If you are thinking about buying a home in 2026, you are likely asking one question:

Is now a good time to buy, or should I wait?

This is the most common conversation I am having right now with buyers across Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Brantford.

The short answer is this:

For prepared buyers with stable income and a long-term plan, 2026 can be a very reasonable time to purchase.

Here is why.

Are Home Prices Expected to Drop in 2026?

There is no reliable indicator suggesting a major housing crash in our local markets.

In Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Brantford, housing supply remains relatively controlled. While inventory levels have improved compared to peak pandemic conditions, they are not excessive.

Markets with steady population growth, employment diversity, and limited housing supply tend to show long-term resilience.

Minor fluctuations are normal. Large corrections typically require oversupply or economic shock, neither of which is dominant locally at this time.

Are Interest Rates Too High to Buy Right Now?

Rates are higher than the ultra-low period of 2020 and 2021, but they are not historically extreme.

The more important question is not whether rates will fall.

It is whether you can comfortably afford the payment today.

If rates decline in the future, refinancing may be possible. If rates fall significantly, increased competition could push prices upward.

Trying to time interest rates perfectly is rarely effective. Buying within your financial comfort zone is what matters most.

Is the Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo Housing Market Stable?

In many neighbourhoods throughout Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo:

• Well-priced homes are still selling

• Detached properties remain in demand

• Family-friendly areas continue to attract buyers

Buyers today often face less aggressive bidding compared to peak market conditions, which creates more room for negotiation and thoughtful decision making.

Brantford continues to appeal to families seeking more space and relative affordability, supporting steady demand in that market as well.

Should You Wait to Buy a Home?

Waiting may make sense if:

• Your income is uncertain

• Your down payment is not ready

• Your monthly payment would stretch your finances

• You plan to move again within a short time frame

However, waiting also carries opportunity costs:

• Missed equity growth

• Rising rental costs

• Potential increased competition if rates decrease

• Delayed lifestyle plans

Real estate rewards long-term ownership. Short-term hesitation can sometimes cost more than short-term rate differences.

Who Should Consider Buying in 2026?

Buying in 2026 makes sense if:

• You plan to stay in the home for five years or longer

• Your employment is stable

• You have emergency savings in place

• The monthly payment fits comfortably within your financial plan

• You are buying for lifestyle stability, not speculation

When purchases are aligned with long-term goals, market timing becomes less critical.

Simon’s Final Word

There is no perfect market cycle.

There is only preparation and strategy.

If you are considering buying a home in Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo, or Brantford in 2026, the right decision depends on your financial readiness and long-term vision.

Every neighbourhood behaves differently. Every buyer’s financial situation is unique.

If you would like a clear, data-driven conversation about:

• Your purchasing power

• Current inventory in your preferred neighbourhood

• Comparable sales

• Long-term affordability

I would be happy to review it with you.

No pressure. No sales tactics. Just informed strategy.

Simon Royer
RE/MAX Icon Realty