all nearby, this is walkable, garden-filled living at its best.

For more information on 5 Western Ave in Guelph, click here.

Are You Overpaying Property Tax on Your Rural Property? Rural Property Advice

Sep 28,2026 | Buying

Are You Overpaying Property Tax on Your Rural Property?

In Ontario, rural property taxes depend on how land is used, not just its size or zoning. Two similar properties can have very different tax bills depending on how MPAC (the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) classifies them. Many owners never question their classification, so some end up paying more than they need to.

Where savings can come from

  • Farm Property Class: Actively farmed land can be taxed at about 25% of the residential rate. You need a valid Farm Business Registration (FBR) number, roughly $7,000 in gross farm income, and approval through Agricorp. The house and yard stay at the residential rate.
  • Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP): Forested land under an approved Managed Forest Plan can also be taxed at about 25% of the residential rate. The checklist notes a minimum of about 9.88 acres (4 hectares) of forest on a single roll number, and a June 30 application deadline.
  • Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP): Ministry-recognized natural heritage features, such as Provincially Significant Wetlands, can be 100% exempt. The area must be at least half an acre and protected by the owner.
  • Stewardship and tree-planting programs: These don’t cut taxes directly. Documented participation can support future farm or managed forest applications.

How to fix a misclassification

Start by reviewing your MPAC Assessment Detail Report and tax bill. Check the property class, the residential site size, and whether multiple roll numbers are really one property. If something doesn’t match how the land is used, file a Request for Reconsideration (RfR) with MPAC. Deadlines are strict and printed on your assessment notice, and photos, aerial imagery, or farm and forestry documents strengthen your case.

For buyers: Ask why a property’s taxes are low, and what must continue for that rate to stay. Reduced rates depend on ongoing farming, forest management, or land protection.

READ MORE HERE Rural Property Tax Optimization Playbook (4) (1)

This is general information, not tax advice. Talk to a qualified professional before making decisions.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: What to Do in September, October, and November

Sep 28,2026 | Guelph Living

As the weather starts to cool down, fall is the perfect time to get your home ready for the colder months ahead. A little maintenance now can save you from bigger repairs, and bigger bills, once winter arrives. Here’s a simple month-by-month guide to keeping your home safe, comfortable, and running smoothly this fall.

September

  • Inspect roof for damage from summer weather.
  • Inspect siding and exterior finishes for wear.
  • Check caulking and weather stripping.
  • Inspect basement for leaks or moisture.
  • Clean yard debris.
  • Inspect exterior lighting.
  • Schedule a heating system inspection or tune-up.

October

  • Clean gutters and downspouts.
  • Shut off and drain exterior water lines.
  • Store or cover outdoor furniture and tools.
  • Inspect outdoor lighting.
  • Inspect and clean fireplace or chimney.
  • Replace furnace filter and prepare heating system.
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Inspect deck, railings, and steps for safety.
  • Turn off the A/C breaker if you’re done using it for the season to save on hydro and prevent accidental starts.
  • Set a reminder to turn it back on in the spring.
  • Prepare to shut off exterior water.

November

  • Inspect windows and screens for cracks or gaps.
  • Inspect weather stripping and caulking.
  • Inspect driveway, sidewalks, and steps for hazards.
  • Prepare winter equipment (shovels, ice melt, snowblower).
  • Final yard cleanup.
  • Inspect roof and attic before winter.
  • Check insulation levels in the attic and basement.
  • Replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries.

General Maintenance (All Year)

A few things are worth checking no matter the season:

  • Check and reset GFCI outlets monthly.
  • Inspect faucets, toilets, and pipes for leaks.
  • Inspect foundation and basement for moisture.
  • Keep exterior and interior vents clear.
  • Clean dryer vent regularly.
  • Maintain indoor humidity levels.
  • Inspect electrical cords and outlets for wear.
  • Ensure proper grading around the home.
  • Check attic and basement insulation.
  • Record maintenance and repairs completed.

Because every home deserves great care, staying on top of these small tasks throughout the fall can help you avoid costly surprises when the temperature drops. Thank you for choosing our team to be part of your home journey.

About Nick FitzGibbon & The Let’s Talk Real Estate Team

Nick FitzGibbon is a trusted Guelph realtor specializing in residential real estate in Guelph and Centre Wellington. With a data-driven approach and deep local market knowledge, Nick helps buyers and sellers make confident, informed decisions in changing market conditions.

Nick is the Team Lead of the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team, working alongside experienced real estate professionals including John Clark, Collette Aeschlimann, Dave Aubrey, and Jeff Basso. Together, they provide comprehensive support throughout the buying and selling process across Guelph and Centre Wellington, ensuring every client receives personalized attention and expert guidance.

Property Details:

Welcome to 86 Edwards St, a 1,431 sq ft townhome built by Granite Homes in a fantastic Guelph location. This well-designed layout offers three bedrooms and 1.5 baths, with an open-concept main floor designed for comfortable family life. The main level features a spacious living room, a bright dinette, and a functional kitchen with plenty of counter space. A powder room and covered porch entry round out the main floor. Upgraded features include trim above the main floor doorways, upgraded 41 ounce carpet, pre-finished oak hardwood, and pot lights with a dimmer switch in the living room. Upstairs, the primary bedroom impresses with a walk-in closet and a window seat, while two additional bedrooms share a luxury bathroom complete with a soaker tub and separate shower. A dedicated laundry closet on this level adds everyday convenience. The unfinished basement offers excellent storage and future potential, with rough-ins already in place for a future three-piece bathroom and central vac. Ideally located close to schools, parks, and trails, with shopping and grocery stores just 6 minutes away, this home is perfect for families and commuters alike. Don’t miss your chance to make 86 Edwards St your next home.

 

For more information on 86 Edwards Street in Guelph, please click here.

 

 

Crime Stoppers Event – Shedding Event – Saturday Sept 26 9am – 12 pm

Sep 24,2026 | Community

What the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team Is Seeing in the Market Right Now

Sep 22,2026 | Buying

Every agent sees the market a little differently, depending on the buyers and sellers they’re working with day to day. We asked a few members of the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team to share what they’re noticing right now in Guelph and Centre Wellington, and here’s what they had to say.

A Buyer’s Market, But With Room for Sellers Too

John Clark puts it plainly: this is a buyer’s market, and homes that are priced competitively are selling. That said, patience matters more than ever for sellers right now, with new listings coming onto the market every day and adding to buyers’ options.

For anyone thinking about upsizing or downsizing, John points out that it can still be a great time to make a move, buying and selling. The key isn’t the price of either home on its own, it’s the differential between what you’re selling and what you’re buying.

A Slower August, and a Market That Still Rewards Patience

Collette Aeschlimann has been watching a few specific trends play out across different segments of the market.

August didn’t slow down the way it usually does. It’s typically the second-quietest month of the year after December, but this year’s pace didn’t quite follow that pattern.

Townhomes are still working through the effects of high inventory. With plenty of comparable, or only slightly pricier, freehold options available, buyers have alternatives that are keeping townhome pricing under pressure.

Downsizer-friendly homes, like bungalows and freehold townhome bungalows, are seeing some real movement, a bright spot for sellers in that category.

Rural upsizers are staying alert, watching closely for the right opportunity to come onto the market. When it does, they’re not afraid to be assertive, coming in with cheeky offer prices while still building in conditions like inspections and sale of property clauses.

Looking ahead, some sellers are already preparing their homes for the fall market. If demand plays out the way it has in past years, with buyers who’ve been waiting on the sidelines all moving at once, the fall could bring a real pickup in activity.

A Soft, Balanced Market With Encouraging Signs Ahead

Dave Aubrey describes Guelph and the surrounding area right now as a soft, balanced market that still leans toward buyers, though there are some encouraging signs heading into fall.

Guelph sales for July and August came in slightly down from the previous year, but average sale price and list-to-sale price ratio have stayed consistent, pointing toward a somewhat healthier fall market.

For sellers, Dave’s take is that pricing is everything at the moment. Buyers have enough inventory that they generally won’t chase an overpriced property. A good house that’s properly positioned can still sell relatively quickly and close near asking, but starting 5 to 10% too high and hoping someone negotiates you down is a much tougher strategy in this environment.

For buyers, Dave sees a pretty attractive window right now. There’s selection, sellers are negotiable, and conditions are back to normal, so buyers don’t face the same pressure to make reckless decisions. That said, he notes if rates move lower and confidence returns, some of that negotiating leverage could disappear fairly quickly.

What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

The market across Guelph and Centre Wellington remains fairly stable and still leans toward buyers, but there are early signs of things balancing out heading into fall. For sellers, the team’s advice is consistent: price realistically from the start, position the home well, and be prepared to be patient, overpricing and hoping to negotiate down isn’t working right now. For buyers, especially those looking to upsize or downsize, the current conditions can work in your favour, selection, negotiability, and normal conditions are all on your side, though that window may not stay open indefinitely if rates ease.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Guelph or Centre Wellington, the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team is always happy to walk through what these trends mean for your specific situation. Reach out any time.


The Let’s Talk Real Estate Team, Nick FitzGibbon, John Clark, Collette Aeschlimann, Dave Aubrey and Jeff Basso, specializes in buying and selling homes throughout Guelph, Centre Wellington, Fergus, Elora, and West Grey. As local REALTORS with the Coldwell Banker Neumann Real Estate brokerage, the team combines up to date market data with first hand neighbourhood knowledge to guide buyers and sellers through every stage of the process. Whether you’re searching for Guelph homes for sale, thinking about listing your property, or just want a read on current market conditions, the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team is here to help.