How to Sell a House in Toronto: A Step-by-Step Guide

From choosing a closing date to offer night: how to prepare, price, list and sell your Toronto home for the best price.

Updated October 2026 · Written by Candice Schott, Broker, Schott & Co., Royal LePage Signature Realty, Brokerage

To sell a house in Toronto for the best price, price it for today's market, fix the small things buyers notice first, launch with professional photos and a clear offer strategy, and choose your closing date before you list. In September 2026, the average City of Toronto home took 33 days to sell at 99% of asking, according to TRREB, but well-prepared homes in the east end sold in under three weeks, well over asking.

This guide from Candice Schott, Broker and co-founder of Schott & Co., walks through every step of selling a Toronto home, from your first call to closing day.

The short version

  • Talk to your lender and lawyer before you list.
  • Price for this market, not for 2022.
  • Prep, photos and pricing matter more than big renovations.
  • Pick an offer strategy that fits your home and area.

What are the steps to selling a house in Toronto?

  1. Plan your timing. Decide when you want to move and whether you'll buy first or sell first.
  2. Talk to your lender and lawyer. Find out your mortgage penalty and closing costs.
  3. Price your home from what comparable homes actually sold for.
  4. Prepare the house: repairs, decluttering, cleaning and staging.
  5. Launch the listing with photos, a floor plan, video and MLS® exposure.
  6. Show it and collect feedback.
  7. Review offers and negotiate.
  8. Firm up once the buyer's conditions are met.
  9. Close with your lawyer and hand over the keys.

How long does it take to sell a house in Toronto?

It depends on the home and the area. In September 2026, City of Toronto homes averaged 33 days on market, according to TRREB. Semi-detached homes averaged 21 days, detached homes 27 days and condo apartments 40 days. In Leslieville and Riverdale (district E01), homes sold in 18 days on average, and in The Beach (E02) in 12 days. Add a few weeks for preparation before you list and a 30 to 90 day closing after you sell.

How do you price a house to sell in Toronto?

Price from what similar homes on similar streets actually sold for recently, adjusted for size, condition, parking and lot. Not what your neighbour sold for in 2022, and not an online estimate that can't see your renovations. Then decide on a strategy: list at market value and accept offers any time, or price slightly lower and hold offers to draw competition. Our full pricing guide explains both.

"Your price is about your street. So look at what sold on your block, not at what your brother-in-law says at Thanksgiving." — Candice Schott

What should you fix before selling your house?

The small things. Buyers notice cheap fixes before they notice beautiful ones: grout, burnt-out bulbs, sticky doors, scuffed paint and overstuffed closets. Fresh paint in neutral colours, a deep clean, decluttering and good lighting usually return more than a big renovation. Leave major projects alone unless something is broken or would scare off a buyer's lender or inspector.

  1. Repair: leaks, broken fixtures, anything an inspector would flag.
  2. Refresh: paint, caulking, grout, lighting.
  3. Declutter: pack away half of what's in closets and on counters.
  4. Clean: windows, floors, appliances, outside entrance.
  5. Stage: arrange furniture so every room has a clear purpose.

See our guide on what not to fix when selling a house.

Should you hold offers or take offers any time?

Hold offers

  • Set an offer date about a week after listing
  • Creates competition when demand is high
  • Risky if no one shows up

Best for in-demand homes and low-inventory areas

Offers any time

  • List at market value
  • Buyers can make offers with conditions
  • Safer when the market is slower

Best for condos and slower segments

In a slower market, holding offers on a condo can backfire. In September 2026, Toronto condo apartments sold at 97% of asking while semis sold at 104%, according to TRREB, so the right strategy depends on what you're selling.

Can you see other buyers' offers in Ontario?

Partly. Since December 1, 2023, under Ontario's Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA), the seller's agent must tell everyone who makes a written offer how many competing offers there are, according to the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). The content of offers, including the price, can only be shared if the seller directs it in writing. Buyers' names and identifying details are never shared.

What does it cost to sell a house in Toronto?

Sellers don't pay land transfer tax. You do pay real estate fees as set out in your listing agreement, plus HST, legal fees to close and discharge your mortgage, any mortgage prepayment penalty, and prep and moving costs. Ask your lender for your exact penalty before you list. See our closing costs guide for the full list.

Do you pay tax when you sell your house?

Usually not, if it's been your principal residence for every year you owned it. You still have to report the sale on your tax return and designate the home as your principal residence, according to the Canada Revenue Agency. If you rented part of it or owned another property, talk to an accountant first.

Common questions about selling a house in Toronto

What month is best to sell a house in Toronto?

Spring usually brings the most buyers, but also the most competing listings. A well-priced, well-prepared home can sell well in any season. Your own timing and your next move matter more than the month.

Should I renovate before selling?

Usually not a big renovation. Small repairs, paint, cleaning and staging tend to return more than they cost. Fix anything broken or likely to be flagged by an inspector.

How long does it take to sell a house in Toronto?

In September 2026, City of Toronto homes averaged 33 days on market, according to TRREB: 21 days for semis, 27 for detached homes and 40 for condo apartments. Then add the closing period, usually 30 to 90 days.

Is it better to sell first or buy first?

For most people moving up, sell first with a longer closing, then buy with a firm sale in hand. Our upsizing guide explains when buying first makes sense.

What happens if my house doesn't sell?

Look at the price first. Homes that sit are usually priced above what buyers will pay. Review feedback, compare recent sales, adjust the price or presentation, and relaunch with a plan.

Who is Candice Schott?

Candice Schott is a Broker with Royal LePage Signature Realty, Brokerage, who co-leads Schott & Co. with Jason Schott, Sales Representative. Since 2005 they've sold more than 500 Toronto homes.

Thinking about selling?

You give us a budget, you give us your keys, and we take care of the rest. We'll start with what actually sold on your street. Get in touch with Candice and Jason →

Sources: TRREB Market Watch, September 2026 · RECO, competing offers bulletin · FCAC, prepayment penalties · CRA, principal residence

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract.