Halifax Market Analysis Report

Halifax Market Analysis Report

Stats from the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (NSAR)

Executive Summary

Analysis of 841 total sales transactions, with 752 completed and reported closings, reveals a market characterized by moderate inventory turnover and persistent pricing pressure. The average property required 63 days to sell, with 67% of reported transactions closing below asking price. Price reductions averaged $25,110, indicating sustained buyer negotiating leverage across the region. An additional 89 transactions remain pending final price reporting.

Market Overview

Total Sales
841
Reported Transactions
752
Pending Price Reports
89

Of 841 total sales, 752 transactions (89%) have completed with reported sale prices, while 89 transactions (11%) remain pending final price disclosure at closing. All days-on-market metrics reflect the complete dataset, while pricing analysis is based on reported transactions only.

Days on Market Analysis

Average Days on Market
63
Longest Time on Market
734

Market Velocity Distribution (All 841 Sales)

Timeframe Properties Percentage
Under 7 days 148 18%
7-30 days 304 36%
31-90 days 258 31%
Over 90 days 131 15%

The data indicates a balanced market with 54% of all properties achieving sale within 30 days, while 15% require extended marketing periods exceeding three months. The rapid absorption rate for properly priced inventory demonstrates continued demand across core markets.

Pricing Dynamics

Sold Under Asking
67%
Sold At/Above Asking
33%
Average Price Adjustment
-$25,110

Based on 752 reported transactions, pricing analysis reveals consistent downward pressure. The average adjustment of $25,110 represents approximately 5% below listing price across the market. Of reported sales, 503 properties (67%) closed under asking price while 249 (33%) achieved at or above asking price, indicating buyers maintain negotiating leverage in the current market.

Significant Price Reductions

Address Community Price Reduction
Oceansea Drive Glen Margaret -$390,000
Lynwood Drive Brookside -$230,000
Heddas Way Fall River -$220,000
Bloomingdale Terrace Halifax -$212,850
McCabe Lake Drive Middle Sackville -$200,000
Saltspray Lane Halibut Bay -$200,000
Highway 1 Ardoise -$165,000
Water Street Baddeck -$150,000
McCabe Lake Drive Middle Sackville -$149,900
Boutiliers Cove Road Hackett's Cove -$143,380

Luxury properties and waterfront listings experienced the most substantial reductions, with high-end properties exceeding $1M showing particular vulnerability to extended marketing periods and aggressive price adjustments. The waterfront and rural luxury segments demonstrate the greatest price elasticity in response to extended market exposure.

Geographic Market Activity

Top 20 Most Active Communities (All 841 Sales)

Rank Community Transactions Market Share
1Halifax688.1%
2Dartmouth576.8%
3Middle Sackville323.8%
4Bedford273.2%
5Lower Sackville253.0%
6Eastern Passage232.7%
7Cole Harbour212.5%
8Sydney192.3%
9Kentville182.1%
10Hammonds Plains172.0%
11Truro161.9%
12New Glasgow141.7%
13Glace Bay131.5%
14Wolfville111.3%
15Bridgewater101.2%
16Elmsdale101.2%
17Fall River101.2%
18Amherst91.1%
19New Waterford91.1%
20Spryfield81.0%

Halifax and Dartmouth demonstrate commanding market dominance with 125 combined transactions, representing 15% of total market activity. The Halifax Regional Municipality communities (Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville areas, Cole Harbour, Eastern Passage, Hammonds Plains, Spryfield) collectively account for 298 transactions or 35% of the provincial market, confirming the urban core's continued primacy in transaction volume.

Market Implications

For Sellers

Strategic pricing at or slightly below market value has proven essential for minimizing days on market. The $25,110 average price adjustment underscores the cost of overpricing. Properties listed aggressively above comparable sales consistently require significant price reductions and extended marketing periods. The 54% absorption rate within 30 days for properly priced inventory demonstrates continued buyer demand and efficient market clearing for well-positioned properties.

Market Positioning

The 67% under-asking close rate combined with a $25,110 average price adjustment indicates buyers maintain negotiating leverage. Well-priced properties continue to attract competitive interest, while overpriced inventory faces extended exposure and material concessions. The 89% price reporting completion rate indicates strong transaction velocity and efficient market clearing.

Inventory Considerations

Properties exceeding 90 days on market represent 15% of all sales, indicating selective buyer behavior and the critical importance of accurate initial pricing strategy. The concentration of extended marketing periods in luxury and waterfront segments suggests particular price sensitivity at higher price points.

Methodology Note

This analysis encompasses 841 total sales transactions. Days-on-market and geographic distribution metrics reflect the complete dataset. Pricing analysis is based on 752 transactions with reported sale prices, excluding 89 properties with pending price disclosure at closing. All calculations use reported data only to ensure accuracy and prevent distortion from incomplete information.