Author: homegoal.ca
From Etobicoke to Scarborough, unassuming parcels of land across the Greater Toronto Area are constantly being eyed up and targeted for housing development by the region’s (and country’s) array of industrious builders and developers. And, as the City sees a steady stream of building applications, STOREYS is right there waiting to sift through architectural plans and planning rationales for the best and biggest (and coolest!) coming up across the region. Each month brings something different, from affordable housing to multi-tower luxury condos, but here are six stand-out submissions that were on our radar in the month of April.125 The Queensway125…
The Canadian economy’s temporary boost has faded, revealing a weaker foundation. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) data shows the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) slipped in February. The drop erased half of January’s unexpected surge. Behind Canada’s rising recession risk was declining oil & gas extraction, and the Canadian housing market slowdown. The latter of the two is of particular concern, as its GDP contribution just recorded the worst month in years. Canadian GDP Drops 0.2% Led By Declines In Goods, Canadian economic output slowed in the latest release. Seasonally adjusted monthly GDP contracted 0.2% in February, reversing half of the…
Renovating your kitchen is one of the most impactful ways to enhance both your home’s functionality and its market value. Understanding kitchen renovation costs are essential, as strategic updates can significantly increase your return on investment. Agents estimate that kitchen renovations can add $28,826 in value to a home, though the actual costs can vary widely based on factors like location, size, materials, and scope of work. What Is the Average Kitchen Renovation Cost in Canada? As of 2025, kitchen renovation costs in Canada typically range from $15,000 to over $50,000, depending on the project’s scope and quality of materials.…
Cathy Polan (supplied) Cathy Polan, the new president of the Ontario Real Estate Association, confesses to being “nervous, anxious, and excited all at the same time” about her role. As head of the organization, she joins a growing number of women in top leadership positions within the industry. “Over the last four years, three of OREA’s presidents have been women,” Polan notes. “This is more than a moment—it’s a movement.” The Belleville-based Realtor, who’s a sales rep with Royal Heritage Realty, was announced as OREA’s 2025 president following the association’s annual general meeting on March 27. She replaces outgoing…
A new commercial listing from Colliers was made public last week, and it offers an enticing rental investment opportunity in the neighbourhood of Markland Wood in Etobicoke. The property is owned by Hazelview Properties who acquired approvals for a two-building infill development for the site in 2023. Located at 4340 Bloor Street West, the 2.49-acre property is situated in close proximity to Highway 427, Kipling GO Station, key amenities, and retail, including Cloverdale Mall and CF Sherway Gardens.Currently, the site is occupied by a 15-storey, 86-unit, rental apartment building constructed in the 1960s. Since 2018, Hazelview has invested over $4.6…
Alberta is the only province making the most of Canada’s most valuable natural resource—young workers. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) interprovincial migration data shows it was the only province that managed to attract young workers, aged 25 to 45 years old. This demographic is critical to regions, driving economic growth and long-term prosperity. It’s the only affordable province that continues to make net gains from other provinces, proving they’re doing more than just providing affordable housing. Alberta is actually trying to win them over, and it’s working. Why Young Workers Are Better Than Gold—Even Black Gold Young workers are one of…
How real estate and mortgage professionals can help Real estate agents and mortgage professionals play vital roles in the homebuying journey and are already well-versed in guiding clients through the details of their builder’s warranty coverage. With the new registration step, professionals can extend that support by incorporating deposit protection into early-stage conversations. For mortgage professionals, Tarion’s deposit protection and the new registration step are especially relevant in financing conversations. “This new step in the homebuying process is designed to be quick and easy—and have a widespread positive impact,” says Balasubramanian. “For all professionals who act as trusted…
Nationally, rents have been inching downwards over the last six months, and this is the case in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) as well. According to Urbanation’s rental market report for the first quarter of 2025, purpose-built rental rents in the GTHA decreased 7% year over year, on average, after adjusting for the increase in occupancy incentives as developers vie to fill units.The percentage of rental buildings that offered incentives last quarter doubled compared to Q1-2024, jumping from 31% of buildings to 63%. Of the incentives offered, 39% of projects offered free rent for one month, while 23% offered…
There are a lot of strategies out there for becoming a homeowner, but one often overlooked approach is co-ownership. Not only does this cut homeownership costs in half (or thirds!), but it leaves you with more money in your bank account each month. What is a co-ownership home? Buying a home with one or more people (such as friends, family, or a business partner) to share homeownership costs. Co-owners have shared rights and legal responsibilities of the home. All owners hold a portion of ownership in the home, building equity together. Homeownership becomes more accessible by reducing the individual financial…
Each month, REM shares brokerage expansions and conversions, leadership appointments and other key industry moves. Have an announcement to share? Email your news to editor@realestatemagazine.ca by the 26th of each month, and don’t forget to include a photo! Leadership appointments Sotheby’s International Realty Canada welcomes Stefani Penner as Regional Managing Broker Stefani Penner, regional managing broker, Sotheby’s Sotheby’s International Realty Canada has announced the appointment of Stefani Penner as Regional Managing Broker for Southwestern Ontario and its Kingsway office in Toronto. Penner will collaborate closely with Erin Henry, newly named Regional Director, to drive business development and…