Toronto Housing Market Faces Wave of Distressed Sales as Power of Sale Listings Surge Nearly 100-Fold

The Greater Toronto Area is experiencing an unprecedented spike in distressed property sales, with Power of Sale listings surging from just five in September 2020 to 472 last month, according to analysis by the Globe and Mail.
The crisis intensified throughout 2025, with the year already recording 1,232 new Power of Sale listings by September—surpassing all of 2024. Current active listings have increased 59% from the same period last year, with some estimates suggesting that as many as 780 such properties now represent roughly 3% of all GTA listings.
Province, city set to build 33 ‘attainable’ condo units priced at $500K

Thirty-three $500,000 “attainable” condo units are being built in Toronto’s east end by the provincial and municipal governments.
As part of a six-storey condo development at 355 Coxwell Ave., the two levels of government are partnering with the nonprofit housing organization, Habitat for Humanity.
According to the provincial government, 22 of the 33 units will be large enough for families to live in. Construction preparations for the building are underway, with the units set to be ready for occupancy by 2027.
Habitat for Humanity called the units “attainable ownership homes” designed for “working families.”
Two years ago, Premier Doug Ford promised Ontarians that the province would soon offer modular “starter homes” for sale for $500,000 or less.
Toronto Could Face Higher Property Taxes As Feds Cut Refugee Support

Canada’s banking regulator has finalized changes to its Capital Adequacy Requirements (CAR) guideline that clarify how lenders must treat income-producing residential real estate.
The revisions, effective with institutions’ first fiscal quarter of 2026, update how banks classify mortgages where rental income is a significant factor.
At OSFI’s quarterly Industry Day, the regulator stressed that income used to qualify for one mortgage cannot simply be counted again for another, tightening how both rental and employment income can be applied across multiple properties.
Mark Joshua, OSFI’s Director of Capital and Liquidity Standards, said the intent is “to ensure that income that’s used for one mortgage is not, then again, used a second time for another one. So…the income that was used on the first mortgage is removed or corrected for” when assessing a borrower’s additional properties.
OSFI clarifies capital treatment of income-producing residential real estate

Canada’s banking regulator has finalized changes to its Capital Adequacy Requirements (CAR) guideline that clarify how lenders must treat income-producing residential real estate.
The revisions, effective with institutions’ first fiscal quarter of 2026, update how banks classify mortgages where rental income is a significant factor.
At OSFI’s quarterly Industry Day, the regulator stressed that income used to qualify for one mortgage cannot simply be counted again for another, tightening how both rental and employment income can be applied across multiple properties.
Mark Joshua, OSFI’s Director of Capital and Liquidity Standards, said the intent is “to ensure that income that’s used for one mortgage is not, then again, used a second time for another one. So…the income that was used on the first mortgage is removed or corrected for” when assessing a borrower’s additional properties.
GTA condo market reminiscent of ’90s crash, but a new report says it will bounce back faster

Short-term rental scam in downtown Vancouver happening on another well-known booking platform

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.
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.
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.

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.

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.
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.


