Home sales rose last year
But median prices slipped to $560,500
Home sales were up in Trent Hills last year, but the median price slipped a bit from 2024.
In total, 232 homes sold, up 9 per cent from 213 in 2024, while the median price dropped 3 per cent to $560,500 from $579,900. Most of the sales, 224, were detached houses, while three were condo townhouses and five were row townhouses. That distribution was similar to 2024 when only five of the places sold were not detached.
Looking just at last month, there were 12 sales with a median price of $540,000, compared to 11 sales and a median price of $520,000 in 2024. In November, 13 homes sold for a median of $595,000.
During the month there were 16 new listings and there were 90 active listings at the end of December. Both those numbers were down from November, which is a normal seasonal slowing. In November there were 38 new listings and 126 active listings. In December, homes that sold had been on the market an average of 45 days, compared to the annual average of 57 days.
For all of Northumberland County, 70 homes sold in December, a 15 per cent decline compared to 82 in November. The average median selling price edged down slightly to $629,900 from $633,084 in November.
For the year, sales and prices were both down: 1,354 homes sold, compared to 1,411 sales in 2024 and the median price was $663,750, down from $674,100 in 2024.
While activity eased across most regions, prices remained relatively stable, supported by healthy inventory, the Central Lakes Association of Realtors said in a news release.
“As we move through the winter market, we’re seeing the expected seasonal slowdown in activity, but we are also seeing how consumer confidence is continuing to shape the housing market with cost-of-living pressures alongside ongoing uncertainty around interest rates,” said association President Christine Riley.
“While many households are taking a cautious approach, healthy inventory levels remain across our Regions, continuing to provide buyers with expanded choice,” she said.
Trust acquires Wilson Island land
The Northumberland Land Trust has completed the acquisition of more than 187 acres of land on Wilson Island in the Trent River.
Jim and Anne Purvis, who donated the land, have called the nature reserve “Inscape” after a concept derived by poet Gerard Manley Hopkins. They agreed to donate the property last May and the trust raised enough money to complete the legal process allowing the transfer.
“The Jim and Anne Purvis property was a cornerstone of our 2025 fundraising campaign, helping to offset the administrative costs associated with accepting their generous donation as well as ensuring long-term stewardship,” said Amanda Newell, Executive Director of the Northumberland Land Trust.
“Their commitment truly became a family affair when Michael Purvis made a substantial contribution to the campaign -- support that not only strengthened the project but helped us surpass our fundraising goal!”
The Inscape Nature Reserve is located at the western tip of Wilson Island adjacent to the Murray Marsh, which is an area of natural and scientific interest. Nearly all the land is in a natural state and regionally significant woodlands cover approximately 130 acres.
The majority of the property is identified as a provincially significant wetland with the exception of some grasslands. Several distinct ecosystems are present, including deciduous swamps, thicket swamps, cattail marshes, a grassy meadow, and a vernal pool.
Eight species at risk including the Least Bittern, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Midland Painted Turtle have been identified on the property.
“We have stewarded Inscape for 36 years for the purpose of protecting and restoring its ecological integrity,” said Jim and Anne Purvis. “We are excited to tap into Northumberland Land Trust’s conservation expertise and network, so as to preserve Inscape as a natural area where plants, animals, birds will flourish in perpetuity.”
You can learn more about the land trust on its website.
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