• Burlington approves zoning for 2 highrises on Plains Road, rejects 3rd

    Burlington approves zoning for 2 highrises on Plains Road, rejects 3rd

    Burlington city council approved zoning and official plan amendments for two residential projects on Plains Road: a 12-storey mixed-use building with 179 units at 517 Plains Rd. E. and a nine-storey mixed-use building with 140 units. Both require site plan review before permits. A 25-storey building with 283 units at 1376-1382 Plains Rd. E. was refused due to excessive scale and inadequate transition to nearby areas. Appeals are due by Oct. 28.

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  • Happy Halloween

    Halloween falls on October 31 because the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, considered the earliest known root of Halloween, occurred on this day.
    In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to praise all saints.
    Soon, All Saints' Day incorporated some traditions of Samhain and the evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.
    Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
    Today’s the day to eat candies and sweets to your heart’s content! Happy Halloween!

  • Ontario Housing Poised for Growth Amid 2027 Rate Changes

    Ontario Housing Poised for Growth Amid 2027 Rate Changes

    Ontario’s housing market is expected to recover modestly in 2027, with existing home sales rising nearly 5% and average prices increasing about 2.4% to $825,000. Factors include lower prices, rising incomes, buyer supports, and pent-up demand, though activity remains below long-term norms. Housing starts may rise 6% but stay 30% below recent highs. Potential Bank of Canada rate hikes and geopolitical risks could impact affordability and market stability.

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  • Burlington’s September Market Snapshot

    Burlington’s September Market Snapshot

    Burlington’s September market snapshot provides a focused look at recent residential activity. The median sale price was $840,600 in September, down 3% from last year.

    Home sales were also down 10% year over year. This softer level of activity is useful context for anyone considering a purchase or sale in Burlington, Ontario.

    List price and price-per-square-foot data were unavailable for the period, so those measures are not included in this update. A local conversation can help place the available figures in the context of a specific property, neighbourhood and moving timeline.

    If you are considering a move, message me to discuss your plans and the market information most relevant to your next step.

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  • Halton Region home prices jump 2.6 per cent to $1.14 million in September 2026

    Halton Region home prices jump 2.6 per cent to $1.14 million in September 2026

    The average home price in Halton Region was $1.14 million in September 2026, up 2.6% from August but down 4% year-over-year. Sales dropped 14.2% with 502 homes sold, and active listings fell 16.1% to 2,625. Detached houses averaged $1.43 million, semi-detached $939,576, attached $924,897, townhouse-style condos $765,364, and apartment-style condos $638,586. Prices rose significantly compared to 2016.

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  • Bank of Canada Raises Key Rate to 2.5%

    Bank of Canada raised its key rate 0.25% to 2.5%, its first hike since July 2023.

    – Officials warned that rising energy costs could fuel broader inflation, raising the 2027 inflation forecast to 3.1%.

    – The next rate decision is December 9, 2026, with further hikes possible depending on inflation and economic conditions.

  • Affordability Index Remains Higher Than 2019 Levels

    Affordability Index Remains Higher Than 2019 Levels

    Canadian housing affordability improved for the 11th consecutive quarter in Q2 2026, with the affordability index falling to 41.3%, down from a peak of 54.5% in late 2023. Despite gains from interest rate cuts, home price drops, and income growth, affordability remains above pre-pandemic levels. Further improvement depends mainly on price declines, as interest rates are unlikely to fall soon. Regional disparities persist, with some provinces still facing high prices.

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  • Are you thinking of buying a cottage?

    Are you thinking of buying a cottage?

    You’re dreaming of a cottage in Northern Ontario — long weekends on the lake, starry skies, and a place to disconnect. The problem is, cottages are different from city homes: travel time, utilities, seasonal access and maintenance all add layers to the decision. If you live in Burlington and are considering making that leap, here’s a focused checklist to help you decide and act without surprises.

    Start with the travel and use plan

    How often will you realistically be at the cottage? If it’s every weekend in summer, drive time and provincial road conditions matter. If it’s a true remote getaway used a few times a year, you’ll want a plan for care while you’re away. Consider:

    • Drive time and whether you’re comfortable driving it in winter or on shoulder seasons.
    • Whether the property is on a year‑round maintained road or has seasonal/ice road access.
    • Options for quick emergency access (airstrip, float plane, or a closer hospital) if that’s important to you.

    Having a clear use plan helps narrow the area, budget for travel, and decide if a property manager or neighbour-watch arrangement is worth the cost.

    Watch the basics: water, heat, septic and power

    Cottage systems are often off the municipal grid and need special attention. Before you make an offer, confirm:

    • How potable water is supplied (well, lake intake, hauled water) and whether recent water tests are available.
    • The septic or sewage system type and the last service/inspection date. Pumping and repairs can be costly.
    • Heating systems (wood stove, propane, oil, electric) and whether the building has been winterized for year‑round vs seasonal use.
    • Power source and reliability, and whether the property has a generator or backup plan.

    Ask to see maintenance records and include a condition clause in your offer so you can arrange for a thorough inspection of these systems.

    Shoreline and waterfront realities

    If you want waterfront, be specific about what “waterfront” means to you: direct access, a private sandy beach, depth for swimming, or a boat launch. Check:

    • Shoreline condition and erosion risk.
    • Dock condition and whether the dock is included in the sale or needs replacement.
    • Navigation and water depth for the kind of boating you plan to do.

    Many waterfront properties have regulations or permits related to shoreline structures — I’ll help you check what the local municipality or conservation authority requires before you sign.

    Inspection and what to bring on the checklist

    Hire an inspector familiar with rural and waterfront properties. On your visit, focus on:

    • Roof, foundation/footing condition, and signs of water intrusion.
    • Evidence of winter freeze/thaw damage and how the seasonal cycle affects the building.
    • Road access and parking (snow clearing and turnaround space).
    • Outbuildings, boathouses, and any structures that may need repair or removal.

    Bring a list of follow-up items so your offer can include a realistic repair allowance or conditional timeline.

    Hidden costs and ongoing upkeep

    Beyond the purchase price, budget for ongoing costs: property taxes, utilities (or propane deliveries), regular dock and shoreline maintenance, septic pumping, winterization, insurance, and travel. If you plan to rent the cottage occasionally, check local rules and remember rental income may change your insurance needs.

    How I can help from Burlington

    I work with buyers across Burlington who want Northern Ontario cottage country as a retreat. I can: compile listings that match your travel and use plan, coordinate local specialists for inspections and water tests, and connect you with reliable property managers or contractors in the area.

    If you want to talk through the tradeoffs — distance vs privacy, maintenance vs convenience, or seasonal vs year‑round use — send me a note. I’ll help you narrow the search and figure out the practical checklist for any cottage you’re considering.

  • Ontario Real Estate Sales Slow

    In Late-Q3, local Ontario markets logged 1.1K home sales as activity moderated, while sale prices varied by location, underscoring localized conditions for buyers and sellers.
    In one Ontario county, 138 home sales closed at a ~$516K avg. price, alongside 442 new listings and 979 active listings during Late-Q3.
    Another Ontario county held steady at 118 sales, while its avg. price eased to ~$635K and homes typically took 60 days to sell.
    A third Ontario county had 31 sales, but pricing strengthened to ~$857K, with MoM gains near 27% and yearly gains near 8%.
    Industry leaders said these differences showed Ontario housing stayed deeply local, making market specific guidance important and keeping housing issues visible during municipal election season.