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October 3, 2025

How Return-To-Office Mandates Are Impacting Toronto’s Office Market

In mid-August, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced more than 60,000 Ontario public service workers would return to a four-day in-office work week starting in October, before returning to the five-day in-person schedule of the pre-covid days in January 2026. The announcement followed similar moves from Canada’s big banks, including Scotiabank, BMO, TD, and RBC, all of which will require workers to be in office for at least four days a week starting this fall.

The news has been met with mixed reactions from workers themselves, but the return-to-office (RTO) trend undeniably bodes well for commercial real estate — particularly the office and and retail markets — in cities where these businesses and government offices are located.

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September 22, 2025

Pros and Cons of Buying Pre-Construction in Canada

In a competitive Canadian real estate market, buying pre-construction has become an increasingly popular option for both first-time homebuyers and seasoned investors. The idea of getting a brand-new, never-lived-in property at today’s prices, with the ability to choose your finishes and colours, is undeniably attractive.

But is it the right choice for you? This guide breaks down the key advantages and disadvantages of buying pre-construction in Canada so you can navigate the process with confidence.

Buying-a-Pre-Construction-Home-in-Canada-1024×1024

Pros of Buying Pre-Construction in Canada

1.Lower Upfront Costs & Flexible Deposit Structure

Unlike a resale property that requires a large down payment upfront, pre-construction homes often have a staggered deposit structure. This means you can secure a property with a smaller initial deposit and spread out the rest of the payments over the construction period, which can be several years. This gives you more time to save and organize your finances.

2.Potential for Appreciation

One of the biggest draws for investors is the potential for your property’s value to increase during the construction phase. You lock in a price today, but by the time the building is complete in 3-5 years, the market value of your unit could be significantly higher, offering a substantial return on your initial deposit.

Build Equity Before Moving In

By purchasing at today’s prices, you can benefit from market appreciation during the construction period. Many buyers see their property value increase even before taking possession.

Personalization & Modern Design

You get to be the first owner, which means a clean slate with modern designs and high-efficiency systems. Pre-construction gives you the chance to choose your finishes, upgrades, and layouts, creating a home that reflects your style. Plus, you’ll enjoy open-concept floorplans, energy-efficient features, and the latest smart-home technology.

Brand-New Living & Builder Warranty

Additionally, new homes in Canada are protected by a warranty, such as the Tarion warranty in Ontario, which covers potential defects and reduces long-term maintenance costs.

More Time to Prepare for Closing

Because occupancy is often 2–4 years away, you’ll have plenty of time to save, improve your credit, and plan your move — something resale buyers rarely get.

Construction crane in downtown Vancouver at sunrise

Cons of Buying Pre-Construction in Canada

1.Uncertain Timelines and Construction Delays

This is one of the most significant risks. Construction projects are subject to delays due to labour shortages, material supply issues, or unexpected challenges. The original closing date provided by the builder is often an estimate, and a project that was expected to take three years could easily stretch to four or five.

2.Financing Challenges and Market Shifts

When you buy pre-construction, you secure financing closer to the completion date, which can be years away. This leaves you vulnerable to changes in the market, including rising interest rates and stricter mortgage rules. If the market value of the property declines, a lender may appraise it for less than your purchase price, forcing you to cover the “shortfall” out of pocket.

3.Hidden Costs and Unexpected Fees

The final price of a pre-construction unit often comes with extra closing costs that are not included in the initial purchase price. These can include development levies, utility hookup fees, and land transfer taxes, which can add thousands of dollars to your final bill. It’s crucial to understand what costs are capped in your agreement to avoid unwelcome surprises.

4. Interim Occupancy

For condo projects, there is a period of interim occupancy where you can move into the unit before the building is officially registered. During this time, you do not own the property and must pay “occupancy fees” (often called “phantom rent”) to the builder, which covers property taxes, maintenance fees, and interest on the unpaid balance of your purchase price. This can last for several months or even a year.

Why Pre-Construction is a Smart Move

For buyers who value flexibility, customization, and future growth, pre-construction homes in Canada are an unbeatable option. With the right planning and guidance, you can secure your dream home or investment at today’s price and enjoy all the benefits of a brand-new property.

However, it’s not without risks. Before signing a purchase agreement, it’s essential to:

* Review the builder’s reputation

* Work with a knowledgeable real estate agent

* Consult a lawyer experienced in pre-construction contracts

* Budget for closing costs and potential delays

By weighing the pros and cons of pre-construction in Canada, you’ll be better prepared to decide whether this path is the right fit for your financial goals and lifestyle.

September 19, 2025

Toronto condo sold at $800,000 loss just six months after last sale

A Toronto condo was sold at a staggering $800,000 loss this month despite only being purchased six months ago.

The condo’s turbulent sales history was shared on X, where many took the opportunity to reflect on the current state of the city’s real estate market, particularly its condo segment. According to public MLS data, the Yorkville condo was originally purchased in March 2025 for $3.15 million.

Just a few months later, the apartment was listed for sale again in June 2025 for $2.99 million, but was taken off the market shortly after. Recently, the condo was listed again for nearly $2.55 million, and went on to sell for $2.35 million a few days later — representing a loss of $800,000 when compared to its price earlier this year.

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September 19, 2025

Toronto Housing Market Report

Market Report Summary for August 2025

The Greater Toronto Area’s benchmark home price for August 2025 was $969,700, down 5.2% year-over-year.
The average home sold price in the GTA decreased 4.9% year-over-year to $1,022,143 for August 2025.
Detached home average price decreased by 7.2% year-over-year to $1.31M.
Semi-detached home average price decreased by 4.5% year-over-year to $980k.
Freehold townhouse average price decreased by 4.5% year-over-year to $946k.
Condo apartment average price decreased by 4.8% year-over-year to $642k.
September 19, 2025 Update: Today’s Lowest mortgage rate in Toronto is 3.64% for 3-Year Fixed.

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September 19, 2025

Guelph developer declares multiple bankruptcies and faces allegations of operating a Ponzi scheme

It’s the $70-million question: where is the money?

A prominent Guelph developer has declared bankruptcy for multiple companies and is now being accused of operating a Ponzi scheme with international ties.

Over the past two months, Scott Reid, owner of Reid’s Heritage Properties (RHP), has filed for personal bankruptcy, as well as for companies that are part of his real estate business.

The developer is now at the centre of a civil suit claiming he misled investors to the tune of $70 million. A statement of claim against Reid’s Heritage Properties was filed Aug. 1 in Guelph.

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September 19, 2025

How Toronto’s Return-To-Office Mandates Could Reshape The Housing Market

Pandemic distortions pushed suburban prices beyond their historical relationship with the city and that spread is now narrowing. The great return-to-office recall will continue to reinforce that pattern, pulling value back toward the core.

Toronto is about to stage a drama unlike any other city on the continent. After years of silence in its glass towers, the country’s most powerful employers are summoning workers back, not for a day or two but for four and five days a week. Sixty thousand civil servants, armies of bank employees, the foot soldiers of telecom empires, all called to fill desks that have sat half empty since the world locked down. What looks like a cultural correction is in fact an economic experiment, one that will decide the fate of suburbs, test the strength of downtown real estate, and reveal just how far employers are willing to go in a labour market that has turned against its workers.

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September 19, 2025

Bank of Canada To Make 3 Interest Rate Cuts Before Spring 2026: BMO

Canada’s real estate market finally got some good news—cheaper financing may be coming. The Bank of Canada (BoC) will cut rates three times before the traditionally busy Spring real estate market, according to a report from BMO Capital Markets. The recent labour market erosion has the market fully pricing in the first cut within the next few days. However, the bank notes caveats that sticky inflation and an upcoming CPI report can swing market expectations fast.

Bank of Canada To Cut Rates 3x Before Spring 2026, Market Forecasts First Cut Within Days
Canada’s oldest bank sees rates being slashed fairly aggressively before Spring 2026. BMO’s current forecast is expecting 75 basis points (bps) trimmed by Spring 2026, which works out to three rate cuts. They note the market is currently pricing in the first cut in just a few days, at the BoC’s September 17th meeting.

“We see scope for 75 bps of further easing through the spring of 2026. That would leave rates at the low end of the neutral range and give the economy a little bit of extra support that it seems to need,” writes Robert Kavcic, senior economist at BMO.

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September 8, 2025

Posthaste: The odds of a Bank of Canada rate cut just rose based on this jobs measure, CIBC says

The odds of a Bank of Canada interest rate cut are now rising based on a different measure of Canada’s jobs market, CIBC says.

Employment contracted by 32,500 positions in June, according to Statistics Canada’s survey of employment, payrolls and hours (SEPH) for June released on Thursday morning. The odds of a Bank of Canada rate cut when policymakers meet on Sept. 17 have since risen to 50-50, Noah Buffam, an associate in fixed income, currency and commodities at CIBC Capital Markets, said in an email.

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September 8, 2025

Canadians are looking to ditch U.S. properties, and there’s one overriding reason

As tensions continue to simmer with the U.S., more Canadians are considering dumping their properties south of the border, says a new survey from real estate company Royal LePage.

The survey, conducted by PR firm Burson, found more than half (54 per cent) of Canadians who own an American residential property are considering selling it in the next year.

“It’s a hundred small things and one big dark cloud,” said Phil Soper, CEO of Royal LePage.

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September 8, 2025

Chances of September BoC rate cut rise after economy weakens in Q2

The national economy regressed in the second quarter as trade tensions with the US continued to pummel the growth outlook, leading markets to increase their expectations of a September interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada.

Statistics Canada said on Friday morning that gross domestic product (GDP) slowed by 1.6% year over year in the second quarter, slightly more than the central bank had expected, as exports fell amid the ongoing trade war.

Markets priced in a 55% chance that the central bank would cut rates in its next decision, up from around 40% before the announcement, signalling that traders view a reduction as more likely – but still not a cert.

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Pros of Buying Pre-Construction in Canada

Cons of Buying Pre-Construction in Canada

Why Pre-Construction is a Smart Move

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