What the Numbers Really Tell Us
Over the past four years, Stratford’s real estate market has moved through a complete cycle — from rapid pandemic-era appreciation to the 2022 peak, through post-peak correction, and now into a more balanced, opportunity-rich landscape. With detailed January–October data for 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025, we can now see the full arc of how values have shifted, who has gained, and where the market is heading.
This report breaks down the trends, explains what they mean for Stratford homeowners and buyers, and puts Stratford’s performance in context with the rest of Ontario.
1. The Market at a Glance: 2021–2025 Overview
Looking at all residential sales in Stratford from January to October:
Average Sale Price (All Homes)
· 2021: $613,310
· 2022: $704,058
· 2023: $675,035
· 2024: $653,739
· 2025: $635,804
Even after the post-peak correction, 2025 remains higher than 2021, showing that long-term appreciation has held.
Median Sale Price (All Homes)
· 2021: $575,000
· 2022: $651,000
· 2023: $620,600
· 2024: $605,000
· 2025: $595,000
Again, values in 2025 continue to sit comfortably above 2021 levels.
Total Sales (All Homes)
· 2021: 485
· 2022: 425
· 2023: 366
· 2024: 427
· 2025: 389
Sales volumes have declined since the peak of sales activity in 2021, down by -19.8%
2. Detached Homes: The Strongest Indicator of Market Health
Detached homes tend to reflect true market sentiment because they are the most sought-after product in Stratford.
Average Sale Price (Detached)
· 2021: $655,672
· 2022: $766,994
· 2023: $728,563
· 2024: $698,137
· 2025: $672,071
The average detached price is still higher than in 2021, despite adjusting from the 2022 peak.
Median Sale Price (Detached)
· 2021: $620,208
· 2022: $725,000
· 2023: $680,000
· 2024: $638,500
· 2025: $635,000
The median detached price — which reflects the “middle of the market” — also remains above its 2021 benchmark.
Total Detached Sales
· 2021: 337
· 2022: 287
· 2023: 255
· 2024: 290
· 2025: 255
While inventory and buyer activity have moderated, sales declined by 11% since 2022, pricing resilience remains evident.
3. A Tale of Two Buyers: 2021 vs. 2022
If you purchased in 2021
You are in a strong equity position. Even with the correction from the 2022 high, both average and median prices in 2025 exceed 2021 levels.
If you purchased in 2022
You bought at the market’s peak, and values today sit approximately 10–12% below that high. However — because Stratford did not experience the severe declines seen in several larger markets — many 2022 buyers remain near break-even or only slightly below peak depending on property type, location, and improvements made.
DATA NOTE: Stratford Vs. Ontario- Why This Market Held Better Value
When comparing Stratford’s performance to other Ontario cities, a clear pattern emerges: Stratford held its value more effectively than many larger and more volatile markets.
Here’s what the data shows:
1. Stratford’s long-term trend remains positive.
Our local MLS dataset shows 2025 prices still above 2021, indicating meaningful appreciation despite the 2022 correction.
2. Several Ontario markets have fallen back to or below their 2021 levels.
Cities such as Hamilton and Kitchener–Waterloo show 2025 average prices that are either flat or slightly below their 2021 benchmarks — a sign of deeper correction.
3. GTA suburbs show even sharper declines.
Communities including Mississauga and Brampton continue to report noticeable year-over-year drops going into 2025, in some cases 7–10% lower than the prior year alone.
4. Stratford’s price pattern is more stable and less volatile.
Unlike markets that surged and retraced dramatically, Stratford’s progression from 2021 through 2025 has been more measured. Even the publicly documented year-average prices from 2019–2023 show consistent growth each year — clear evidence of underlying stability.
The Takeaway
While the entire province adjusted after 2022, Stratford’s correction was less severe, and its long-term appreciation remained intact. This positions Stratford as one of the more stable, resilient markets in southwestern Ontario — a positive signal for both homeowners and incoming buyers.
4. What This Means for Sellers in 2026
Today’s buyers expect homes to be:
· Well-prepared
· Well-priced
· Thoughtfully presented
· Clearly positioned
To maximize results in a post-peak, value-centric market, sellers benefit from:
Precision Pricing
Even a 3–5% misstep can suppress buyer engagement. Correct pricing is now a strategic advantage.
Strategic Preparation
Homes with enhanced wellness features, refreshed interiors, preserved heritage elements, and strong curb appeal consistently outperform the market.
Clear Communication
Strong listing copy, lifestyle storytelling, and professional visuals help buyers connect emotionally and act decisively.
5. What This Means for Buyers
For buyers, particularly those moving from larger centres, Stratford offers:
· More negotiating power
· Less competition
· Greater selection
· A stable pricing environment
· A lifestyle-driven community with strong long-term fundamentals
This is an excellent window for move-up buyers, downsizers, and families planning a long-term move into Stratford or the surrounding countryside.
6. Final Thoughts
The 2021–2025 data paints a picture that is both realistic and encouraging: Stratford did not escape the provincial correction — but it absorbed it better than many other markets. Prices remain above pre-peak levels, long-term equity has held, and the market has now reached a healthy, sustainable balance.
For sellers, this means there is real opportunity with the right strategy. For buyers, it means Stratford remains a reliable, lifestyle-rich community with stable fundamentals.
If you’d like a personalized analysis of how this data applies to your home or your next move, I’d be happy to prepare a Confidential Market Briefing tailored to your property and goals
All statistics gathered independently from PropTx®.
This publication is not to be copied or duplicated without the express written permission of Roxanne Finn.
This publication is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with a brokerage.
