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Trending Topics, Market Updates, and Expert Opinions

New-Home Buyers Could Soon See Development Charges More Clearly Before They Sign

A major affordability issue in new construction is getting more attention. On September 18, 2026, TRREB called for clearer disclosure of development charges in new-home purchase agreements, arguing that buyers should know exactly how much government fees are adding to the cost of a property before they sign. TRREB says government-imposed costs can represent roughly 30% to 36% of the total cost of a new home, with development charges making up a significant portion.Why does this matter to buyers? Because these charges are often paid by the builder first and then passed on through the purchase price or closing adjustments. That means a buyer may focus heavily on the advertised price without fully understanding how much additional cost is connected to taxes, fees and development charges.For anyone considering a pre-construction condo or new home, this is a good reminder to look beyond the headline price. Buyers should understand what is included, what can change before closing, and what additional adjustments could still be payable. The final cost can matter much more than the price shown in the brochure.For Realtors, this is also an important client conversation. Buyers increasingly expect transparency, especially when affordability is already stretched. Explaining these costs clearly before a client commits can help avoid surprises later and make the Realtor’s advice more valuable.The takeaway is simple: when buying new construction, ask what the final cost could be—not just what the advertised price is. Better disclosure could make that question easier for buyers to answer.Source: Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), September 18, 2026.

7 days ago

Educational

Toronto Has Almost 92,000 Homes Under Construction — So Why Are People Still Worried About Supply?

Toronto currently has an enormous amount of housing being built. CMHC reported that 91,584 housing units were under construction in the Toronto area in August 2026. That sounds like great news for anyone hoping more supply will eventually make housing easier to afford.But the numbers reveal something more interesting. Toronto had 19,516 approved units waiting to start construction, up 9.2% from July, while the number of homes actually under construction declined slightly. Across Ontario, the broader trend in housing starts also weakened in August.That gap matters because an approved home is not the same as a home being built. Financing costs, weak pre-construction sales, construction expenses, and market uncertainty can all delay projects. If too many approved projects remain on paper instead of moving into construction, Toronto could eventually face another supply shortage.For today's buyer, this does not mean prices are about to jump. There are still tens of thousands of units moving toward completion. But someone planning to buy two or three years from now should pay attention to what is entering the pipeline today — because that is what will determine how much choice exists later.For sellers and investors, the same story works in reverse. If fewer new projects eventually reach completion, existing homes may face less competition from brand-new inventory. Toronto has plenty being built today, but the more important question may be whether enough new projects are replacing them for tomorrow.Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), August 2026 Housing Starts and Construction Data, released September 16, 2026.

7 days ago

Educational

More Homes Are Being Listed While Sales Slow. Is the Fall Market Giving Buyers Another Chance?

Canada’s housing market cooled again in August, and that may actually be useful news for buyers. CREA reported that home sales fell 0.7% from July, while the number of new listings increased 3.3%. Home prices were essentially unchanged from the previous month.For buyers, that combination can be attractive. More listings means more choice, while slightly weaker sales can reduce the pressure to make a rushed offer. Someone who did not find the right home during the spring or summer may have a better opportunity to compare properties and negotiate this fall.But there is one important problem: borrowing costs. CREA says fixed mortgage rates have already moved higher as bond yields increased, while the Bank of Canada has warned about renewed inflation risks. So even if a home's purchase price does not increase, the monthly mortgage payment can still become more expensive.For sellers, this is a market where the first impression matters. When buyers have more options, an overpriced listing can be ignored quickly. Homes that are prepared properly and priced according to current comparable sales are much more likely to attract serious buyers.The big takeaway is that fall 2026 may give buyers more choice, but not necessarily lower monthly costs. Buyers should compare both the purchase price and the mortgage payment before deciding to wait. Sellers, meanwhile, should understand that buyers are active — but increasingly selective.Source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), August 2026 housing statistics, released September 15, 2026.

7 days ago

Educational

GTA Home Prices Fall Below $1 Million. Is This the Buying Window People Were Waiting For?

The latest GTA numbers contain a headline buyers will notice: the average selling price fell to $993,410 in August 2026. That was 2.7% lower than a year earlier, while TRREB’s benchmark home price was down 4.5% year over year. For buyers who felt priced out of the GTA over the last few years, that makes today’s market worth another look.But there is an interesting catch. While prices are lower, new listings fell 14.1% compared with last August. Only 12,075 new listings came onto the market, while 5,057 homes sold. In other words, prices are still softer, but buyers are also starting to have fewer homes to choose from.That creates a very unusual opportunity. Buyers may still be able to negotiate on price today, but if inventory keeps shrinking, that negotiating advantage may not last. Someone waiting for prices to fall another few percent could eventually find that the homes they actually want are harder to find or attracting more competition.For sellers, the story is also improving. A homeowner still needs to price realistically, but fewer competing listings can help a good property stand out. Sellers who postponed listing because they believed there were “too many homes for sale” may want to check what inventory actually looks like in their neighbourhood now.The simple takeaway: GTA prices are still below last year, but supply is tightening. For financially prepared buyers, that combination could create one of the more interesting buying windows of 2026. For sellers, the balance may also be slowly beginning to shift.Source: Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), August 2026 Market Watch, released September 3, 2026.

7 days ago

Market trends

Home Sales Slipped Again. Does That Give Buyers Another Chance This Fall?

Canada’s housing market cooled slightly in August. CREA reported on September 15, 2026 that home sales fell 0.7% from July, while new listings increased 3.3%. Home prices were essentially unchanged from the previous month, meaning the market entered the fall without a major jump in either prices or activity.For buyers, that may actually be useful. More listings combined with slightly softer sales can mean more choice and less pressure to make a rushed decision. Buyers who felt they missed the spring or summer market may find that the fall gives them another opportunity to compare homes and negotiate.But there is an important catch. CREA also pointed to rising economic uncertainty and higher fixed mortgage rates, which could make affordability harder even if home prices remain stable. A home that costs the same can still become more expensive each month if borrowing costs rise.For sellers, this is a market where pricing matters. Buyers are still active, but they are selective. Sellers who price realistically may attract serious interest, while homes listed too aggressively may struggle when buyers have more options.The simple takeaway is: fall 2026 may offer buyers more selection, but not necessarily cheaper monthly payments. That makes affordability—not just the purchase price—the number buyers should watch most closely.Source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), September 15, 2026.

7 days ago

Recommended

The Bank of Canada Held Rates Again. Could the Next Move Actually Be Up?

The Bank of Canada kept its policy interest rate unchanged at 2.25% on September 2, but this decision came with a message buyers should pay attention to. The Bank said inflation risks have increased because of higher energy prices and new trade tariffs, while Governor Tiff Macklem warned that policy could change if inflation remains too high.For months, many buyers have been waiting for another rate cut before entering the market. Now the conversation is changing. Instead of asking how soon rates might fall, some economists and financial markets are beginning to consider whether the Bank could eventually need to raise rates again if inflation stays elevated.For GTA buyers, that matters because waiting for cheaper borrowing may not work as planned. If mortgage rates stay around current levels—or move higher—buyers who are financially ready today may not receive the large payment relief they hoped for later.For sellers, stable rates can still be positive because they remove some uncertainty. Buyers have a clearer idea of what they can afford, even if financing is not getting cheaper. The market does not necessarily need a rate cut to become more active; sometimes buyers simply need confidence that rates are not changing dramatically.The takeaway: do not base a home purchase solely on the hope of a future rate cut. The better question is whether the right home is comfortably affordable at today’s payment.Source: Bank of Canada, September 2, 2026.

19 days ago

Market trends

Toronto Wants 10,000 More Rental Homes. Could Renting Become Easier?

Toronto is pushing ahead with a major new effort to increase rental housing supply. The City’s latest Purpose-Built Rental Housing Incentives program is now accepting applications and is designed to support 10,000 new rental homes, including at least 2,000 affordable rental units and up to 8,000 market rental homes. Applications for the current phase close September 18.For tenants, the idea is simple: more rental supply can eventually mean more choice. If enough new projects move forward, renters may have more buildings, locations, and price points to choose from instead of competing for a limited number of units.For landlords and investors, this is worth watching for the opposite reason. More professionally managed rental buildings can create stronger competition. Older units may need better presentation, realistic pricing, or stronger tenant retention to compete with newer buildings offering modern amenities.For buyers, this also affects the rent-versus-buy decision. If renting becomes easier and more competitive, some households may choose to lease longer while saving for a down payment. Others may still prefer to buy if they plan to remain in the GTA for many years and can comfortably afford ownership.The important point is that more rental construction does not automatically make renting better than buying. It simply gives consumers more options. The right choice still depends on your timeline, monthly costs, savings, and long-term plans.Source: City of Toronto, Rental Housing Supply Program, updated August 26 and September 2026.

19 days ago

Market trends

GTA Listings Are Shrinking. Could Home Prices Start Rising Again?

The newest GTA housing data carries an important warning for buyers. TRREB reported 5,057 home sales in August 2026, down 2.1% from a year earlier. But the bigger story is that the number of homes available for sale also dropped noticeably, leaving buyers with less choice in some neighbourhoods.Why does that matter? Because home prices are not driven only by how many people are buying. They are also affected by how many homes buyers can choose from. If inventory keeps shrinking while demand remains steady, competition can increase even without a major jump in total sales.For buyers, this means waiting for a lower price does not automatically guarantee a better deal. Prices could stay soft in some areas, but buyers looking for specific neighbourhoods, school districts, or family homes may face fewer options and stronger competition.For sellers, the drop in available listings could be encouraging. A well-priced home may stand out more when there are fewer competing properties. But buyers are still cautious, so unrealistic pricing can still cause a listing to sit.The simple takeaway: the GTA may still feel balanced today, but tighter inventory could eventually put upward pressure on prices. Buyers should watch selection as closely as price, while sellers should pay attention to how much competition exists in their immediate neighbourhood.Source: Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), September 3, 2026.

19 days ago

Market trends

Buyers Are Coming Back. Is the Best GTA Buying Window Starting to Close?

The Canadian housing market is becoming more active again. New numbers released on August 18 showme sales increased for the fourth month in a row in July. At the same time, the number of new homes being listed for sale fell for the third consecutive month. That combination is important for GTA buyers because fewer listings can gradually mean more competition.The change is already being noticed closer to home. CREA says many markets in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe have moved from buyer-friendly conditions toward a more balanced market. That does not mean bidding wars are suddenly everywhere. It means buyers may no longer have quite as much negotiating power as they did earlier this year.Should buyers rush? No. Prices nationally are still below where they were a year ago, and many properties can still be negotiated. But buyers who are financially ready may want to become more serious about their search rather than waiting for the market to become obviously strong. By the time everyone agrees the market has recovered, competition could already be higher.For sellers, this is encouraging news too. A more balanced market means buyers are returning, while fewer new listings can help a good property stand out. Sellers still need realistic pricing, because buyers remain cautious, but the environment is becoming more favourable than it was during the softer months earlier this year.The simple takeaway is this: buyers may still have an opportunity, but that opportunity may be slowly changing. Sellers who have been waiting may also want to reassess their timing. The smartest decision will depend on the specific neighbourhood and property—not just the GTA average.Source: Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Canadian Home Sales Climb Again in July, August 18, 2026.

a month ago

Mortgage

Mortgage Rates Haven't Moved. Should GTA Buyers Keep Waiting?

Buyers hoping that mortgage costs would suddenly become cheaper have not seen much movement lately. The Bank of Canada's latest weekly figures, published August 19, show the major banks' posted five-year conventional mortgage rate remained at 6.09%, while the posted three-year rate remained at 6.05%. The Bank of Canada's policy rate also remains at 2.25%.For buyers, this creates an important question: how long should you wait for lower rates? Waiting can make sense if today's mortgage payment is uncomfortable. But waiting simply because you expect dramatically cheaper financing soon is a different strategy—and there is no guarantee that rates and home prices will move in your favour at the same time.There is another side to the equation. Home sales have now increased nationally for four consecutive months, while listings have been declining. If mortgage rates eventually fall and even more buyers return, some of the savings from a lower rate could be offset by stronger competition or higher prices for desirable homes.For sellers, stable rates can actually be helpful because buyers have more certainty about what they can afford. The market does not necessarily need a major rate cut to improve. It may simply need buyers to become comfortable making decisions under the financing conditions that already exist.So should you buy now or wait? A better question is: can you comfortably afford the home you want at today's payment? If the answer is yes and you plan to stay for several years, waiting solely for a lower mortgage rate may not necessarily produce a better deal. If today's payment stretches the budget, waiting remains the safer choice.Source: Bank of Canada, Posted Interest Rates Offered by Chartered Banks, August 19, 2026.

a month ago

Recommended

Toronto Is Building Fewer Homes. Could That Make Housing More Expensive Later?

Toronto received an important housing warning this week. CMHC reported on August 18 that Toronto housing starts fell 10% compared with July last year, mainly because fewer multi-unit projects such as condos and apartments began construction. Across Canada, housing starts also fell 5% from June.Why should someone planning to buy a home care about construction happening today? Because homes take years to build. If fewer projects begin now, Toronto could have fewer newly completed homes available a few years from today. That becomes especially important if population growth and buyer demand strengthen again.For today's buyer, however, this does not mean prices are about to suddenly increase. Toronto still has tens of thousands of homes under construction, and CMHC reported that completions increased nationally in July. Buyers therefore should not feel pressured to purchase simply because construction starts dropped for one month.The bigger issue is what happens if this becomes a longer trend. If buyers continue returning to the resale market while fewer new homes enter the future supply pipeline, housing could become more competitive again. Sellers of existing homes could eventually benefit from having fewer new developments competing with them.For buyers and sellers, the simple message is: today's softer construction market could become tomorrow's supply problem. Anyone planning a move over the next few years should pay attention not only to current prices, but also to how much new housing Toronto is actually building.Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Housing Starts and Construction Data for July 2026, August 18, 2026.

a month ago

Recommended

Canadian Inflation Just Hit 3%. Is the Rate Cut GTA Buyers Are Waiting For Getting Further Away?

A new economic number released August 17, 2026 could become one of the most important stories for GTA real estate heading into September. Statistics Canada reported that Canada's annual inflation rate increased to 3.0% in July, up from 2.8% in June. That puts headline inflation at the top of the Bank of Canada’s 1%–3% inflation-control range.Why does this matter to someone thinking about buying a home? Because the Bank of Canada’s next interest-rate announcement is scheduled for September 2, and the policy rate currently sits at 2.25%. One inflation report does not determine what the Bank will do, but stronger-than-expected price pressure can make the argument for additional rate cuts more complicated.This creates an interesting dilemma for GTA buyers who have been waiting for cheaper borrowing. If rates do not fall soon, waiting may not produce the mortgage-payment improvement they expected. Meanwhile, both GTA and national resale activity have been gradually improving. The risk is that buyers wait for a better rate, only to eventually encounter stronger competition for the properties they actually want.Sellers should watch this closely as well. Stable borrowing costs can keep affordability challenging, but greater certainty around rates can still encourage serious buyers to make decisions. The market does not necessarily need dramatically lower rates to become more active — it may simply need consumers to believe rates are unlikely to move sharply higher.So should buyers stop waiting? Not necessarily. But the decision should be based on whether a home is comfortably affordable at today’s payment, rather than assuming a future Bank of Canada cut will make the numbers work. The most important question may no longer be “How low will rates go?” but “What happens if rates stay around here while the housing market keeps recovering?”Source: Statistics Canada, Consumer Price Index — July 2026, released August 17, 2026; Bank of Canada.

a month ago

Recommended

GTA Listings Just Fell Nearly 18%. Are Buyers About to Lose Some of Their Negotiating Power?

The GTA housing market delivered an interesting signal in the latest July numbers. 5,995 homes sold in July 2026, slightly below July 2025, but new listings dropped approximately 17.8% year over year. Active inventory also declined. In other words, buyer demand did not suddenly explode—but the number of sellers entering the market fell much faster.That matters because buyer negotiating power depends on more than prices. It also depends on how many alternatives are available. When fewer homes come onto the market, buyers looking for a particular neighbourhood, school district or property type can suddenly find themselves competing for a much smaller pool of suitable homes. TRREB described July resale conditions as tighter than a year earlier.The condo market is particularly interesting. July’s GTA condo apartment average price was approximately $636,000, up slightly from June but still below last year. Sales were close to year-ago levels, while lower prices appeared to be helping bring buyers back. That could make condos one of the segments worth watching most closely if first-time buyers continue returning.For sellers, fewer competing listings can be encouraging—but it does not mean aggressive pricing suddenly works again. Buyers remain selective, and homes still need to justify their asking prices. A seller entering a neighbourhood with shrinking inventory may have a stronger position than someone who waits until a larger wave of fall listings arrives.For buyers, the real question is therefore not simply “Will prices fall more?” It is also “Will I have the same selection later?” Waiting can produce a lower price in some circumstances, but if inventory continues shrinking, finding the right property may become harder even before GTA-wide prices rise significantly.Source: Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), July 2026 Market Watch.

2 months ago

Recommended

GTA Home Sales Are Rising, but Prices Are Still Lower. Is This the Buyer’s Window?

The latest published GTA market statistics show a housing market moving in two directions at once. TRREB reported 6,770 home sales in June 2026, an increase of 9.4% from the previous year. Yet the average GTA selling price was $1,058,658, down 3.9% year over year. More homes are selling, but buyers are not yet facing the price growth associated with a fully heated market.That combination may represent an important window for prepared buyers. Stronger activity suggests confidence is returning, while softer prices mean some negotiating opportunities remain. However, the window may narrow if sales continue rising while available supply fails to keep pace.For sellers, the improvement in activity is encouraging—but it is not permission to overprice. Buyers remain selective and highly focused on monthly affordability. A well-prepared home listed at a defensible price may attract stronger interest, while an ambitious asking price can still result in weeks of inactivity and later reductions.Realtors should also remind clients that the GTA is not one uniform market. A detached home in a supply-constrained family neighbourhood may behave very differently from an investor-owned downtown condo. Buyers and sellers need neighbourhood-level evidence rather than relying only on a GTA-wide average.The key question is whether buyers should wait for lower prices or move before competition grows. There is no universal answer, but buyers who are financially ready may currently have something valuable: improving choice, negotiating power, and less pressure than they could face after the recovery becomes obvious to everyone.

2 months ago

Recommended

294 New Rental Homes Are Coming to Toronto. Is Renting Becoming Smarter Than Buying?

Construction has begun on **294 new rental homes in Toronto’s Davisville area**, creating a timely question for residents: could growing rental supply make leasing a better option than purchasing? The project was announced by the City of Toronto, the federal government, and the Missanabie Cree First Nation in mid-July as part of efforts to expand long-term rental housing.For Toronto tenants, additional rental construction is encouraging. More professionally managed housing can create greater choice and, over time, more competition among landlords. Tenants may be able to compare buildings based on rent, location, amenities, transit access, and unit quality rather than accepting the first available option in an extremely tight market.However, one new project does not settle the lease-versus-buy debate. Renting can provide flexibility, fewer maintenance responsibilities, and a lower upfront cost. Buying can provide greater housing stability and the opportunity to build equity. The better decision depends on how long someone expects to stay, the monthly ownership cost, available savings, and whether the property fits their longer-term needs.The story also matters to Toronto landlords and real estate investors. New purpose-built rental buildings can compete directly with privately owned condominium units. Owners of older rental properties may need to become more realistic about pricing, improve property presentation, respond faster to prospective tenants, and prioritize retaining reliable tenants.For Realtors, this creates an important client conversation. Someone who plans to move within two or three years may benefit from renting, while a financially prepared household with a longer timeline may still prefer ownership. The arrival of more rental supply gives consumers additional options—but the smartest choice will come from comparing the full cost of renting and buying, not simply choosing whichever monthly payment appears lower.

2 months ago