There's a lot of pessimism about London, Ontario's real estate market right now — fed largely by headlines designed to grab attention, not inform decisions. Yes, there's more inventory than a couple of years ago, and some buyers are sitting out. Both are true. But the same data can be framed as a crisis or accurately — and the accurate version still shows homes selling at strong prices every single month. Ty Lacroix, Broker at The Envelope Real Estate Group, has spent 24 years watching headlines come and go while patient, prepared buyers and sellers keep transacting regardless.
There's a lot of pessimism right now about the London, Ontario real estate market being a buyer's market. Some of that pessimism is fed by talking heads on TV and radio, and some by people who simply enjoy being the bearer of bad news.
There's no disputing the underlying facts: there are more homes for sale now than there were a couple of years ago, and some buyers are hesitant or unable to act. Both of those things are true.
But people gravitate toward pessimism — especially when it comes to real estate. The same data, framed two different ways, produces two very different reactions.
The Same Facts, Two Headlines
Which headline gets more attention: a plane crash, or the fact that tens of thousands of flights landed safely yesterday? Both are true on any given day. One gets the coverage.
It's the same with real estate. "It's a buyer's market" sounds alarming. "Homes in London are selling at 97.4% of asking price" is the same underlying reality, told accurately instead of dramatically.
Or consider unemployment. A 5% unemployment rate sounds concerning in isolation. The same number means that 95% of people in the workforce have jobs. Both are accurate. Only one is designed to alarm you.
What's Actually Happening
Some buyers who would genuinely benefit from buying right now aren't acting — not because the opportunity isn't there, but because they're missing one piece of what they need to move forward: the financial readiness, a clear need driving the decision, or simply the confidence to act in a market that the headlines have told them to fear.
For buyers who do have what they need — readiness, a real reason to move, and the financial capacity to act — this is a genuinely strong opportunity. For sellers who are equally prepared — priced correctly, presented well, and ready to engage with serious buyers — this remains a good time to sell.
Action Gets Results
I'm a firm believer that action produces outcomes. The commentators, the economists, and the news anchors aren't the ones buying or selling homes. They're reporting on a market they don't have a personal stake in transacting within.
Homes and condos in London continue to sell. It may take longer than it did during the frenzied years, but a patient, prepared homeowner — and a patient, prepared buyer — consistently come out ahead of anyone waiting for the headlines to feel better before they act.
If you're trying to decide whether now is the right time for your specific situation, that decision should be based on your readiness and your goals — not on which headline got the most clicks this week.
Ready to look past the headlines and talk about your actual situation? Reach out for a private conversation — no pressure, no pitch.
