Author: homegoal.ca
In recent years, Montreal, like many other major cities around the world, has been faced with a major challenge — balancing the rise of short-term rental platforms with the preservation of an accessible rental market. On the one hand, platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo offer financial flexibility for homeowners and an alternative to hotels for visitors. On the other, short-term rentals contribute to the scarcity of available long-term accommodations, exacerbating an already-present housing crisis. On January 30th, 2025, the City of Montreal announced a further tightening of the rules surrounding short-term rentals, limiting their use to the summer months.…
“The bottom line here is that there is a big disconnect materializing between conditions in Ontario and most of the rest of the country,” says BMO Director and Senior Economist Robert Kavcic. At the end of 2024, Canada’s housing market showed stark regional differences, Kavcic notes in his monthly Canadian Housing Monitor. Ontario remained sluggish, with Toronto’s condo market seeing a surge in supply and falling prices. Meanwhile, markets in many other provinces pushed toward new highs. Existing home sales fell 5.8 per cent in December on a seasonally adjusted basis, though sales were still up 19.2 per cent compared…
As of July 1, 2024, Canada’s population trends reflect an ongoing concentration in urban areas, driven by international migration and sustained by the country’s growing census metropolitan areas (CMAs). With 74.8% of Canadians living in CMAs, an increase of 0.4 percentage points over the past year, these hubs remain the focal point for demographic change. At the same time, non-urban regions have seen growth at comparatively modest rates, underscoring the country’s increasing urbanization. Strong Growth in CMAs Continues Canada’s 41 CMAs reached a combined population of 30,893,239 on July 1, 2024, following a growth rate of 3.5% from the previous…
The kitchen is often regarded as the heart of the home, serving as both a functional workspace and a gathering place for family and friends. When it comes to home design, an upgraded kitchen can significantly impact both the aesthetic appeal and value of a property. For many homebuyers, having top-of-the-line kitchen features is a priority. To provide insight into the most popular kitchen upgrades, Fixr recently surveyed professionals working in the home design industry to find out what kitchen trends will be the hottest in 2025. Here’s a closer look at the key features they identified as the most…
REALTORS® are known for being self-starters and go-getters; people persons and relationship builders; expert negotiators and problem solvers; and caring individuals who help their neighbours and support local community groups and charities in countless ways. More than 160,000 REALTORS® live and work in communities across Canada. Just imagine if Canadian REALTORS® and the REALTOR® association community were to unite and use their collective expertise and skills to help address some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges together. Picture yourself wearing your REALTOR® pin and knowing it represents being part of an industry that is not only making home…
On January 13, 2025, Whitehorse City Council advanced amendments to the Building and Plumbing Bylaw to address significant inefficiencies in its construction permitting and inspection processes. The proposed changes aim to reduce delays, update outdated policies, and support a faster housing development timeline in response to increased demand and a heavily backlogged system in 2024. The amendments passed the first and second readings during Monday’s council meeting; they require a third reading before they can be enacted. If passed into law, the amendments would take effect immediately after the third reading. Resources would be allocated to hire and train additional…
In the midst of a housing crisis, rent control, or a lack thereof, could be the difference between going on that yearly vacation or not, and for some, between remaining in your home or relocating to a parent’s house, a friend’s couch, or even a shelter.But while tenants certainly benefit from rents being protected against market volatilty, some have argued the protection disincentivizes rental construction and makes operating costs for some landlords economically unfeasible. Swedish economist Assar Lindbeck once said of the policy, “In many cases rent control appears to be the most efficient technique presently known to destroy a…
Time for your cheat sheet on this week’s top stories. Canadian Real Estate Canada Cleaning Up Money Laundering Hits GDP The Same As Tariffs Canada and the US have arguably one of the strongest relationships in the world. In addition to sharing the world’s largest undefended border, a whopping $3.5 billion in goods and services flow through the borders per day. However, Americans are threatening a shock to Canada’s economy by imposing a 25% tariff, a move that would deliver a 6% hit to the economy. Canada supposedly can avoid that by cracking down on its illicit activity flowing across…
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic gestures for your partner; it’s also a wonderful opportunity to show some love to your home! For Canadians looking to refresh their living spaces, Valentine’s Day can be the perfect excuse to add a touch of warmth, romance, and personality. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising a loved one, this article explores thoughtful home decor gift ideas available online in Canada, perfect for adding a touch of Valentine’s Day charm that lasts long after the holiday. Why Home Decor Gifts Make Great Valentine’s Day Presents: Beyond the traditional chocolates and flowers, home decor gifts…
A good night’s sleep starts with choosing the right mattress, and the perfect choice is different for everyone. Since sleep is crucial to your overall health investing in the right mattress is well worth the effort. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, don’t worry—we’ve created a helpful list of key factors to consider so you can make an informed decision and wake up feeling refreshed every morning. When Should You Replace Your Mattress? Over time, dust, germs, and mildew accumulate, and daily wear and tear take their toll. Even with regular use, it’s best to replace your mattress…