🏡 Daily Mortgage & Housing Market Briefing – October 6, 2026

Welcome to your daily market briefing! Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or renew your mortgage in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, here is everything you need to know about where rates and home prices stand today! 📊✨

🏛️ Bank of Canada & Bond Yields Breakdown

• 📈 5-Year Bond Yields Stable (~3.62%): Government of Canada 5-year benchmark bond yields traded steadily near 3.62% at yesterday's close. While holding steady after late-September highs of 3.72%, they remain 25 to 30 bps higher than late-August levels (~3.25%), keeping wholesale fixed-rate costs elevated for lenders.

• 🗓️ October 28 Decision Countdown: The Bank of Canada policy rate remains at 2.25% (Prime Rate at 4.45%). Money markets are pricing in a 54% to 60% probability of a 25 bps rate hike at the upcoming October 28 announcement, driven by trade tariff friction and sticky inflation. Swap markets currently price in zero chance of rate cuts through the end of 2026.

💳 Major Lender Rate Sheet Summary

Term / Option	High-Ratio (Insured)	Conventional (Uninsured)	Market Trend
3-Year Fixed	3.99% – 4.14%	4.39% – 4.64%	Core product of choice; sub-3.90% promos remain pulled
5-Year Fixed	4.19% – 4.29%	4.49% – 4.74%	Yields holding near 3.62% restrict lender buydowns
5-Year Variable	3.25% – 3.35% (Prime - 1.10% to 1.20%)	3.65% – 3.85%	Holds steady; lowest entry point, but upside risk builds

📢 Broker Channel Alert: Monolines and broker desks continue operating under strict margin discipline. Lenders are restricting discretionary rate-buydown budgets. If you hold an active sub-4.00% 3-year fixed rate hold, make sure it doesn't expire unutilized!

🌲 Peterborough & Kawarthas Regional Market Pulse

• 🏷️ Price Benchmarks: In-city Peterborough median sold prices hold balanced between $545,750 – $560,000(average $573,919). Peterborough County overall (including rural residential and waterfront properties) averages $708,800.

• 🏡 Inventory & Absorption: Active listings across the region sit balanced between 329 and 385 active listings, with average time on market holding steady at 33 days.

• 🤝 Buyer Footing: Slower regional sales velocity (~33 DOM) continues to favor non-rushed buyers over aggressive multi-offer scenarios. Standard detached properties are closing a median $14,000 to $20,000 below original list price, allowing buyers to maintain standard conditional protections!

💡 Key Takeaways & Action Steps for Buyers & Homeowners

1. ⏰ Check Your Pre-Approval Expiry: If you are actively shopping or facing a fall/winter renewal, check the exact expiry date on your 120-day rate hold. Re-qualifying after expiry could mean paying 10 to 25 bps higher under new rate sheets.

2. 🛡️ Keep Your Conditional Protections: With market time averaging over a month (~33 DOM), local sellers are accepting conditional offers. You do not need to waive essential financing, appraisal, or home inspection clauses to secure a home in Peterborough or the Kawarthas!

👇 Help keep our community informed—hit Share to pass this update along to your neighbours. 🏫✨

Questions about anything REAL ESTATE?? Call me for a consultation to help you get to the path of YOUR success….

📞 705-927-6236

👤 Brad Sinclair | Realtor® Re/Max Professionals North

📍 Might as well have the BEST to accomplish your goals.

Families love the Kawarthas/Highlands. Let’s find your place in it. ❤️🏡