As we move into 2026, the Ontario real estate landscape is undergoing a “Great Rebalancing.” After years of explosive growth in the number of licensed professionals, the industry is entering a more mature and stable phase. For both buyers and sellers, understanding the current density of the market is crucial for navigating one of North America’s most competitive real estate hubs.
The 2026 Landscape: By the Numbers
As of early 2026, the number of real estate agents in Ontario remains historically high, though growth has plateaued for the first time in a decade.
- Total Licensed Agents in Ontario: Approximately 98,000–100,000. While the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) saw a peak near 105,000 in 2023-2024, the high-interest-rate environment and slowing transaction volumes of late 2025 led to a modest consolidation.
- GTA Concentration: Roughly 70,000 of these agents are members of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), meaning nearly 70% of the province’s real estate workforce is focused on the Greater Toronto Area.
- Agent-to-Resident Ratio: With Ontario’s population reaching approximately 15.8 million, there is now one licensed agent for every 158 residents. In the GTA, that ratio is even tighter, at roughly one agent for every 95 residents.
Key Trends Shaping 2026
1. The Survival of the Fittest
The “easy money” era of 2021–2022 is a distant memory. Data from late 2025 indicates that the “90/10 Rule” has intensified: roughly 10% of agents are handling 90% of all transactions. For 2026, many part-time or “casual” agents are exiting the industry as high inventory and longer “days-on-market” require more sophisticated marketing budgets and full-time dedication.
2. Inventory vs. Activity
Unlike the 2025 forecasts that predicted a massive rebound, 2026 is seeing a “holding pattern.” Active listings in Ontario reached 15-year highs in late 2025. For agents, this means 2026 is a year of negotiation skills over speed. The ability to move stagnant inventory is now the primary metric of a top-tier agent.
3. New Entry Barriers
RECO’s updated educational and compliance standards, combined with the higher costs of doing business (board fees, insurance, and marketing), have slowed the influx of new registrants. The average age of an Ontario Realtor is trending slightly higher as the profession shifts back toward being a long-term career rather than a side hustle.
Summary Table: Ontario Real Estate Statistics (2026 Forecast)
| Statistic | 2026 Projection |
| Total Licensed Agents (RECO) | ~98,000 – 102,000 |
| TRREB (GTA) Members | ~70,000 |
| Agent-to-Resident Ratio (Provincial) | 1 per 158 |
| Months of Inventory (Average) | 4.5 – 5.2 months |
| Average Home Price (Ontario) | $820,000 – $840,000 |
What This Means for Consumers
In 2026, you aren’t looking for an agent who can simply “find a house”—you’re looking for a strategist. With inventory high and prices moderating, buyers have the upper hand, but they need agents who can navigate complex inspections and appraisal gaps. Sellers, meanwhile, must be more selective than ever; choosing an inexperienced agent in a high-inventory market could mean the difference between a sale and a listing that expires after 90 days.
