Should You Buy Now or Wait for Fall? 5 Questions to Help You Decide
The Toronto real estate market is shifting—and with change comes hesitation. Many potential buyers are asking the same question: “Should I buy now, or wait until fall?”
With more inventory on the market, softening prices, and mortgage rates slowly trending down, it’s a compelling time to buy. But timing your purchase depends on more than market trends—it also depends on your goals, your finances, and your lifestyle.
Here are five key questions to help you decide if this summer is your moment, or if you should wait a little longer.
1. Are You Financially Ready?
Before anything else, ask yourself:
Have you saved enough for a down payment?
Are you pre-approved for a mortgage?
Can you comfortably afford monthly payments?
If the answer is yes, you’re in a strong position to take advantage of the current buyer-friendly market. If not, use the summer to tighten your budget, build savings, and get pre-approved—so you’re ready to move confidently when the time is right.
2. Are You Buying to Live or to Invest?
Your motivation matters.
If you’re buying a primary residence, and you’ve found something that checks the right boxes, locking in a purchase now while prices are soft could save you money in the long run.
If you’re an investor, you might benefit from shopping in the slower summer months when competition is lower and motivated sellers are more flexible.
Fall often sees an uptick in buyer activity, which may reduce your negotiating power.
3. Do You Have Flexibility in Your Timeline?
If your lease is ending or you’ve already sold your home, buying this summer may be more about necessity than preference. In that case, the current market—with its increased inventory and reduced urgency—works in your favour.
However, if your timeline is more flexible, monitor the market closely. Interest rate trends and government policy changes could impact pricing and buyer behavior in the fall.
4. Are You Hoping for Lower Prices Later?
Waiting might pay off, but not always.
Yes, prices have softened—Toronto’s average home price was down 5.4% year-over-year in April 2025—but with rate cuts beginning and consumer confidence gradually returning, demand could increase by fall.
If you find a well-priced home now that meets your needs, waiting could actually cost you more if competition returns or rates shift unexpectedly.
5. Are You Emotionally Prepared to Buy?
Buying a home is a major life decision. Are you ready to commit, or would a few more months of planning and research give you clarity? There’s no “right time” for everyone—but the right time for you is when you’re financially and emotionally prepared.
Final Word
There’s opportunity in today’s market—but only if it aligns with your goals and readiness. Whether you buy now or wait for fall, make sure your decision is strategic—not rushed. At Wealth Builders, we’re here to guide you through both options.
📩 Book a buyer consultation today and build your custom timeline.