Author: homegoal.ca
Canadian households are borrowing as rates come down, but not in the way many anticipated. Statistics Canada (StatCan) data shows household debt made an unusually sharp climb in September. That growth wasn’t driven by mortgages—even though they make up the bulk of household credit. Even the mortgage growth that did occur likely reflects old commitments, not new buying. Let’s dive into the data. Canadian Household Debt Surges $14.8B, Fastest Growth Since 2021 Canadian household credit posted an unusually strong monthly gain in the latest data. Debt rose 0.5% (+$14.8 billion) to hit $3.14 trillion in September, marking the fastest growth…
With the winter season fast approaching, we took a deep dive into Etsy’s Fall and Winter 2025 Trend Report to uncover what’s capturing shoppers’ attention this holiday season. These winter decor trends will help you refresh your space, stay ahead of seasonal style shifts, and get inspired to create cozy interiors that are sure to impress all your guests. Here are all six trends from the report, along with advice on how to achieve each style in your home. Nutcrackercore: Ballet-Inspired & Romantic Nutcrackercore draws inspiration from ballet-inspired themes such as pastel-colored ribbons, velvet stockings, and delicate bows. This aesthetic…
As a child, Francesca Albertazzi loved the sense of anticipation that came with the holiday season — few things felt more exciting than waking up on Christmas morning to see what Santa had tucked into her stocking. Today, Albertazzi is an interior designer with her own studio, Studio Albertazzi, and the lead designer on Pamela Anderson’s HGTV series Pamela’s Garden of Eden. She continues to draw on that sense of wonder in her work, including her recent collaboration with Hycroft for the Holidays, a long-standing Vancouver tradition. This year’s theme, Winter Garden, draws inspiration from the historic Hycroft estate and…
Canada’s sweeping plan to double homebuilding over the next decade is drawing cautious optimism, with experts saying Ottawa is right to invest in new construction methods — but warning that missing details, shaky consumer confidence and a looming labour crunch could stall progress before it begins. Royal LePage CEO Phil Soper says the government’s investment in modular construction is a critical early move, especially given Canada’s weak manufactured-home sector. “It would build two birds with one stone. It would allow us to produce housing more quickly and efficiently, plus potentially create an export industry, given we’ve got an abundance of…
Canadian inflation may look cooler on paper, but you’re forgiven if you have a hard time seeing it in reality. Statistics Canada (StatCan) reported the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) slowed in October, entirely due to falling gas prices. Excluding gas, inflation was unchanged—while core measures remained at the upper bound of the central bank’s target. The biggest cost pressure came from shelter: soaring rents and a sharp jump in property taxes. Canadian Headline Inflation Flat—Only Due To Cheaper Gas Source: StatCan. Canada’s annual headline inflation rate eased to 2.2% in October, down from 2.4% in September. The drop was…
After a brief slowdown in September, Canada’s housing market regained momentum in October, picking up where it left off after five months of steady growth. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 42,068 homes changed hands in October, up from 39,700 in September, a 6.0% month-over-month increase, marking the sixth gain in the past seven months. While sales were 4.3% lower year-over-year, the return to growth indicates that the fall market maintained its underlying strength despite persistent economic uncertainty. Smaller and mid-sized regions once again led the recovery, while major markets like Toronto and Vancouver continued to find stability…
Canada’s housing market continued its slow but steady recovery in October, according to the latest data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). National home sales posted another monthly increase, extending a trend of gradual improvement. Although activity remains below last year’s levels, key indicators point to a market that’s edging closer to balance. Sales continue their upward climb Home sales recorded through Canadian MLS® Systems rose 0.9% from September to October, marking the sixth monthly gain in seven months. Overall sales were still 4.3% below October 2024. “After a brief pause in September, home sales across Canada picked back…
The October housing data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has arrived at a moment when the country is searching for direction. After more than a year of turbulence marked by rate whiplash, population recalibration, labour softness, and an uneasy global trade environment, the market’s next chapter matters more than any monthly release. The latest numbers reveal a market that refuses to sink and yet cannot ascend with conviction either. The economy is pressing against the limits of what households can reasonably absorb, while policymakers test the reach of their interventions. Households are weighing their choices through the lens…
Canada’s housing rut continues as a wave of unprecedented seller activity hits the market. Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) data shows the price of a typical home fell to a multi-year low in October. Despite lower interest rates and rising buyer incentives, sales fell short, reversing the progress made last year toward a recovery. Meanwhile, new listings hit a record high as inventory floods the market. Canadian Real Estate Prices Continue To Fall, At 4-Year Low Canadian Real Estate Prices: The price of a typical home across Canada. Source: CREA; Better Dwelling. Canadian real estate prices continued to slip last…
New revelations have come to light that fill gaps in what may be 2025’s biggest Canadian real estate story, the $10-million iPro Realty Ltd. trust account scandal. Equally studied and scrutinized as the trust fund fraud itself has been the handling of it by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). A new report by Dentons Canada LLP, commissioned by RECO, offers a picture of how things went wrong, placing former registrar Joseph Richer at the centre. Secrets and a culture problem Dentons found RECO’s culture and structures failed to support accountability or its consumer-protection mandate. The report…