Nova Scotia Housing Market Update – August 2025

Written By Ben Chisholm

The Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® has released its August 2025 market report, and the numbers highlight a market that’s balancing out. Prices remain on the rise, but more listings and higher inventory levels are giving buyers options we haven’t seen in several years.

Sales Activity: A Slight Decline

  • 1,078 homes sold in August 2025, down 2.1% compared to August 2024.

  • Sales were 7.3% below the five-year average and 9.2% below the ten-year average for this month.

  • Year-to-date, 7,653 homes have sold, up 1.6% from the same period in 2024.

What it means: Demand has eased from the record-setting pace of recent years, but sales are still holding steady overall.

Prices: Still Moving Up

  • Average price (August 2025): $467,148, up 7.1% year-over-year.

  • Year-to-date average price: $473,769, a gain of 5.2%.

  • MLS® HPI benchmark price: $428,800, up 3.5% compared to August 2024.

By Property Type:

  • Single-family homes: $422,300 (+4% YoY)

  • Townhouses/rows: $544,200 (+0.1% YoY)

  • Apartments: $473,500 (-1% YoY)

What it means: Detached homes are driving the overall price growth, while attached and apartment markets are seeing little movement or slight declines.

Inventory: Highest August in 5+ Years

  • 1,554 new listings in August, up 4.4% from last year.

  • 4,980 active listings on the market — the highest August level in more than five years.

  • Months of inventory: 4.6 (up from 4.1 in August 2024, close to the long-run average of 5).

What it means: Buyers finally have more choice, while sellers face more competition. Correct pricing and strong presentation matter more now.

Regional Highlights

  • Halifax-Dartmouth: Avg. price $603,650 (+5.8% YoY), sales down 2.7%.

  • Northern NS: Leading price growth at +15.5%, avg. price $335,593.

  • South Shore: Avg. price up 13% to $451,783.

  • Cape Breton: Sales slightly higher, but avg. price fell 12% to $249,142.

  • Yarmouth: Sales down 13.8%, but prices up 12.3%.

What it means: Growth isn’t uniform. Some regions are booming, while others remain more affordable or are adjusting downward.

Key Takeaways

  • Buyers: More inventory means less pressure and more negotiating room, though prices are still edging up.

  • Sellers: Homes are appreciating, but a crowded market makes strategic pricing essential.

  • Investors: Regional differences are creating opportunities, especially in Northern NS and the South Shore, while Halifax remains a steady anchor.

📊 Bottom Line: August’s numbers confirm a shift toward balance in Nova Scotia real estate. Prices are resilient, but higher inventory is giving buyers more leverage and shaping a more competitive market for sellers.

👉 Curious what these trends mean for your property or your next move? Connect with the Chisholm Group to discuss your options.

Ben Chisholm
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Summer Highlights with the Chisholm Group