Author: homegoal.ca

Canadian rental prices have shown modest affordability gains, but the relief is already ending. A new report from rentals.ca shows the average asking rent fell in May compared to last year, with the largest and most expensive cities seeing the steepest declines. However, recent months show rent growth is re-accelerating—signaling the window for relief could be closing.  Canadian Rents Are Down 3.0% From Last Year Canada’s rent prices are finally showing signs of softening, though progress remains minor. The average asking rent fell 3.3% year-over-year to $2,129 per month in May, marking the eighth consecutive month of annual declines.  However,…

Saving for a 20% down payment is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to reduce long-term housing costs. It reduces mortgage payments, eliminates the need for costly CMHC insurance, and shrinks the total loan amount. But for many Canadians, the path to that milestone isn’t just challenging, it’s deeply shaped by a single factor: your job. Across Canada, millions are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. As highlighted in a January 2025 RBC report, financial pressure is taking a serious toll on Canadians: 55% of survey participants report feeling financially paralyzed. Nearly half…

AI isn’t expected to replace Realtors anytime soon, but many in the industry believe it’s reshaping how agents work—and those who embrace the shift may gain a competitive edge. That’s the view of Shemeer Ahmad, co-founder of Valery Real Estate, an AI-powered real estate brokerage that launched last September and describes itself as Canada’s first AI-powered brokerage. Ahmad, who has a background in computer science, says the platform was developed by real estate professionals to personalize market insights and assist agents with routine tasks. “We realized there is a far greater need for personalization, and we built the company around…

As of May 30, 2025, Canadian consumer confidence remained marginally positive, according to the Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index (BNCCI). The overall uptick in sentiment was driven in large part by improving perceptions of local real estate values. Real Estate Sentiment Gains Strength The Expectations Sub-Index of the BNCCI, which captures consumer views on the economy and real estate values, climbed to 48.35, up from 41.51 a month previously. This gain reflected growing optimism around the future of housing prices. In fact, 38.28% of Canadians surveyed believe real estate values in their neighbourhoods will increase over the next six months,…

A phrase my daughter likes to use, ‘delulu is the solulu,’ suggests that by embracing a ‘delusional’ mindset, you can achieve your goals, even if they seem far-fetched. A popular concept amongst Gen X.Delusion seems to be the solution for the older generation out there — those that are not as hip and cool as me. But what does this have to do with housing, math, or anything I would have an opinion on?Simple. Our solutions to addressing the housing crisis at all three levels of government is based on a foundation of delusion: A false belief or judgment about…

Tucked into one of The Annex’s most desirable pockets — just west of the action and steeped in timeless character — 497 Brunswick Avenue offers a fully restored Victorian showpiece with design choices that delight at every turn.Currently listed for $3,495,000, this three-storey beauty combines classic architectural elegance with high-end contemporary finishes, executed with just the right degree of drama.From the wide covered porch and custom front door, it’s immediately clear this is no cookie-cutter reno. Step into the foyer and you’re met with intricate wall panelling, crown moulding, and a checkerboard tile floor that sets the tone for the…

Time for your cheat sheet on this week’s top stories. Canadian Real Estate Canadian Unemployment Soars, Driven By Immigration More Than Tariffs Canadian unemployment climbed but it wasn’t due to tariffs as expected. The unemployment rate hit 7.0% in May, with the unemployed population hitting 1.6 million. The employed population grew as well—the problem is the country added 4 workers for every job it created. This isn’t so much a tariff issue as it’s the result of trying to force growth through overly aggressive immigration. Continue Reading… Canadian Real Estate Buying Opportunity “Still Not There”: BMO Canadian real estate sales…

Thinking of moving but already locked into a great mortgage rate? You’re not alone. If you’re wondering what mortgage porting is, here’s the simple answer: Mortgage porting is the process of transferring your existing mortgage to a new home. It can be a smart way to keep your current interest rate and avoid penalties, especially if market rates are rising. But not all mortgages are portable, and the process isn’t automatic. Here’s a breakdown of how mortgage porting works in Canada, its benefits and drawbacks, and whether it’s the right move for you.  What Is Mortgage Porting? Mortgage porting, also…

If you moved into a Toronto apartment sometime in the last several months, odds are high that you would have been offered some sort of incentive to put pen to paper on a lease. The odds are actually around 63%, which is the percentage of buildings in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) that were offering incentives in Q1-2025, double the amount offering in Q1-2024.Incentives being offered range from your more traditional one to two months of free rent to more creative offers like furniture store gift cards, free car wash services, and even straight-up cash, but they all…

In an effort to position the city “to attract industrial development” that will support the its economic diversification and expanding population, Calgary is updating its Citywide Growth Strategy with a new comprehensive Industrial Action Plan.According to the City, industrial uses such as manufacturing, wholesale trade, transportation, and warehousing contributed $19.7 billion (16%) to Calgary’s Gross Domestic Product in addition to supporting over 53,500 (10%) jobs.At the same time, the industrial sector also makes up a significant portion of Calgary’s property tax base, and has become an increasingly larger portion of the non-residential assessment base — from 21% to 34% over…