Buying Your First Home in Kingston: What the Summer 2025 Numbers Showed
Kingston's market gave first-time buyers more room in summer 2025: more listings, more time to look, and townhouse and condo prices to compare. What the numbers said and what to check before you offer.
Spotlight: Realtor Mishele Mahoney
If you were house-hunting in Kingston in the summer of 2025, the market felt different from the one of the previous few years. There were fewer bidding wars and more time to look, which matters a great deal if you are buying your first home. This guide covers what the numbers showed, what homes cost by type, and what one local agent says to check before you make an offer.
What the market looked like in August 2025
In August 2025 Kingston had 1,479 active listings and 4.8 months of inventory, the highest level the city had seen since 2021. The July sales figures from the Kingston and Area Real Estate Association showed 310 home sales against 714 new listings, a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 43%, which is a balanced market that leans toward buyers. The median time a home spent on the market was 27 days.
What homes cost by type
At the time, single-family homes averaged $626,400, townhouses averaged $478,400, and condominiums and apartments averaged $393,500. For a first purchase, the townhouse and condo figures are the ones most buyers compare. Prices have moved since August 2025, so check current numbers with a local agent or the Kingston and Area Real Estate Association before you set a budget.
Why townhouses stood out
Townhouses are often the sweet spot for young families: several bedrooms, some outdoor space, and sometimes a complex with shared amenities. Mishele Mahoney, a Kingston-area real estate agent, said townhouses that had commanded premium prices a few months earlier were now offering better value.
"I'm seeing townhouses that offer everything a young family needs — multiple bedrooms, outdoor space, often in family-friendly complexes with amenities," Mahoney observes. "The current market conditions mean buyers can take time to find the right fit rather than settling for whatever's available."
What to check before you make an offer
A slower market gives you room to do the homework. Mahoney's checklist for a showing goes past what has been staged: "Is the foundation solid? Are the systems well-maintained? What's the real story of this neighborhood?"
"We're seeing buyers who can actually visit neighborhoods at different times of day, get proper inspections, and make decisions based on genuine preferences rather than desperation," Mahoney observes.
She also points to value that can hide behind dated finishes. "I often tell my clients that some of the best values are hiding behind outdated décor," she notes. "A fresh coat of paint and some strategic updates can transform a property's appeal and value."
“…some of the best values are hiding behind outdated décor”
How long the window might last
Market analysts suggested at the time that conditions could be a temporary sweet spot for buyers. If inventory levels normalize and mortgage rates keep easing, the balance could shift back toward sellers. The practical takeaway for a first-time buyer is to get a mortgage pre-approval and an inspector lined up before you start viewing, so you can act when the right home appears.
About Mishele Mahoney
Mishele Mahoney brings a unique perspective to Kingston real estate, combining four generations of family expertise with 15 years of experience as an Ontario Provincial Police officer, including detective and major case management work. A Brockville native who served with the Gananoque OPP detachment before settling in Perth Road Village area with her husband and two dogs Murphy & Finnegan. Her approach emphasizes thorough investigation, honest communication, and genuine care for her clients' long-term success. She can be reached at (613) 540-1579 or mishele@mishelemahoney.com.
