Real estate has always been a hot topic, but since the pandemic, it’s become the dinner-table debate. The market shifted quickly, and many expectations formed just as fast. While some of those perceptions still linger, the numbers in Charlotte County tell a calmer, and far more reassuring story.
One of the simplest ways to understand our local housing market is by looking at the list-to-sale ratio: how many homes sell compared to how many come to market each year. It’s not flashy, but it’s honest.
Over the past three years in Charlotte County, inventory has steadily increased. In 2023, just under 800 homes were listed, with about half of them selling. In 2024, listings climbed again, and sales rose alongside them. The same trend held true in 2025, with more homes entering the market and, once again, roughly 50 per cent successfully selling.
Despite changes in headlines, interest rates, and public sentiment, that ratio has remained remarkably steady.
For sellers, this is encouraging. While buyers have more options to choose from, demand has not disappeared. Roughly half of the homes listed each year continue to sell, which helps set realistic expectations. Today’s market isn’t about tossing up a sign and waiting for a bidding war; it’s about thoughtful pricing, strong presentation, and a little patience. When those pieces align, homes in Charlotte County continue to move.
Buyers, on the other hand, are enjoying a more relaxed pace. Increased inventory means more choice and more time to make decisions. This has contributed to a gradual rise in average days on market over the past few years—a sign not of a struggling market, but of a healthier, more balanced one.
So, what does this mean as we look ahead in 2026?
If current trends hold, we can expect inventory to remain relatively stable, with buyers continuing to take a measured approach and sellers benefiting from clearer expectations. Barring any major economic surprises, the market is likely to continue rewarding well-prepared listings and informed buyers rather than impulsive decisions on either side.
In short, Charlotte County’s real estate market appears to be less about extremes and more about equilibrium.
Real estate will always spark opinions and predictions. But when you step back and look at the bigger picture, the story becomes much easier to understand. It’s simply a market that encourages thoughtful planning, realistic expectations, and decisions made with confidence.
Brittany Locking is a REALTOR® with Fundy Bay Real Estate, specializing in the Charlotte County market. She began her real estate career in the Greater Toronto Area before becoming a licensed REALTOR®, and later relocating to St. Andrews in 2017 after a visit that quickly turned into a love for the town, its pace of life, and the natural beauty of Charlotte County. Brittany lives locally with her husband, son, and two dogs and is passionate about giving back through her community initiative, Give Where You Live. She believes that knowledge is power and aims to help readers feel informed and confident about the local real estate market.
