With the Bank of Canada holding its key interest rate at 2.75 per cent, local real estate agent Stephanie Sfara says buyer and seller confidence in Brantford is showing signs of improvement heading into the spring market.
Sfara, who moved to Brantford from Mississauga in 2023 and specializes in first-time buyers, told Brant Blog that market activity has picked up since the slower start to the year.
“While in January we experienced a typical seasonal slowdown, activity has picked up as more listings are becoming available and there’s been an uptick in buyer demand and sales,” said Sfara, who brings nearly a decade of real estate experience and a background in property valuation.
She noted that inventory levels in Brantford and Brant County are trending upward month-over-month, with moderately priced homes in the $500,000 to $700,000 range selling faster.
“We’re also seeing a slight increase in average sale prices,” she said. “Conversely, homes in the $1 million-plus range are still experiencing longer exposure times”, she added.
Asked about the impact of Wednesday’s interest rate decision, Sfara said the hold may bring a sense of stability to what is typically a busy season.
“While I’m sure buyers were holding out hoping for more cuts, the rate stability may provide some predictability in the housing market, which could help maintain steady activity without triggering an all-out frenzy,” she said.
For first-time buyers trying to navigate today’s conditions, Sfara stressed the importance of preparation.
“My advice is to get a pre-approval in place to better understand your budget and be ready to act quickly when you find the right property,” she said. “Don’t get too caught up trying to check every box. Whether it’s a condo or a freehold, entering the market is a major step toward building equity and long-term wealth.”
Sfara’s experience working with new buyers has given her a close-up view of how rate shifts and affordability concerns shape homebuying decisions—especially in smaller urban centres like Brantford, where relative affordability continues to attract interest from across the province.
