In real estate, interest rates often hold the keys to demand and affordability, and that has been true in Aurora as well. Interest rates were at record low levels between 2016 and early 2017 and again from 2020 to early 2022, resulting in a surge in buyer activity across the Aurora market. During these phases, available listings were absorbed at a rapid pace, leaving limited inventory for buyers to choose from. However, currently, the landscape has shifted. With interest rates sitting above the earlier lows, many buyers have stepped back from the market, reducing overall demand. The number of properties available outweighs active buyer demand, contributing to a higher level of inventory.
Sales remained strong, with monthly transactions typically ranging from 110 to 170 properties. As buyers stayed active, the supply of available homes became increasingly tight.
Higher interest rates and stricter mortgage qualification rules gradually began to cool buyer activity. Monthly sales were usually recorded between 50 and 110 homes. Meanwhile, the number of properties available for sale increased noticeably. Active listings frequently ranged from 450 to 700 homes in Aurora.
At the onset of the pandemic, uncertainty kept many buyers and sellers on the sidelines. However, market activity quickly picked up during the latter half of 2020 and continued strengthening into 2021. Sales commonly ranged from 70 to 200 homes, with March 2021 reaching a decade-high of 201 transactions.
During the pandemic period, demand for larger homes increased significantly as buyers prioritised space and lower-density living. Houses for sale, especially detached properties, experienced a strong surge in demand. Among townhouse properties, freehold townhouses saw exceptionally high demand and emerged as the second most active housing segment after detached homes.
According to Aurora real estate market trends, as interest rates moved higher, the market began to shift gears once again. Sales activity moderated compared with the exceptionally busy conditions seen earlier in 2021. At the same time, available inventory steadily expanded, rising from roughly 180 listings in late 2021 to nearly 500 homes by the spring of 2022.
Monthly sales were typically recorded between 40 and 100 homes, while active listings generally ranged from 180 to 360 properties. Inventory levels stayed below the higher levels seen in both 2018 and 2022.
The supply of homes has continued to grow while buyer activity has remained moderate in the Aurora housing market. Active listings frequently sat between 300 and 570 homes, whereas sales largely stayed within the range of 30 to 75 transactions.
Market conditions were extremely active throughout 2016, with homes selling shortly after being listed. The absorption rate ranged between 60% and 90%.
Insights from the Aurora real estate market trends reveal that absorption rates eased and typically fluctuated between 30% and 60%.
The market activity picked up pace significantly between 2020 and 2021. Absorption rates frequently surpassed 60%, with many months climbing above 80% and even 90%.
The market activity remained healthy, with absorption rates generally falling within the 40% to 80% range.
The absorption rates typically ranged from 30% to 60%, pointing to a less competitive environment than the peak years.
Absorption rates have mostly hovered between 20% and 40%, with only a few jumps above that range. Now turning our attention to 2026, market conditions have leaned in favour of buyers so far this year, according to the Aurora housing market report. If you’re shopping for a home in today’s market, ensure to take your time, compare your options carefully, negotiate on both price and terms, and include an inspection condition before making your final decision.
Source: Based on analysis of historical information made available from respective real estate boards.
Detached houses recorded the highest number of sales, with 5,868 transactions. They also commanded the highest average sale price at approximately $1.42M.
The semi-detached housing category registered 745 sales and an average sale price of approximately $883.66K.
Freehold townhouses generated 1,509 sales during the period, with an average sale price of roughly $901.76K.
Condo townhouses accounted for 996 sales and recorded an average sale price of approximately $749.80K.
With 803 transactions, condo apartments remained the most budget-friendly housing option, posting an average sale price of around $605.07K.
Recent trends suggest the Aurora rental market is transitioning toward more balanced conditions. Rental prices are currently 0.02% lower than a year ago, and they remain 2.88% higher on a year-to-date basis. Aurora’s desirable lifestyle, close proximity to Toronto, growing population, and limited rental supply have likely continued to keep rental demand and prices steady. Looking at the bigger picture, rental prices in Aurora have climbed 29.97% over the past ten years.
The Aurora rental market remained relatively stable, with rents largely holding between $1,700 and $2,000. Leasing activity was also quite healthy, particularly in 2017 and the first half of 2018.
The market started seeing rental prices above $2,000 on a much more consistent basis, and leasing activity remained above 50 units in most months. This momentum slowed in the spring of 2020, however, as April and May saw noticeably fewer leased units, accompanied by softer rental rates.
Rental prices moved steadily higher, generally falling between $2,500 and $2,900. Leasing activity remained active; however, it was less robust than in earlier years, with monthly leased units commonly ranging from 30 to 60 units.
A number of months saw rental prices rise to around $3,000. However, despite these higher rents, leasing activity remained fairly steady, typically landing between 30 and 60 leased units per month.
Unlike earlier periods, rental prices did not move in a clear direction during this phase. Some months, including February 2025, June 2025, and September 2025, reached close to or above $3,000, while others were nearer to $2,600. Leasing activity has followed a similar pattern, ranging from roughly 40 to 60 units.
Aurora may not be the most budget-friendly housing market in the York Region, but current conditions are creating a promising opportunity. Right now, home prices in Aurora are trending lower, opening the door for buyers who were previously sidelined, particularly during the height of the pandemic housing boom. The pandemic-driven surge began to fade as higher interest rates and ongoing affordability challenges kept many prospective buyers on the sidelines. And as housing demand softened in Aurora, prices have trended lower. As of April 2026, home prices in Aurora are down 17.83% year-over-year, 5.65% year-to-date, and 5.77% compared to five years ago.
According to TD Economics forecast, home prices across Ontario are expected to ease further in 2026, and the Aurora housing market will likely follow that trend. In addition, homes are also spending more time on the market, another clear sign that conditions are softening. In a market like this, sellers need to price their homes competitively and focus on strategies that make their property stand out, whereas buyers have more room to negotiate and make well-informed decisions.
Supported by low interest rates and favourable economic conditions, buyer activity remained exceptionally strong in Aurora. Competition intensified, and property prices climbed quickly, rising from roughly $700K to more than $900K.
The market shifted gears as mortgage rates moved higher and lending rules became more restrictive. Throughout this period, Aurora house prices generally remained within the $630K to $810K range.
The market gained momentum once again as changing lifestyle preferences and strong buyer demand fuelled another wave of growth. Average home prices climbed significantly, rising from approximately $760K in early 2020 to about $1.3M by February 2022.
The market entered a period of adjustment as interest rates experienced another series of increases. Buyer demand softened, and prices moved lower from their earlier peaks. During this phase, home prices were typically between $960K and $1.13M.
From 2024 onward, the Aurora real estate market has remained relatively stable. Prices have generally stayed within the $900K to $1.16M range. As of April 2026, the average house price in Aurora, Ontario, stands at $929.54K.