Deep Dive: Nova Scotia Housing Market So Far in 2025
- Nova Scotia Home Finder
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Price Growth and Market Value
The Nova Scotia housing market has experienced strong price growth in 2025. Average home prices have risen approximately 6.1% year-over-year. Prices range from about $488,760 to $493,136 province-wide, with Halifax-Dartmouth averages higher around $550,500.
Since 2021, the market has seen an impressive 53% price appreciation, reflecting sustained high demand and limited supply. New home prices have also increased modestly, by nearly 0.8% from April to May 2025.
Supply and Inventory
Inventory remains tight, with roughly 2.2 months of supply in many areas, contributing to a seller’s market. Popular neighborhoods like Bedford and Clayton Park in Halifax and Dartmouth see higher pressures on available homes.
New residential listings rose by 8% in October 2025 compared to the prior year, marking the highest number of listings in five years. This signals an improving supply situation, though demand still exceeds availability in many segments.
Market Activity and Seasonality
The market shows clear seasonal patterns. Peak activity occurs in summer months, when about 1,300 to 1,400 homes typically sell monthly. In winter, sales slow significantly, dropping to 550–750 units monthly.
Days on market average between 40 and 56 days depending on the season. While properties still sell relatively quickly compared to historical standards, buyers take more time to make purchasing decisions in a higher-priced environment.
Buyer Trends and Preferences
Migration from other Canadian provinces, especially Ontario and British Columbia, continues to drive demand for Nova Scotia real estate. Buyers are increasingly looking for homes that accommodate hybrid work lifestyles with office space, larger lots, and commuter access.
Sustainable and energy-efficient features like solar panels and heat pumps are gaining popularity among buyers, reflecting changing priorities.
Economic and Demographic Influences
Strong economic fundamentals support the housing market, including investments in infrastructure, healthcare, technology, and professional services. Employment opportunities bolster buyer confidence and ability to purchase.
Rental vacancy rates remain very low, under 1%, with rents rising 5-10%, leading some renters to transition to homeownership or encouraging investment in rental properties.
Outlook for the Rest of 2025
The market is expected to maintain a seller’s advantage, with moderate price gains of 3-5%, pushing average prices in Halifax closer to $600,000 by year-end.
Seasonal fluctuations will persist, but overall, the market is finding a healthier balance after the rapid appreciation and high volume of previous years.
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