Stats from the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (NSAR)
Executive Summary
February 2025 marks a significant inflection point in the Nova Scotia single-family home market, demonstrating robust transaction acceleration and improved pricing dynamics. With 269 closed sales representing a 41% month-over-month increase from January's 191 transactions, buyer engagement has materially strengthened.
The market achieved notable efficiency gains with days on market declining from 52 to 40 days, a 23% reduction indicating enhanced price discovery and buyer decisiveness. While 52% of properties still sold below asking price, this represents a substantial improvement from January's 69%, coupled with reduced average price reductions falling from $42,308 to $32,285.
New listing activity of 355 homes closely matched absorption, maintaining market equilibrium. The proportion of properties selling above asking increased to 35% from 23%, signaling renewed competitive dynamics in well-positioned segments. For executives and investors evaluating Nova Scotia real estate opportunities, February demonstrates market stabilization and selective strength across price segments.
New Listings
355
+2% vs. January
Closed Sales
269
+41% vs. January
Days on Market
40
-23% vs. January
Properties Below Ask
52%
-17 pts vs. January
Monthly New Listings Comparison
Listing Activity Analysis
- February new listing volume of 355 represents 2% increase over January, indicating stable seller confidence
- Listing growth aligned with transaction velocity prevents inventory accumulation
- Seasonal patterns suggest potential acceleration into spring market pending sustained buyer demand
Closed Sales Month-Over-Month Performance
Transaction Volume Acceleration
- 269 February transactions versus 191 in January represents exceptional 41% growth in closed sales
- 83 same-month listing and sale completions demonstrate strong pricing discipline and buyer urgency
- Transaction velocity suggests market recalibration complete with realistic pricing expectations established
Days on Market Trend Analysis
Marketing Efficiency Improvement
- 40-day average marketing period represents 12-day reduction from January, signaling enhanced market efficiency
- Accelerated absorption indicates improved price discovery and reduced buyer hesitation
- Properties correctly priced achieving sub-30-day sales with increasing frequency
Pricing Dynamics: February Performance
Price Realization Analysis
- Average listing price of $643,687 versus selling price of $635,038 demonstrates 1.3% market adjustment
- 35% of properties exceeding asking price, up from 23% in January, indicates strengthening competitive dynamics
- 94 properties selling above ask with minimal average premium of $1 suggests strategic pricing at market clearing levels
- 52% selling below ask with average reduction of $32,285 represents material improvement from January's $42,308
Month-Over-Month Average Sales Price
Price Trend Assessment
- Average selling price declined 2.1% from $648,712 in January to $635,038 in February
- Price adjustment reflects increased transaction volume in core $400K-$599K segments
- Pricing stabilization evident as market recalibrates to sustainable valuation levels
February Transaction Distribution by Price Segment
Market Segmentation Dynamics
- Core transaction concentration in $500K-$699K range with 135 sales (50% of market volume)
- Strong performance in $500K-$599K segment with 82 transactions, representing 75% increase over January
- $600K-$699K segment achieved 53 sales, 83% increase month-over-month, indicating luxury market strengthening
- Entry-level segment under $400K recorded 21 transactions, constrained by limited inventory availability
- High-end market above $1M achieved 12 transactions versus January's 15, reflecting selective buyer engagement
Comparative Analysis: January vs. February Price Segments
Segment Performance Trends
- Mid-market segments ($400K-$799K) drove February transaction growth with 73% increase over January
- $700K-$799K segment increased 37% demonstrating executive buyer confidence return
- Luxury segments above $1M showed modest decline suggesting continued selectivity at premium price points
Pricing Above vs. Below Asking: Monthly Comparison
Competitive Dynamics Shift
- Properties selling above asking increased 92% from 49 to 94 transactions month-over-month
- Properties requiring reductions declined from 144 to 139 despite 41% higher transaction volume
- Competitive bidding returning to well-positioned properties in desirable locations and price segments
Strategic Market Assessment
Transaction Efficiency Metrics
Days on Market
40 days (-23%)
Showings per Sale
23.3 (6285÷269)
List-to-Sell Ratio
98.7%
Pricing Discipline Indicators
Avg Price Reduction
$32,285 (-24%)
Properties Above Ask
35% (+12 pts)
Properties Below Ask
52% (-17 pts)
Market Momentum Indicators
Sales Growth MoM
+41%
Listing Growth MoM
+2%
Absorption Rate
75.8%
Investment Implications
February 2025 demonstrates conclusive evidence of market stabilization following Q4 2024 and January 2025 repricing. The 41% increase in closed transactions coupled with improved pricing dynamics creates favorable conditions for strategic acquisitions by high net worth individuals and institutional investors.
The concentration of transaction growth in the $500K-$699K segment, representing 135 sales and 50% of market activity, identifies the core investment opportunity zone. This segment demonstrates liquidity, pricing discipline, and sustained buyer demand—critical factors for portfolio deployment and future exit liquidity.
Reduced days on market from 52 to 40 days indicates enhanced price discovery mechanisms and decreased transaction friction. Properties demonstrating superior location attributes, condition, and realistic pricing are achieving competitive outcomes with minimal marketing periods.
For executives evaluating Halifax and broader Nova Scotia real estate opportunities, February establishes a constructive baseline for Q1 2025 market activity. Spring market acceleration anticipated pending sustained employment fundamentals, immigration patterns, and interest rate stability.
Halifax New Construction Market Analysis
Builder Performance Rankings • Year-to-Date August 2025
25+
Active Builders
234
Total Sales
$172.5M
Market Volume
$737K
Average Price
Market Analysis Overview
For Buyers: This comprehensive analysis provides insights into which builders are delivering homes most efficiently, helping you identify reliable construction partners with proven track records in Halifax's competitive market.
For Sellers: Understanding builder performance and geographic trends helps position your property strategically, whether you're selling new construction or competing in areas with high builder activity.
For Builders: Benchmark your performance against industry leaders and identify opportunities for market positioning, pricing strategies, and operational improvements.
Top 3 Performing Builders
1
Ramar Construction Limited
27
Units Sold
$18.5M
Total Volume
$685K
Average Price
21 days
Avg. Market Time
2
ATN Group Ltd.
26
Units Sold
$18.3M
Total Volume
$704K
Average Price
Pre-Sold
Sales Strategy
3
Rooftight Construction Limited
18
Units Sold
$14.1M
Total Volume
$783K
Average Price
25 days
Avg. Market Time
Top Performing Areas
| Rank | Area | Sales | Total Volume | Avg. Price | Avg. Size (sq ft) | Market Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Halifax | 30 | $20.52M | $684K | 2,219 | 20 days |
| 2 | Dartmouth | 30 | $20.87M | $696K | 2,171 | 26 days |
| 3 | Beechville | 29 | $20.42M | $704K | 2,342 | 7 days |
| 4 | Timberlea | 20 | $15.25M | $762K | 2,272 | 38 days |
| 5 | Middle Sackville | 18 | $16.54M | $919K | 2,465 | 26 days |
| 6 | Lantz | 11 | $5.89M | $535K | 1,832 | 82 days |
| 7 | Whites Lake | 7 | $4.14M | $591K | 1,659 | 17 days |
| 8 | Beaver Bank | 7 | $4.85M | $693K | 2,264 | 42 days |
| 9 | Brookside | 7 | $4.83M | $690K | 2,143 | 30 days |
| 10 | Enfield | 6 | $3.53M | $588K | 2,281 | 20 days |
Complete Builder Rankings
| Rank | Builder | Units Sold | Total Volume | Avg. Price | Avg. Size (sq ft) | Market Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Cresco Construction Limited | 13 | $9.62M | $740K | 2,280 | 38 days |
| 5 | Amara Developments Inc. | 12 | $8.49M | $707K | 2,224 | 22 days |
| 6 | Provident Holdings Ltd. | 12 | $8.05M | $671K | 2,065 | 23 days |
| 7 | FH Development Group | 10 | $7.81M | $781K | 2,392 | 31 days |
| 8 | Signature Homes Limited | 10 | $7.27M | $727K | 1,982 | 44 days |
| 9 | Picket Fence Homes | 10 | $6.57M | $657K | 1,910 | 14 days |
| 10 | Lone Eagle Homes | 8 | $5.50M | $695K | 1,955 | 22 days |
