Author: homegoal.ca
As temperatures rise, it’s tempting to rely solely on air conditioning to stay comfortable—but it’s not your only option. Whether you’re trying to cut back on energy costs, reduce your environmental impact, or simply get more out of your cooling system, there are plenty of smart, AC-free ways to keep your home feeling comfortable. In fact, some of the most effective cooling methods don’t involve air conditioning at all—and even if you do have AC, these tips can help it work more efficiently and keep your home cooler throughout the season. Optimize your ceiling fan direction One of the most…
After economic uncertainty brought on by a trade war with the US quashed much of the rebound initially expected for the first half of 2025, increased home sales in July are indicating that improved affordability may be reopening the door for a substantial number of Greater Toronto Area home hunters.After an unremarkable spring and early summer that saw GTA home sales and prices fall year over year each month while inventory grew to levels not seen in 25 years, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board’s (TRREB) July data reveals sales ticked up on a seasonally-adjusted basis month over month and…
Inflation causes the price of nearly all goods to increase over time. Home prices are no exception, but over the last decade, they’ve risen exponentially fast. In some markets, home prices have more than doubled since 2015, far outpacing the rate of inflation. While prices in some markets are now correcting from pandemic highs, they are still far above what the average buyer can afford. This raises an important question: if home prices had only risen in line with inflation since 2015, what would a home cost in 2025? Zoocasa compared median single-family home prices in 50 of the largest…
After an extensive market downturn caused by economic conditions, there are promising signs that the real estate market is turning the corner, according to the latest statistics published by Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR) on Tuesday.In July, the Greater Vancouver region recorded a total of 2,286 home sales, which was 2% below the 2,333 recorded in July 2024 and 13.9% below the 10-year July average of 2,656. However, last month’s sales marks an improvement considering the significant gaps in recent months. May was 18.5% lower year over year, while June was 9.8% lower year over year. On the other side of…
Just as the real estate market in Greater Vancouver has started turning the corner, an expensive penthouse in downtown Vancouver was recently sold, in what could be another sign that activity in the market is picking up. (Although one could argue that if you can afford such a penthouse, market conditions are probably not of much concern.) The penthouse that sold was the one atop the Hotel Georgia at the prominent intersection of W Georgia Street and Howe Street, right across the street from CF Pacific Centre. Right at the corner, at 801 W Georgia Street, is the iconic 12-storey…
Canada’s big bet on lofty immigration targets was meant to boost GDP. But it flopped—OECD data shows Canada’s growth lagged the 38-country average. The strategy didn’t just fail to deliver; it left Canada trailing its advanced economy peers. Canada Led The OECD for Population Growth, Used Immigration As Stimulus Canada made a big bet on immigration post-pandemic, arguing it would boost its economy. In 2022, it scaled up immigration to hit the highest growth rate since the 1950s. At the time, economists agreed that immigration was important to fill the skills gap—though the pace would lead to stress. At a…
If you’re dreaming of an adventure-packed escape this summer, the Algonquin Highlands might just be Ontario’s best-kept secret. While its neighbour, Algonquin Park, sees hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world each year, the Township of Algonquin Highlands quietly welcomes tens of thousands of seasonal guests annually. With its small-town charm, the area delivers both that classic getaway vibe and a tempting taste of long-term cottage country living. Endless Outdoor Adventure What makes the Algonquin Highlands so bucket list-worthy? For starters, the outdoor activities here are second to none. Paddle your way through a network of waterways like…
On Wednesday morning, the Bank of Canada (BoC) announced they are keeping the policy rate steady at 2.75% for their July decision. This follows two consecutive holds from the Bank in April and June. The BoC has delivered a total of 225 basis points (bps) worth of cuts since June 2024 — more than any other global central bank — including half-point cuts in both October and December of last year. But today’s decision reflects ongoing caution amid persistent inflation, elevated uncertainty surrounding trade policy, and a still-cooling job market.In a statement, BoC Governor Tiff Macklem cited the fact that…
Toronto-based Allied Properties REIT (TSX: AP.UN) has reached an agreement to buy out Vancouver-based real estate developer Westbank from the M4 office building, which the two long-time partners currently co-own, according to a Q2 2025 report published by Allied on July 29.Completed earlier this year, the M4 office building is located at 108 East 5th Avenue in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood and is a nine-storey building with 166,800 sq. ft of office space and 38,000 sq. ft of industrial and retail space. Clad in dark glass that creates a black sheen, the building features a unique design with cubic volumes…
Vancouver-based Chard Development has submitted a rezoning application for a site they acquired last year under receivership, according to a rezoning application provided to STOREYS that has yet to be published by The City of Vancouver.The subject site of the proposal is 1045 Haro Street in the West End of Vancouver, between Burrard Street and Thurlow Street, about one block away from Robson Square. The site is currently occupied by a seven-storey rental building with 160 units and a three-storey commercial building at 830-850 Thurlow Street. The two properties have been consolidated into a single legal parcel and BC Assessment…