October brought a noticeable slowdown in real estate activity across the Kimberley area, with fewer homes selling, longer days on market and a modest increase in available inventory.
While more properties came onto the market compared to October last year, buyers were taking their time, and sellers were receiving a smaller percentage of their asking price.
So, what does this mean for buyers and sellers heading into the final months of 2026? Let's take a closer look at the numbers.
**These statistics cover residential properties priced above $90,000 in Kimberley, Marysville and the Alpine Resort Area.
October 2026 Market Highlights
New Listings: 15 | Up 15.38%
There were 15 new listings in October, compared to 13 during the same month last year. That's a 15.38% increase in new listing activity.
While this is a modest increase, it means buyers had a few more opportunities to explore what's available. Year to date, however, new listings are down 6.45%, with 203 properties listed compared to 217 at this time last year.
Sold Listings: 11 | Down 45%
Only 11 properties sold in October, compared to 20 in October 2025. That's a significant 45% decrease in sales activity.
This is one of the more noticeable changes in this month's report. Fewer properties are changing hands, suggesting buyers are being more selective or taking longer to make purchasing decisions.
Year to date, there have been 122 sales compared to 153 last year, representing a 20.26% decrease.
Active Inventory: 60 | Up 5.26%
There were 60 active listings at the end of October, compared to 57 last year.
Inventory has increased slightly, giving buyers a little more choice. With sales activity slowing, available properties are also spending more time on the market.
The months of inventory increased from 3.89 to 5.14, a 32.33% increase year over year.
Months of inventory is a useful measure of how long it would theoretically take to sell all currently available properties at the current rate of sales, assuming no new listings came onto the market.
At 5.14 months of inventory, the market is showing more room for buyers to be selective than it did a year ago.
Average Days on Market: 94.91 | Up 22.07%
Homes took an average of almost 95 days to sell in October, compared to approximately 78 days last year.
That's a 22.07% increase, meaning properties are generally taking longer to find buyers.
For sellers, this is a good reminder that pricing a property appropriately from the beginning is important. Buyers have more time to compare their options, and properties that are priced above current market expectations may take longer to sell.
Interestingly, the year-to-date average tells a slightly different story. Properties have averaged 66.02 days on market so far in 2026, compared to 72.60 days during the same period last year.
Average Sale Price: $578,682 | Down 5.59%
The average sale price in October was $578,682, compared to $612,926 in October 2025.
That's a decrease of 5.59% year over year.
The average list price also decreased slightly, from $641,050 last October to $626,973 this October, a 2.20% decrease.
It's important to remember that average sale prices can fluctuate depending on the types of properties sold during a particular month. A smaller number of sales, as we saw in October, can make monthly averages particularly sensitive to the mix of properties that changed hands.
Looking at the bigger picture, the year-to-date average sale price is actually up 7.51%, sitting at $570,871 compared to $530,981 last year.
Average Sale-to-List Price Ratio: 91.79% | Down 3.12%
In October, properties sold for an average of 91.79% of their asking price, compared to 94.75% last year.
This suggests a wider gap between asking prices and final selling prices. Buyers may have more room to negotiate, while sellers need to be realistic about what the current market will support.
Year to date, the average sale-to-list ratio is 96.24%, slightly higher than last year's 95.54%.
What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?
For Buyers
There are a few encouraging signs for buyers in October's numbers.
With inventory up slightly, months of supply increasing and homes taking longer to sell, buyers may have more time to explore their options and make informed decisions.
The lower average sale-to-list price ratio may also create more opportunities for negotiation, depending on the property and its pricing.
That said, every property is different. Well-priced homes in desirable locations can still attract attention, so it's important to understand the value of a property before making an offer.
For Sellers
For sellers, October reinforces the importance of having a thoughtful pricing and marketing strategy.
With fewer sales, more inventory and longer days on market, buyers have more options to consider. Properties need to stand out, and pricing should reflect current market conditions rather than relying solely on what similar homes sold for last year.
Professional photography, strong online marketing and presenting your home in its best light can make a difference when competing for buyers' attention.
The goal is to attract the right buyers from the beginning rather than having to make multiple price adjustments later.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
While October's monthly numbers show a slower market compared to last year, the year-to-date figures provide a little more perspective.
Average sale prices are up 7.51% so far in 2026, and the average sale-to-list ratio has also improved slightly year over year. At the same time, total sales are down 20.26%, and new listings are down 6.45%.
This tells us that while property values and market activity don't always move in the same direction, buyers and sellers are navigating a market that looks different from a year ago.
The key takeaway? Real estate is very local, and the numbers can vary considerably depending on the property type, location, condition and price point.
Whether you're considering buying your first home, selling your current property, downsizing or relocating to the Kimberley area, understanding what's happening in the market can help you make more confident decisions.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Kimberley?
If you're curious about what your home might be worth, wondering whether now is a good time to buy, or simply want to understand how current market conditions affect your plans, I'd love to chat.
My approach is to make sure you have the information you need to make the right decision for your situation, without the pressure.
Let's make your next real estate move a little less stressful and a lot more exciting!
