Despite the headlines about price drops and slow sales, Niagara’s investment market is quietly heating up, especially among experienced buyers who know what to look for.
This March, prices in many cities dipped year-over-year, and average days on market have stretched to 48 days across the region. To most people, that sounds like a red flag. But to seasoned investors? That sounds like opportunity.
Why Now?
More negotiating power: With fewer buyers in the market, investors are negotiating harder, and often winning.
Plenty of inventory: With over 1,500 new listings last month, there’s variety, especially among smaller detached homes, side-by-sides, and older duplexes.
Softened pricing: The average sale price across Niagara is down over 5% from last year, meaning better cash-on-cash returns and stronger cap rates for those who’ve been waiting on the sidelines.
Where They're Looking
Welland: Still affordable and increasingly popular for legal duplexes and triplex conversions. Investors are seeing value here because of rising rental demand and increasing property values.
St. Catharines: Turnkey rental properties in good locations are holding value, and many still offer positive cash flow with the right financing.
Niagara Falls (East Side): With the right renovation, some older homes are being repositioned as student housing or mid-term rentals.
What This Means for You
Current homeowners: You may be sitting on a property with income potential. Adding a basement suite or exploring zoning options could be worth looking into.
First-time investors: This is a window of lower prices and less competition, especially if you're looking for long-term holds or house hacks.
Sellers: Investors are a serious segment of the market right now. If you’re selling a property that could be rented, marketed properly, it could appeal to a much wider buyer pool.
Whether you're investing for the first time or selling a property with rental potential, we can help you understand how investors are thinking, and how to position yourself to benefit.