Blog

Author: Anita Shumlick B.A.

  • ‘The program is working’: Ontario home sales surge 130% after HST rebate

    ‘The program is working’: Ontario home sales surge 130% after HST rebate

    Ontario’s new home market has seen a remarkable shift: sales have soared by 130% in Q2 2026 after a 13% tax cut on new builds. That’s a leap from 3,645 to 8,410 homes sold, with single-family homes leading the way. This HST rebate—providing up to $130,000 for homes under $1.5 million—has clearly caught buyers’ attention, but it wraps up in March 2027. As someone who guides buyers through the process of finding and negotiating the right Ontario home, I’m seeing firsthand how incentives like these can open doors and create new possibilities for both first-timers and seasoned movers. If you’re curious how these changes could impact your next move, now is the time to get informed.

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  • Low-rise new home sales in the GTA continue to reap the benefits of the HST rebate program in July

    Low-rise new home sales in the GTA continue to reap the benefits of the HST rebate program in July

    July brought another strong month for low-rise new home sales across the Greater Toronto Area, thanks in large part to the continued appeal of the HST rebate program. We saw 1,018 sales last month, keeping us above the 10-year average for four months in a row. Single-family homes, in particular, led the way—50% above the average—while condo sales jumped 40% year-over-year. Working with buyers in Ontario, I always keep an eye on these trends, as opportunities like the HST rebate can make a real difference when negotiating your next home purchase. Whether you’re thinking about a house or a condo, it’s rewarding to see how programs like these are fueling more options and better results for buyers.

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  • Condo Market Report

    Condo Market Report

    The GTA condo market is showing some interesting shifts—sales climbed 8.8% in Q2 2026, even as new and active listings dipped by 19.0% and 15.4%. With the average condo price now at $634,972 (a 7.5% decrease), affordability has improved, drawing more buyers into the market. As someone who specializes in Ontario condos and houses, I’m seeing firsthand how these changes are opening new opportunities for both buyers and sellers. If these sales trends continue, we could see prices start to stabilize in 2027. Every move in the market is a chance to negotiate the best results—whether you’re looking to find your next home or make a strategic sale.

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  • Canada Fee Cuts Could Unlock Supply

    As someone who helps clients navigate the Ontario housing market, I pay close attention to the factors influencing new home supply and affordability. Recent findings from a national housing agency highlight that development fees can significantly impact the cost of new homes—sometimes making projects about 14% more viable if those fees are reduced. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver stand to benefit the most: eliminating development charges could mean up to 10% more projects moving forward, and in Toronto, this could address half of the city's stated supply needs. For perspective, Calgary’s development fees range from roughly $4,000 for a one-bedroom high-rise to $9,000 for a detached home, while in Vancouver, comparable fees are much higher, between $20,000 and $33,000. These fees are important for funding infrastructure like roads and sewers, so finding a balanced approach is key. Lowering fees—especially on family-sized homes—could help make new builds more competitive in expensive markets, giving families more options. As a REALTOR® committed to representing both buyers and sellers, I always keep an eye on these developments to help my clients make informed decisions.

  • Will Canada’s Rates Rise Again in 2027?

    With the Bank of Canada currently holding rates at 2.25%, many are watching closely as major-bank forecasts point to possible gradual increases during 2027. If economic growth continues to strengthen and inflation pressures linger, policymakers could have more room to adjust rates upward. What does this mean for those of us navigating Ontario’s real estate market? Higher rates would impact borrowing costs for both households and businesses, while also potentially boosting returns on savings and fixed-income options. It’s a reminder to stay alert and balance optimism about growth with the realities of changing interest rates. As someone who has helped many buyers and sellers adapt to market shifts, I know preparation is key—especially when the environment becomes less accommodating.

  • Canada: Rate Cuts Can Worsen Affordability

    Recent research from the central bank highlights an important point for those navigating the Ontario housing market: lowering interest rates can actually make homes less affordable, at least in the short term. When rates drop, we often see a quick surge in resale activity—typically within 18 to 24 months—while new construction takes longer to ramp up, sometimes about two years. This means demand heats up before the supply can catch up, making competition for available homes even tougher. Strong job markets and easier lending can make buyers feel more confident, adding to this demand. Builders, meanwhile, face delays due to permits and planning, especially with larger developments. So while rate cuts can eventually boost housing supply, they tend to push prices up first. As someone who helps buyers and sellers navigate these shifts every day, I know that achieving true affordability is about more than just mortgage rates—it's about timing, preparation, and understanding the bigger picture.

  • Burlington’s Balanced Market: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know

    Burlington’s Balanced Market: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know

    Burlington’s real estate market appears moderate and broadly balanced. Homes averaged 40 days on market and sold for approximately 97.5% of their list price, while about four months of inventory gave buyers and sellers a relatively even playing field. The available data does not report homes sold above asking or properties going off market within two weeks, so it does not point to widespread bidding wars or exceptionally rapid sales. Buyers may have time to compare options and negotiate thoughtfully, while sellers should focus on accurate pricing, strong presentation, and realistic expectations. Local conditions can vary by neighbourhood and property type, so personalized advice remains essential.

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  • HST rebate continues to boost sales of new single-family homes in GTA but condo segment remains sluggish: report

    HST rebate continues to boost sales of new single-family homes in GTA but condo segment remains sluggish: report

    The impact of the enhanced HST rebate—now up to $130,000—continues to energize the market for new single-family homes across the GTA. In Q2 2026 alone, Ontario saw new home sales soar by 130%, reaching 8,410 transactions. This uptick isn't just numbers: it’s supporting 17,300 construction jobs, safeguarding $2.8 billion in GDP, and sustaining $1.4 billion in government revenue. However, it’s worth noting that, while single-family homes are seeing strong momentum, the condo segment is experiencing a slower pace right now. As someone who helps clients navigate both houses and condos, I see firsthand how policy changes like this shape opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. My approach is always about finding the right fit—and these shifts in the market are a reminder of how important it is to stay informed and strategic.

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  • New report suggests HST rebate continues to boost single-family new home sales across GTA

    New report suggests HST rebate continues to boost single-family new home sales across GTA

    It’s interesting to see how the HST rebate continues to influence the GTA’s single-family new home market. July saw a significant surge, with sales tripling to 781 units. At the same time, prices for single-family homes dropped by 8.5%, now averaging $1.36M, while condo sales made a modest climb and prices nudged up 2.5% to $1.05M. Inventory remains robust at 18,546 units. As someone who specializes in helping clients buy and negotiate for both houses and condos across Ontario, I find these numbers offer valuable perspective for anyone considering their next move. Every shift in the market is an opportunity to help buyers and sellers make informed choices that align with their goals.

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  • Canada Housing Just Got More Interesting

    Lately, the Canadian housing scene has been picking up steam—home sales are gaining momentum, even though most buyers are still proceeding with a bit of caution. Compared to last year, we’re not quite at the same activity levels, but there’s a noticeable shift. Fewer new listings are coming to the market while sales keep improving, which is slowly nudging us toward a more balanced supply and demand. For those actively searching for a home or thinking about selling, this means more stability in prices and less of the dramatic swings many were expecting. What stands out right now is how much the market can vary from region to region—so making the right choice about where to buy or sell in Ontario is more important than ever. As someone who negotiates purchases and represents both new and repeat clients, I’m always keeping a close eye on these local trends to help you make your next move with confidence.