The Barrie housing market is at a crossroads. While still more affordable than the Greater Toronto Area, local buyers and sellers are feeling the pressure of high interest rates, economic uncertainty, and a cautious consumer mindset.
“Right now, it probably feels worse to people than it did during the early days of the pandemic,” says longtime Barrie realtor Peggy Hill. “We’re seeing hesitation, especially from second-time sellers who are nervous about upgrading. They’re asking, ‘What if I lose my job? What if rates go up again?’”
Despite the anxiety, Hill remains optimistic about Barrie’s position. “We’ve always had a sweet spot in Simcoe County,” she explains. “First-time buyers can still find homes here, and that’s the breath of every market. You don’t see that in Toronto, where people aren’t buying little boxes in the sky.”
Inventory remains tight, and while prices have corrected from their 2022 highs, affordability is still a challenge. “Our town homes were pushing a million dollars at one point,” Hill recalls. “That’s not sustainable. People aren’t going to pay that and then sit on the 400 for 90 minutes to get to work.”
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To help residents make sense of it all, Hill is hosting a free housing market forecast event on Tuesday, June 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Liberty North Event Centre. The evening will feature economist Ben Rabidoux, founder of Edge Realty Analytics, who will share data-driven insights into where the market may be headed.
“I first met Ben during COVID,” Hill says. “Nobody knew what was going on, but he had data—and that made a difference. This event is my way of saying thank you to the community and giving people access to the same tools I use.”
Rabidoux is known for his no-nonsense approach. “He’ll give the straight goods,” Hill promises. “It might not be all sunshine, but people aren’t looking for that. They want the truth.”
The event is open to the public, with refreshments provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions or simply listen in. “There’s no sales pitch,” Hill emphasizes. “This is about information. People are bombarded with conflicting advice. We want to cut through that and give them something real.”
Event Details:
- What: Housing Market Forecast with Economist Ben Rabidoux
- When: Tuesday, June 18, 6–9 p.m.
- Where: Liberty North Event Centre, Barrie
- Cost: Free
- Hosted by: Peggy Hill Team
- RSVP here
“Please come and say hello,” Hill added. “Ask your questions—or just sit and listen. It’ll be a great night. I promise you that.”
Listen to our interview with Peggy Hill on this week's 'What Barrie's Talking About' podcast
