Author: atzrealty-com

In Mid-Q3, just 2% of qualifying GTA neighbourhoods landed in overbidding territory, versus 3% in Early-Q3, signaling softer buyer competition across the market.
Among 267 qualifying GTA neighbourhoods, 97% were underbid and 1% sold at asking in Mid-Q3, showing bidding wars were rare across GTA.
The condo and single-family gap kept narrowing: 95% of neighbourhoods with enough single-family sales were underbid, versus 98% of qualifying condo neighbourhoods.
An economist said Mid-Q3 had been one of GTA Real Estate’s quietest periods, and recently that pattern meant less competition for buyers.
Across 4.2K GTA homes sold in Mid-Q3, 79% changed hands below asking, versus 78% in Early-Q3, as single-family homes stopped bucking softer demand.

In Late-Q2 2026, Toronto saw one of the strongest affordability gains as falling home prices, not easier financing, became the main driver.
Toronto recorded a ~2.5-point affordability improvement after its representative home price fell ~4% during the quarter, leaving the payment-to-income ratio near 68%.
In Toronto, the shift from rate-driven to price-driven gains was especially clear, highlighting how softer prices recently improved buying conditions more than mortgage rates.
For Toronto buyers, mortgage rates were not expected to deliver much additional relief over the next year, making other affordability supports increasingly important.
In Toronto, further affordability improvement increasingly depended on income growth and restrained home-price appreciation, as financing costs were no longer expected to help.

Bill C-4 became law, targeting affordability for first-time buyers and middle-class taxes.
New homes <$1M: GST eliminated for first-time buyers; $1M–$1.5M: GST reduced.
Government says savings reach $50K, helping young people and families buy.
Tax change: marginal rate 15%→14% for incomes <$117,045, backdated to July 1, 2025.
Fuel charge removal began after April 2025 election; government cites gas ↓18¢/L.
Toronto remains pricey: GTA avg. sale $1M+ in February; mixed reactions online.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours survivors and raises awareness about their experiences.
It's a symbol of Canada's commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
Wearing orange shirts on this day symbolizes respect for survivors and raises awareness about residential schools.
May this day inspire a future where every voice is heard, and every spirit is healed.
Together, we can create a tomorrow filled with hope and endless possibilities.

Toronto housing starts are down 10% compared to last year, which points to a slowdown in construction across our city’s larger urban market. Right now, there are 37 building permits in Toronto tied to about 6,600 condominium apartment units—these are approved, but construction hasn’t begun yet. Some of these projects may still progress, since many pre-sales were completed long before the recent dip in sales activity. It’s important to remember that housing-start data can lag behind what’s really happening, as major Toronto developments move through planning and pre-sales, then permits, before actual building begins. So, the current figures may understate the real level of activity, with more condo units poised to break ground as the pipeline continues to move forward. In my experience navigating Ontario’s residential condo and housing market, understanding these cycles—and what’s truly in the pipeline—can make all the difference when making informed decisions.

The impact of development fees on new-home affordability is often overlooked, yet it plays a significant role in shaping our housing supply. Recent findings from a national housing agency reveal that reducing these fees could make about 14% more residential projects viable—especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. In fact, if charges were eliminated, Toronto could see enough new projects to meet half of its stated supply needs, while Vancouver would also experience a considerable boost.

It's eye-opening to compare how fees differ: in Calgary, they range from roughly $4,000 for a one-bedroom high-rise to about $9,000 for a detached home, but in Vancouver, comparable units see fees from $20,000 up to $33,000. These fees are crucial for funding infrastructure—roads, sewers, and administration—so finding the right balance is key. As a broker focused on Ontario homes and condos, I often see how lower fees, especially on family-sized units, could make a real difference for buyers competing in high-cost markets. Larger new homes frequently face steeper prices than similar resale options, creating extra challenges for families. Understanding these dynamics can help us all make more informed decisions in a rapidly changing market.

As someone who closely follows the trends shaping Ontario’s residential market, I’m keeping a watchful eye on the Bank of Canada’s current policy rate, which remains at 2.25%. However, many of Canada’s major banks are now forecasting a gradual uptick in rates during 2027. If our economy continues to strengthen and inflation persists, we could see policymakers moving to normalize rates further. What does this mean for homeowners and buyers? Higher rates could lead to increased borrowing costs, but on the flip side, they may also bring better returns on savings and fixed-income options. For those considering a move or investment, it’s important to stay informed and prepared for a market that may be less accommodating but still holds opportunity. My commitment is always to help clients navigate these changes with professional insight and care.