Author: homegoal.ca

Time for your cheat sheet on this week’s top stories. Canadian Real Estate Canadian Income Inequality Hits A High, Economic Mobility Disappears Canadian households are seeing the gap between the rich and poor widening very fast. The gap between the top and bottom 40% of households, known as the income gap, has expanded to the widest point on record. As it widens, inequality widens and class mobility also becomes more difficult. When these pressures combine they turn into a major liability for the whole country, as the lack of reward for hard work and productivity becomes discouraging to households.  Continue…

You’ve signed the papers, received the keys, and officially become a homeowner—congrats! Now that the excitement has settled a bit, it’s time to get familiar with one of the essential (and ongoing) parts of homeownership: property taxes. If you’re wondering when property taxes are due or how to even begin understanding them, you’re in the right place. While the term might sound intimidating, managing property taxes is simpler than it seems once you know the basics. Jump Ahead What Are Property Taxes and Why Do They Matter? Property taxes are local taxes that homeowners pay based on the value of…

In late-March, commercial real estate services company Altus Group (TSX: AIF) published their annual Canadian Cost Guide looking at construction costs across the country. This year’s report was based on proprietary cost data from over 6,200 projects — residential, commercial, and infrastructure — and the costs are broken down by both location and asset type. The guide factors in only hard construction costs, which means costs associated with site servicing, consultants, and development charges are not included.The costs outlined in the guide are a reflection of a moment in time that can serve as a benchmark, rather than a forecast,…

Unfortunately for Canadians, it’s now accepted practice for parties to publish their full costed platforms after advance voting has already begun. Mark Carney of the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC), Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC), Jagmeet Singh of the New Democratic Party (NDP), and Yves-François Blanchet of Bloc Québécois (BQ) participated in leaders’ debates on April 16 and April 17, ahead of advance voting on April 18, 19, 20, and 21. Bloc Québécois released their costed platform on April 18, while the NDP and Liberals published their costed platforms on April 19. As of publishing, the…

Already holding hundreds of millions of dollars in mortgages that are currently tied up in insolvency proceedings, Toronto-based private equity real estate investment firm KingSett Capital recently initiated two more receivership proceedings in British Columbia, adding to an already-extensive list.According to filings in the Supreme Court of British Columbia obtained by STOREYS, both receivership applications were filed on April 4. One is against the owner of 12090 104 Avenue in the Scott Road corridor of Surrey, while the other is against the owner of 15 W Cordova Street in the Gastown neighbourhood of Vancouver.12090 104 AvenueLocated at 12090 104 Avenue…

Ladysmith is a beautiful coastal town on the eastern shores of Vancouver Island, known for its charm, natural scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. Surrounded by hills and overlooking Ladysmith Harbour, it offers a quiet and refined lifestyle that appeals to those looking for luxury homes in a more relaxed setting.The latest 2021 census reports that Ladysmith has a population of approximately 9,000. Where is Ladysmith, British Columbia? Set along the east coast of Vancouver Island, Ladysmith offers a stunning mix of ocean views and forested hills—ideal for those craving a slower, scenic lifestyle. Just 88 km north of Victoria and 23…

After six years in the role, Don Kottick has resigned as President and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, effective April 23.An internal memo shared with STOREYS says that Sotheby’s International Realty Canada will be managed by an “interim leadership team” consisting of Evan Shandler — who is currently Vice-President Operations Sotheby’s International Realty Canada and be promoted to the new role of Chief Operating Officer — Elaine Hung — who will remain the Chief Marketing Officer — and Effi Barak — who is a Peerage Realty Partners consultant and will serve as interim President.For his part, Barak was recently…

Market dynamics in Canada are shifting—and not uniformly. There is a growing divide between the country’s most and least expensive metros.   Depending on location, Realtors are seeing two very different scenarios play out in 2025. In the Greater Toronto Area and Metro Vancouver, demand is low and prices are seeing a year-over-year decline. In contrast, places like Quebec, the Prairies and Atlantic Canada, are seeing prices moving upwards and an active kickoff to the spring market.    Sluggish starts in Toronto and Vancouver   According to Royal LePage’s Q1 2025 House Price Survey and Market Forecast, Canada’s two most valuable…

In the City of Toronto, an average of 25 months will pass between a developer submitting a building application and receiving approval for that application — the second longest approval time of any major city in Canada.But the City has doubled down on efforts, as of late, to remedy this shortcoming by creating a new division called Development Review, which has been tasked with improving the development application review process in order to approve projects faster and get more homes built. The division is headed by former Director of the Housing Secretariat Valesa Faria who told STOREYS in an early-March…

Canada’s known for maple syrup and poutine—but its legendary fast-food scene deserves a spotlight too. With more people choosing to support Canadian products and businesses, these fast-food establishments serve up the comfort, quality, and local flavor that resonate with today’s conscious consumers. Whether you’re exploring a new neighborhood or refueling between showings, these local legends are the perfect pit stop. Photo: Big Smoke Burger Named after the city where it all began, Big Smoke Burgers was founded in Toronto in 2007. This gourmet fast-casual restaurant is known for its chef-crafted burgers made with 100% fresh Canadian beef, locally sourced ingredients,…