Author: homegoal.ca
For the fifth consecutive month, average asking rents in Canada have dropped year-over-year, hitting their lowest level since July 2023. According to the latest Rentals.ca and Urbanation report, February saw a 4.8 per cent decline in rents compared to the previous year, bringing the national average to $2,088. “Rents in Canada are softening as supply is outweighing demand,” said Shaun Hildebrand, president of Urbanation. “Apartment completions are currently running at record highs, while at the same time, population growth has slowed and the economy faces heightened risks due to a potential trade war with the U.S. Expect rents to continue…
Housing affordability is one of the biggest crises of our time and not everybody agrees on the solutions. Some argue that developers who are granted permission to build high-density projects should in turn provide a portion of that new housing at rates most people can afford. Developers often respond saying those requirements hold back the construction of new housing and that ensuring affordability is a responsibility that lies more so with government. The reality is this: approximately 95% of all new housing in Canada is constructed by the private sector and about 95% of the new housing they construct is…
Safety is a top priority when choosing a place to call home. Whether you’re a single homeowner, raising a family, or simply looking for peace of mind, understanding property crime rates can help you make an informed decision. Using data from the Fraser Institute’s recent report, Comparing Recent Crime Trends in Canada and the United States: Urban Areas, Zoocasa analyzed property crime rates and Canadian Real Estate Board housing prices to find the safest places to own a home in the country and how much it will cost to buy there. Where Are the Safest Places to Own a Home…
designed by freepik Want to make your home more innovative and more valuable in 2025? Smart home upgrades are a great way to do it. Investing in smart home technology makes life easier and increases property value. Simple changes, such as smart locks, security cameras, or voice-controlled lights, can make your home easier to maintain and more attractive to buyers. These upgrades can also help you save money on energy bills. Innovative technology is a wise investment whether you plan to sell or want a modern, more convenient home. Adding innovative features can make a big difference if you plan…
As AI is weaved into the fabric of various industries around the globe, real estate stands at a crossroads. Over the years, we’ve seen waves of new technology—social media, chatbots, online lead generation—each touted as the next game-changer. Now, AI has arrived, the latest bright and shiny object and it’s captured our industry’s attention. It’s taking real estate by storm, dominating discussions in publications, on conference stages, and within companies eager to equip agents with more tech tools. But the key question remains: Is AI truly simplifying our business and helping us generate more deals, or is it just another…
Recent reports indicate that the Toronto housing market continues to face issues, with key metrics pointing to a marked slowdown in home sales and pricing trends. Data from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) shows that home sales in February 2025 dropped compared to the same month last year, while the Home Price Index (HPI) also fell. Impact of Weather While economic uncertainty, including concerns over tariffs and broader market sentiment, has contributed to the downturn, severe winter weather, as noted in a March Edge Realty Analytics report, has also played a role. The report highlights that the winter…
A 37- and 38-storey mixed-use development could be headed for Lawrence Avenue East that would deliver 740 residential units alongside retail and medical offices. Plans were filed in early March by the land owners Markham Lawrence Limited Partnership and include a Zoning By-law Amendment application that seeks to amend the Commercial Residential zoning designation on the site to allow for the development of two tall buildings with increased density. If approved, the development would replace a surface parking lot that services a low-rise commercial plaza home to medical offices, a fast food restaurant, and hair salons located at 3583 -…
Canadian household debt has been showing big improvements. A combination of rate hikes that slowed borrowing, and recent rate cuts are delivering repayment relief. Before popping that bottle of HELOC-finance champagne, this may be the calm before the storm, warns BMO. Several economic headwinds, primarily the trade war, are set to hit households. The central bank is expected to lower rates to provide some relief, but it won’t be enough to protect households from the downside. Canadian Household Debt Showed Major Improvements Recently Canadian household debt indicators came in much better than most would expect. Higher rates provided a drag…
When it comes to outfitting your kitchen, it can be tempting to buy the latest gadgets promising to revolutionize your cooking routine. But not all kitchen appliances are created equal. Some are absolute game-changers, while others can quickly become clutter and take up precious space. Here’s a breakdown of which kitchen appliances are worth the investment and which ones you can skip. Which Kitchen Appliances Are Most Useful? Air Fryer Air fryers have earned a permanent spot in kitchens for a reason. They cook food quickly, require less oil, and provide a crispy texture that’s hard to replicate. Whether you’re…
designed by freepik Picture this: You’re scrolling through property listings and suddenly realize the real estate landscape has completely transformed. Gone are the days of traditional home buying and selling as we knew it. If you’re considering dipping your toes into the real estate market this year, you probably feel excitement and uncertainty. And honestly? That’s normal. The market has taken some fascinating turns lately, and whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or looking to sell your property, there’s a lot to wrap your head around. Here’s the thing: 2025 isn’t just another year in real estate—it’s shaping…