Sarnia Real Estate Market Update: September 2026
By Joe Eddleston, Broker, eXp Realty Brokerage
Sarnia-Lambton remains a buyer-leaning market heading into fall. Inventory is the highest it's been in a September in 15 years, sales are below last year, and prices are holding roughly steady. Here's my breakdown of the latest numbers from the Sarnia-Lambton Association of REALTORS®.
September 2026 at a Glance
| Measure | September 2026 | vs. September 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Homes sold | 128 | down 11.7% |
| Average sale price | $480,080 | down 5.1% |
| MLS® HPI benchmark price | $488,800 | down 3.4% |
| New listings | 338 | down 4.5% |
| Active listings | 722 | up 10.4% |
| Months of inventory | 5.6 | up from 4.5 |
| Year-to-date average price | $523,286 | down 2.2% |
Source: CREA / Sarnia-Lambton Association of REALTORS® https://creastats.crea.ca/board/sarn/
What the Numbers Mean
Inventory is building. At 5.6 months of supply, it would take more than five months to sell every listing at today's pace. The long-run average for this time of year is about 3 months.
Prices are steady, not crashing. The benchmark price slipped about 3% year over year and was largely flat from August. Monthly averages can swing based on which homes happen to sell, so I watch the benchmark price most closely.
Sales are close to normal. September sales were right around the five-year average, even though they trailed last year.
For Buyers
You have choice and negotiating room. Conditions for financing and inspection are more accepted than they were a few years ago. Get pre-approved so you can move quickly when the right home appears.
For Sellers
Pricing is everything. Homes priced right from day one still sell. Overpriced listings tend to sit, and price cuts later can cost more than pricing correctly at the start. Presentation, photos and small repairs help you stand out from the competition.
Want to know what your home is worth in this market?
Request a free, no-obligation market evaluation from Joe Eddleston Real Estate. I'll update this report every month.
Sources
- CREA statistics: Sarnia-Lambton Association of REALTORS®, September 2026
- Sarnia News Today: Local real estate market bounces back in March (seasonal pricing)
- Sarnia News Today: More homes starting to sell (bungalow demand)
- Ontario: Land transfer tax refunds for first-time homebuyers
- Global News: What could happen if the foreign buyers ban expires
- Greater Vancouver REALTORS®: Foreign buyer ban extended to January 1, 2027 (exemptions)
