Happy Labour Day!
Labour Day in Canada marks a well-earned break celebrating workers and the unofficial end of summer, when everyone suddenly remembers all the things they meant to do in August. It’s the last big excuse for barbecues, lake trips, and squeezing in one more summer adventure before routines and school schedules take over again. Stores and […]
‘The program is working’: Ontario home sales surge 130% after HST rebate
New home sales in Ontario surged 130% year-over-year in Q2 2026 after the provincial government cut the 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on new homes. Sales rose from 3,645 to 8,410, mainly driven by single-family homes. Condo sales increased slightly but lagged due to strict rebate eligibility timelines. The HST rebate, offering up to $130,000 […]
Statistics Canada: Investment in building construction, June 2026
Investment in building construction fell 0.5% to $23.2 billion in June, despite an 18.5% rise in building permits. Residential investment dropped 0.6%, led by a 1.9% decline in multi-unit construction, while single-family homes rose 0.9%. Non-residential investment edged down 0.1%, with commercial construction falling 0.7%, but institutional and industrial components increased. Quarterly investment rose 2.1%, […]
How to Know if a Home Fits Your Lifestyle?
Research local schools even if you don’t have kids — they influence home values. Consider internet availability and speed, especially for remote work or streaming needs.
Will Canada’s Rates Rise Again in 2027?
The Bank of Canada is currently holding at 2.25%, but several major-bank forecasts now anticipate gradual increases during 2027. Stronger economic growth could give policymakers more room to normalize rates if inflation pressures remain persistent. Higher rates would raise borrowing costs for households and businesses while potentially improving returns on savings and fixed-income investments. Investors […]
POV: You’re House Hunting In Toronto—Here’s The Catch
CMHC expects Toronto sales to increase in 2026, even while prices remain below recent peaks. Here’s the overlooked part: today’s abundant inventory could give patient buyers more choice and negotiating room. Royal LePage expects GTA prices to decline 2% by Q4 2026, while activity continues building. The bigger opportunity may be buying when competition is […]
New home sales in Ontario surge in second quarter, industry says
Ontario's new home sales surged by 130% in the second quarter, rising from about 3,600 to over 8,400, largely due to a federal HST rebate reducing prices by up to $130,000. This boost helped save an estimated 17,000 construction jobs at risk. The increase mainly affected single-family and detached homes, while condominiums saw smaller gains. […]
Ontario new home sales jump 130 percent after enhanced HST rebate, but condo market still lags
New home sales in Ontario surged 130% in Q2 to 8,410 units after an enhanced HST rebate took effect, mainly boosting low-rise housing sales, which doubled year-over-year and exceeded the 10-year average. Condo sales rose 12% but remain 88% below the decade norm. The rebate offers up to $130,000 in tax relief on new homes […]
Ontario New-Home Sales Ticked Up In Q2, HST Rebate Program Credited
Ontario new-home sales rose 130% year-over-year in Q2 2026, reaching 8,410 units, driven by the enhanced provincial-federal HST rebate program. The rebate accounted for 4,765 incremental sales, supporting an estimated 17,300 construction jobs, $2.8 billion in GDP, and $1.4 billion in government revenues. Additional economic gains are expected as the Development Charge Reduction Program is […]
Canada’s Affordability Streak Hits 10 Quarters
Mortgage rate relief was no longer expected to support affordability, shifting attention to home prices and income growth as the main drivers ahead. Over the next year, economists expected mortgage rates to stay steady or edge higher, making future affordability progress more reliant on price moderation. Slower population growth was expected to limit housing demand […]