RSS

2024 Real Estate Crystal Ball: Unraveling Toronto’s Market Amid Mortgage Rate Turbulence

It’s about this time of year that I gaze into my crystal ball and predict what’s going to happen in Toronto’s real estate market.

It’s hard to be accurate at the best of times, but with the uncertainty around mortgage rates, it’s even more difficult. I do want to try though, so here goes.

Mortgage Rates

According to CMHC, there are 2.2 million mortgages coming up for renewal in 2024. Those who have variable rate mortgages won’t be surprised by their future payments, but anybody with a fixed rate just might be.

I don’t believe that mortgage rates will increase again, but I also think that they’re not going to go down significantly either. If your mortgage is up for renewal in the first six months of the year, it’s worth talking to your mortgage broker about a shorter-term option so that you can easily renegotiate when rates do go lower.

Though we all grumbled about the mortgage stress test, it is going to be that test that saves the market from collapse. I predict the majority of homeowners will find a way to absorb the extra costs of higher monthly payments and there will not be a tsunami of listings hitting the market which would ultimately result in a dramatic average-price drop.

Although I believe the single family home market will remain relatively strong, I do have a hunch we are going to see more investor-owned lower end condos hit MLS in the coming months and that market will be the most vulnerable. I don’t think it will be overwhelming, but even investors with fixed-rate mortgages are going to face an increase with their mortgage renewals, and unless the current rent covers the new mortgage, they may look to sell the unit.  (What’s that? You want to learn more about the complications of selling a tenanted unit? Click here.)

More lower-end condo listings will most likely result in further softening of prices for studio and one bedroom condos, which is good news for first time buyers, but with fewer rentals on the market, I predict we’re going to see rental prices increase, despite the latest news that in November, the average rent in Toronto decreased by .2% compared to October, when rents were at a record high.

Will prices go down?

We definitely will continue to see more listings on the market, and those properties will take longer to sell. The more inventory there is, the more there is going to be a softening of prices, especially if rates don’t come down and people can’t afford to buy.

That said, if mortgage rates do go down, even by a single percentage point, we will see the market roar back to life. On a $500,000 mortgage, the difference is almost $300 a month.

As always, there are key neighbourhoods in the city that will defy the odds and that won’t be affected by whatever happens with mortgage rates.

Do you agree? Disagree? Let me know!

Read

December Delights: Your Guide to Festive Events and Happenings This Month!

The Distillery Winter Village (Nov. 16th to Dec. 31st)

The Distillery Winter Village is a picture-perfect holiday experience where friends and family gather to take in the timeless romance and nostalgia of the holidays, stroll the cobblestone streets under the canopy lights and festive sounds, and shop a curated selection of the finest local craftspeople, one-of-a-kind shops, vendor cabins, and gifts. Warm up with some tasty delights at their many restaurants, cafés, and outdoor bars.

Holiday at The Well (Nov. 17th to Dec. 31st)

This season, The Well invites you to journey into a Nordic-inspired playground of winter-time delights. Partake in the magic of this free outdoor event, where Holiday at The Well beckons you to a realm beyond the ordinary.

Winter Blooms (Nov. 24th to Dec. 17th)

Combine the magic of the season with the wonders of nature. You’ll enjoy indoor and outdoor eco-friendly shopping, local food, and nature experiences that will engage visitors of all ages. Experience warming moments as you relax around the outdoor firepit or escape inside the new human-size terrarium. Winter Blooms opens on November 24 and will run until December 17, 2023, at the Toronto Botanical Garden.


10th Annual Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market (Dec. 1st to 3rd)

Get into the holiday spirit and kick-start your Christmas shopping at the 10th Annual Leslieville Christmas Pop-up Market! Whether you’re looking for handmade jewelry, cosy winter accessories, home decor, or tasty homemade goodies, you’ll find it all there.

Holiday Street Market (Dec. 1st to Jan. 7th)

Get ready for Toronto’s new holiday extravaganza! The Street Eats Market brings you the Holiday Street Market at the CN Tower starting December 1st. It’s the ultimate festive hub with yummy food, local crafts, and free entry!

Roller Express Rink (Dec. 1st to Feb. 24th)

Union and TD present the Roller Express rink! Join the fun inside the newly opened TD West Carriageway for a magical free winter experience.

Holiday Season at the Village (Dec. 2nd to 23rd)

Experience the ultimate winter wonderland at Black Creek Pioneer Village, where holiday joy fills the air! Meet Santa himself and immerse yourself in festive activities like toy making, elf school, and crafting holiday decorations. Indulge in Santa’s favorite treats, sip cocoa while enjoying festive tales, and watch enchanting puppet shows.

The Winter Market at Evergreen Brick Works (Dec. 10th & 17th)

The Winter Market is back! And this year they’ve got two days of wintery fun in store for you at Evergreen Brick Works on December 10 and 17


Holiday Soul Concert (Dec. 15th)

“Holiday Soul Concert,” presented by OnMarz Productions, is an incredible showcase featuring the talented Justin Bacchus and Nichelle Bernard. Get ready to be dazzled by their soulful performances that will fill your heart with holiday cheer!

Read

Navigating Neighborhood Change: Can You Influence City Development?

Can you fight city hall? That’s the age-old question and the answer is yes. And no.

In a city that’s constantly under construction, you should expect your neighbourhood to change over time.

However, there’s a difference between change, like the narrowing of streets for bike lanes, and something that alters the character of a neighbourhood such as a large condo in the middle of suburban neighbourhood.

Nobody wants to be accused of NIMBYism, but we all want somewhere pleasant to live.
What do you do when faced with a big construction project you don’t support? You mobilize.

One of the most famous examples is the cancellation of the Spadina Expressway. The idea for the expressway began in 1960 with the plan calling for the highway to run through several ravines before connecting with Spadina Avenue. This would have resulted in cutting the city in half.

A coalition called “Stop Spadina, Save Our City” was formed in 1969 and according to Participedia.net, “the main method employed during the Spadina Expressway protests was targeting politicians directly through walk-ins and protests, face-to-face meetings, and pressuring them to take action by galvanizing support from prominent city planners.”

It worked. Imagine if something similar had happened before the Gardiner Expressway had been built! We’d have open access to the lake!

The Island Airport expansion is another example. Roughly a decade ago, Porter Airlines announced that it wanted to extend the island airport runway by 168 metres on each side, which would allow Porter to buy larger jets and fly to further destinations. Porter faced opposition from residents living near the waterfront as well as local politicians. Concerns were raised about increased noise pollution, the impact on the environment, and safety issues.

Community groups actively campaigned against the expansion, leading to restrictions on the lengthening of the runway and limiting the number of flights. It helped that prominent politicians, including Olivia Chow, Adam Vaughan and Mike Layton were vocal about their opposition to the plan. The plan was killed when the Liberals took office in 2015.

However, sometimes a project is so important to the city that it goes through regardless of protests, such as the Ontario Line, which is disrupting some residents in Leslieville and Riverside.

Other examples include the rehabilitation of the Gardiner Expressway. There were groups of people who wanted to see the eastern part of the Gardiner torn down, but it’s simply going to be repaired and now it’s been handed off to the provincial government to maintain.

If there’s a planned project in your neighbourhood that you want to prevent, one of the first things to do is attend any informational meetings as soon as possible. The earlier in the process something is, the easier it is to make changes. Your city councillor’s office should be able to answer questions about specific projects or at least point you in the right direction.

Check online to see if there are any local groups already mobilizing. Facebook is generally the best place to do this. There are also residents’ associations across the city. The more people that get behind a cause, the more likely it is to generate attention.

Go to change.org and start a petition – there are over 150 petitions involving Toronto. Are you one of the 88 people who want the city to rename one of the stations on the Ontario line? Or one of 20,000 people who want to save the Marian Shrine of Gratitude on Weston Road?

The more people behind a cause, the higher the chance you have of changing the situation.

You might be wondering what prompted this blog. There’s a new building going up behind my house which is going to result in a lot of construction noise and dirt in the short-term and in the long term will result in a lack of sunlight in the backyards of myself and neighbours, not to mention constant noise from all the trucks making deliveries.

When speaking at City Hall, it was apparent to me that any opposition to any part of the project, whether related to the urgently needed housing or not, meant you were against the project, which of course was not true. They were not willing to address the impact of the massing of the servicing bays and areas and the impact the structure will have on the existing residential fabric. In councillor Moise’s words, considering the housing shortage we are experiencing, to delay the project at all “would be cruel”.

The project is part of the Yonge Street Mission and includes rental housing, which is sorely needed, but the sheer scope of the building in relation to the surrounding neighbourhood is simply too much.

The housing part includes over 190 units ranging from studios to 3-bedroom suites, which again, are very much needed, but this will bring hundreds of people into an area that is mostly populated by single family homes.

Earlier this fall I attended a hearing at City Hall earlier to argue against the rezoning application and was disheartened to see very few city councilors, if any, were actually paying attention to those of us that were speaking.

I was the only one who showed up in relation to this project, which did not help the case.

Have you ever tried to fight city hall? I’m curious to find out what happened

Read

November Delights: Your Guide to Exciting Toronto Events this Fall

The AD Film Festival (Nov 1-4)

Go on a cinematic journey that illuminates the captivating stories behind the structures and spaces that define our environment and shape our experiences at the Architecture & Design Film Festival.


Fashion Art Toronto’s 2023 (Nov. 16-19)

Fashion Art Toronto’s 2023 Fall / Winter season is set to take place in a 20,000 square foot space featuring multiple opportunities for audience interaction and designer participation including Runway Shows, Fashion Presentations and the Fashion & Beauty Boutique.


Winterfest (Nov. 17, 2023 to Jan. 6, 2024)

Canada’s Wonderland transforms into a magical, winter wonderland for WinterFest – an immersive holiday experience for the whole family. This event features ice-skating on Snow Flake Lake, more than a dozen live shows and holiday entertainment, exciting rides, millions of spectacular lights, and hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees throughout the park, including two 50-foot Christmas trees on International Street.


The CPKC Holiday Train (Nov. 20 – Dec. 19)

The 2023 CPKC Holiday Train is set to embark on a remarkable journey across Canada and the United States from November 20 to December 19. This festive train adorned with dazzling decorations will feature talented professional musicians performing free concerts from its enchanting stage. The train’s mission will be centred on supporting local food banks, with CPKC making donations to each community’s food shelf at every stop.


The Thirsty Elf (Nov. 22)

Step into the enchanting world of holiday cheer at this annual holiday-themed pop-up, The Thirsty Elf! From whimsical Christmas sweaters to quirky décor and an array of delightful, festive cocktails, it’s the perfect setting to ignite your seasonal spirit.


Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market (Nov. 24 – 26)

Go green this holiday season by visiting the Annual Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market, an eco-minded, nature-inspired, relaxed shopping experience.


Cavalcade of Lights (Nov. 25 – Jan. 7 )

Experience the magic of the holiday season with the much-loved Cavalcade of Lights presented by Desjardins Financial Group at Nathan Phillips Square.


Holiday Magic (Nov. 25)

Experience Holiday Magic at the  Bloor-Yorkville official lighting ceremony. This highly anticipated event marks the illumination of the neighbourhood’s sparkling holiday décor, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical ambiance.


The Santa Claus Parade

Since 1905, the Santa Claus Parade has kicked off the Christmas season, first in Toronto, then for the whole country as it has grown in popularity and importance throughout the years. The Parade brings people together, regardless of their background, celebrating hope, family and love.


Niemi’s Christmas Village

Meet Santa  in His workshop in the magical Christmas Land at Niemi’s Christmas Village in Mount Albert, Ontario. Santa spends time in His workshop on Fridays and Saturdays to meet children and adults alike.


Toronto Art Crawl

Step into a world of creativity and unique finds at the Toronto Art Crawl Christmas Market! This vibrant one-day market is a treasure trove for art aficionados, photography enthusiasts, and anyone seeking distinctive and handcrafted treasures. From captivating sculptures to stunning jewellery, captivating fashion, exquisite home decor, luxurious skincare, and an array of one-of-a-kind items, this market is a haven for discovering exceptional artisanal creations.


Reel Asian International Film Festival

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is a unique showcase of contemporary Asian cinema and work from the Asian diaspora. Works include films and videos by Asian-identifying artists in Canada, the U.S., Asia and all over the world. As Canada’s largest Asian film festival, Reel Asian provides a public forum for Asian media artists and their work, and fuels the growing appreciation for Asian cinema in Canada.

Read

Navigating Toronto’s Real Estate Landscape: Is Now the Time to Buy or Wait?

We are experiencing a buyer’s market in Toronto right now, especially in the downtown condo sector. On the day I am writing this, in C08, there were 19 new condo listings that came on the market, and zero sales were registered.
With so few sales happening, you might expect a dramatic price drop, but the recent news from the Toronto Real Estate Board shows that the average price of a condo dropped by only 5% compared to 2022, which is still $60,000 higher than the average price paid in the fall of 2020.

I suspect that sales might remain flat throughout the winter with the list to sale ratio in the 30 to 40% range. Sellers can expect to see their property on the market for about 30 days. If the Bank of Canada lowers rates in 2024, we may see a little more action.

That said, activity is always property dependent. The week of October 8, I listed a condo in Kensington Market and it sold the next day, while another listing I have has yet to receive an offer, despite a number of showings.

One of the reasons sales are taking longer is that there’s no sense of urgency. There’s so much choice that buyers have the luxury of taking their time. I actually think this is a good thing because then buyers don’t feel rushed and are more confident in their choice.

Predictions vary about whether the Bank of Canada is going to raise interest rates later this week, but with the recent news of inflation falling to 3.8%, it’s entirely possible that the interest rate will remain at 5% until at least December 6th.

The big question is: Where are prices going to go? In short, with so many condos on the market, I think we could see condo prices continue to soften.

Compared to September 2022, prices for detached, semi-detached homes and townhomes are up year-over-year, but only about 25% of the new listings are selling. As with any market, there are people who really need or really want to sell. Those sellers won’t just let their property sit on the market, they’ll lower the asking price. I think it’s just a matter of time.

And of course, it depends on the building and the neighbourhood. For example, The Canary District and Corktown Common are pretty key areas in high demand so I would expect to see properties move more quickly.

All that said – I believe that now is an excellent time to be buying (I know, you’d expect nothing less from a realtor, but hear me out!). With interest rates predicted to fall in the fourth quarter of 2024 or perhaps early 2025, don’t lock yourself in to a 5 year mortgage. Take a shorter term and take advantage of the downward pressure on prices.

In a softened market, you’re dealing more often with sellers making emotional decisions based on financial stresses  and you have more buying power. Nobody wants to take advantage of someone who’s in a tight spot, but a seller is  going to sell to someone.

Also keep in mind that as a buyer, you’re always trying to time the market so you’re hitting the bottom before it goes up… spoiler alert, chances are you’ll miss the mark. But if you’re buying with a long-term plan in mind, it doesn’t matter what price you buy at because prices will always grow over time if you hold on long enough. Although Toronto has seen price corrections – some more dramatic than others – you’ll always come out ahead if you’re in your home for a decade.

In the fall of 2013, the average price for a one bedroom condo was a little over $316K and the average price for a three bedroom detached home was $599K. Compare that to $724K for the average one bedroom condo today and $1.285M for a three bedroom home*.

If you’re curious about what your home is worth or just want to talk about what’s happening in the market, please get in touch!

*Statistics from listing.ca

Photo courtesy @the_zeelenberg

Read

Toronto’s Thrilling October: Must-See Events and Happenings!

PumpkinFest at Downey’s Farm (Sept. 23 – Oct. 31)

Get ready for a pumpkin-packed adventure at Downey’s Farm! From wagon rides to a-maze-ing corn mazes, live entertainment, and adorable farm animals, they’ve got a fantastic lineup of family fun waiting for you.

LEGENDS OF HORROR (Sept. 29 – Oct. 31)

Prepare to be spooked and thrilled as Legends of Horror makes its chilling return to Casa Loma this October. Brace yourself for a hauntingly unforgettable experience!

Toronto Oktoberfest (OCTOBER 6 & 7)

Dust off your lederhosen and dirndls. Toronto’s favorite fall festival is back! Young and old, modern and traditional all blend together harmoniously in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at Toronto’s Oktoberfest!


Pumpkin Fest Toronto (October 6 – 9)

Enjoy a weekend filled with unlimited midway rides, inflatable fun, a sprawling pumpkin patch, local food trucks, live entertainment, tons of family photo ops, and so much more at Pumpkin Fest Toronto!

Woodbridge Fair (October 7-9)

Get ready for a fun-filled adventure at the Woodbridge Fair! From thrilling rides and games to captivating history and antiques, plus a mouthwatering array of fair foods and culinary arts, competitions with exciting prizes, and the wonders of animals and nature – this event has something for everyone to enjoy.

Planet in Focus (October 12 – 22)

Explore urgent environmental issues through captivating storytelling at the Planet in Focus International Environmental Film Festival, a Toronto-based not-for-profit organization.

TORONTO AFTER DARK FILM FESTIVAL (October 18-22)

Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable cinematic experience at the 17th Annual Toronto After Dark Film Festival. As one of the most anticipated events in the city, this festival promises thrilling films, exciting premieres, and a celebration of the macabre and the fantastical that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Next Stage Theatre Festival (October 18-29)

Experience the 16th Next Stage Theatre Festival at the historic Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, offering an experimental lineup of six productions with diverse artistic elements.

Art Toronto (October 26-29)

Art Toronto 2023 will return to downtown Toronto for a showcase of over 100 galleries from across Canada and abroad, attended by over 20,000 collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts.

Read

Latest News from the Toronto Real Estate Market – Advice for Investors

With Labour Day in the rearview mirror, the fall market is in full force.

Over the last couple of weeks, a ton of new listings have hit the market, including a large number of condos in C08 and C01, which effectively covers the downtown core. I believe that the abundance of listings is due to investors trying to get out of the market because the rents they’re charging simply don’t cover the carrying costs. Personally, I believe in long-term investments.

I also believe that condo prices will go up in value over time so to hold on to an investment and perhaps take a loss in the short term makes sense… but you have to act based on your personal circumstances and what you’re comfortable with. If that means you want to sell, then you sell. It’s true that aAs the bank rates increase, investors get more anxious and some are making the decision to off-load their investment property. It’s still early yet in the fall market cycle, so we’ll have to wait and see if all the extra product gets absorbed by the buyers that are in the market. Considering the number of days that properties are staying on the market, we may have to wait a few weeks before the sales start being recorded.

In August, properties were staying on the market considerably longer than they were earlier in the year. Sometimes a property will be on the market for well over 30 days, compared to about two weeks at the peak. Many properties are lingering longer.

Even with this happening, with the exception of detached homes, prices are holding steadfast. Last month, semis and towns were selling above list, but detached homes were selling under asking. As for condos, the average price was down 1.8% year-over-year, but as that translates into $12,391, it’s not a significant drop.

So, although people are trying to get a deal right now and coming in with offers lower than the asking price, realtors are best to advise sellers not to be offended, it’s the state of the market.

From renter to buyer? 

Last month’s blog discussed the risks associated with selling a tenanted property. But here’s an interesting twist: I was recently speaking with a mortgage broker I know quite well. She mentioned that tenants have been reaching out to her because their landlords are thinking about selling the unit they’re renting. Some landlords are giving their tenants the option to buy the property first before selling it to someone else, which I think is a great idea!

I’d certainly advise an investor to talk to their tenant first if they were looking to sell – and if it’s a fair price, then why not?

Of course, today’s mortgage rates are the main factor affecting the slowdown in the market, but if you’re considering a move, you don’t necessarily have to lose the great interest rate you’re currently paying. Contact your mortgage broker to see if you can port your mortgage to another property. This would result in a blended mortgage. You’ll continue to pay the current rate on the outstanding amount and you’ll only be paying today’s rates on the difference, which could average out to about 4%. Not bad in a market where new mortgages are anywhere from 5.75% to 7%.

I also recommend contacting your mortgage broker if you’re looking to make a purchase before the end of the year. Chances are there will be another rate increase and so anybody looking to buy in the next few months should strongly consider being pre-approved and locking in at today’s rates.

If you have any questions about the market or are curious about what your home is currently worth, please get in touch!

Read

September’s Newsletter: TO’s Best Happy Hours – September Events – Riding the Rate Waves: Condo Investors Navigate Selling Amidst Mortgage Hikes

Summer may be coming to an end but what better a time to embrace the vibrancy of fall by enjoying an action packed month of festivals. Toronto is buzzing with spectacular events! There’s so much to do that you won’t even have time to reminisce about summer days gone by. If you’re looking to slow down the pace a bit, September is also the perfect time to check out one or more of the city’s best happy hours listed below!

Toronto’s real estate market continues to be in flux due to higher borrowing costs and uncertainty about the economy. Maybe not so surprising, there were more listings available this past August than in August 2022. Interestingly, prices are still holding fairly steady. All of this is an indication that people are looking to sell but are not dropping the asking price out of desperation.

The announcement by the Bank of Canada to hold rate steady is definitely a good sign. The next rate announcement isn’t until the end of October which means that mortgage rates will be stable during the mid portion of the fall market. I’m hopeful this adds to consumer confidence and fuels the market enough to maintain a steady pace.

Click here for the full newsletter

 
Read

Toronto’s September Spectacular: A Guide to Exciting Events and Happenings!

TIFF (September 7 to 17)

The eagerly anticipated 48th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival is poised to grace screens from September 7 to 17, 2023. In an exciting revelation, TIFF has unveiled its decision to rebrand the acclaimed Contemporary World Cinema stream as “Centrepiece.”


Taste of The Kingsway (September 8-10)

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Kingsway BIA with an even bigger and more spectacular Taste of The Kingsway. From September 8-10, enjoy three unforgettable days of food, music, family entertainment, contests, and shows.


Toronto Ukrainian Festival (September 15 – 17)

The Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival welcomes you to come and enjoy everything the Ukrainian culture has to offer. Discover Ukrainian culture in Canada and share the Ukrainian spirit at North America’s largest Ukrainian Street Festival.


Toronto Waterfront Festival (September 16-17)

The Toronto Waterfront Festival is back with the World’s Largest Rubber Duck from September 16-17. Don’t miss the 6-story, 30,000-pound Mama Duck at 7 Queens Quay East. Enjoy on-land and on-water activities, cultural experiences, giveaways, and local food trucks from 11am to 8pm each day at the Billy Bishop Airport Picnic Lounge.


Roncesvalles Polish Festival (September 16 & 17)

Come celebrate Roncesvalles Village, and the unique heritage of this neighbourhood, at our weekend Roncesvalles Polish Festival. Coming this September 16 & 17, 2023, and building on the long history of the Roncesvalles Polish Festival, which include fan favourites, like Polka and pierogi, in conjunction with a fresh focus to celebrate a broader range of local artists, musicians and, of course, food.


AsialiciousTO 2023 ( September 16 — October 1)

AsialiciousTO is Toronto’s premier Asian food campaign program, showcasing diverse and delicious cuisines of Asia. Organized by the Federation of Asian Canadians Toronto (FACT), this program seeks to promote cross-cultural understanding and community engagement, while support the growth of Toronto’s thriving Asian food scene.

 

Just For Laughs Toronto (September 21 -30)

Get set to laugh out loud as Just For Laughs showcases top comedy stars on some of Toronto’s biggest stages!

Halloween Haunt returns to Canada’s Wonderland (September 22 to October 29)

This fall, Halloween Haunt returns to Canada’s Wonderland on select nights Sept. 22 to Oct. 29 with a sinister transformation, turning the theme park into a scream park filled with Halloween attractions that offer unforgettable thrills and unspeakable horror. Immerse yourself in the nightmare of Haunt, with eight mazes, terrifying scare zones, hundreds of monsters, thrilling night rides and amazing live entertainment including the return of the Day of the Dead Festival.


Queen West Art Crawl Festival (September 23-24)

The Queen West Art Crawl Festival is a yearly event spanning 2 days in person and 7 days online. It celebrates Queen Street West by spotlighting the artists, artisans, craftspeople, community groups, and residents who form the vibrant essence of this unique Toronto neighborhood. This year, they are reintroducing the online exhibit within their Virtual Park for artists, artisans, patrons, and performers. Additionally, they’re excited to resume the live festival at Trinity Bellwoods Park.

Read

Riding the Rate Waves: Condo Investors Navigate Selling Amidst Mortgage Hikes

Ever since this article came out in the Star, I’ve been thinking about my clients who are investors.

In a nutshell, the article explains that more and more real estate investors are leaving Toronto’s market due to rising interest rates resulting in an increase of new listings. Investors who purchased properties from 2020 to 2022 at low variable interest rates are now selling due to tripled mortgage rates. Even those who bought with fixed rates and are renewing their mortgages may be considering getting out of the market. This trend is expected to continue over the next year as interest rates remain high, leading to more investor exits from the market and impacting rental stock and property availability.

It’s true that there are more condos coming onto the market, but I for one am certainly NOT concerned that the market is going to get flooded in the very near future. Many recent investors will have opted for a fixed-rate mortgage, which means their payments won’t be affected until their mortgage comes up for renewal any time between 2025 and 2027, and who knows where interest rates will be then?

But for those who opted for a variable-rate mortgage, how do you deal with the increased payments?

It depends on the situation. Sometimes you have to accept short term pain for long term gain, and in some cases it may be worth losing money each month knowing that the value of the unit will continue to increase. While there are no guarantees that the market is going to grow in the future, history has always shown that it does.

I ask questions of clients considering selling to make sure they’re not panicking.

  • What plans do they have for the money that they’re going to be getting from the sale? Do they need that money or is the decision solely based on monthly output?
  • Have they spoken with their accountant to discuss the capital gains implications?
  • Its important to consider what they paid for the unit and give them an estimate of what it would sell for. It’s important to also discuss if they can imagine feeling regret over selling it. Sometimes selling is the right decision if it would just alleviate an immense amount of stress…. if the stress is short term and there are other options to make up for the shortfall then maybe it’s not the right decision to sell.
  • And finally, I ask about who’s living there now and whether they have considered the risks associated with selling a tenanted property.

The last question is key – a landlord can legally terminate a tenancy if they, or a family member, are moving into the unit, or they are selling the unit and the buyer will be moving in, but there are risks involved with this scenario.

If you are selling a unit with a tenancy in place and you ask the tenant to leave because the new buyer warrants they will be moving in and in fact the new buyer doesn’t move in, but signs on a new tenant, your current tenant can lodge a complaint. If this happens, you as the landlord can be fined by the government for up to $25,000.

The sale of a tenanted property can get complicated if a tenant refuses to leave, because the agreement of purchase and sale states that the unit will be vacant upon possession. Check out what happened to this couple.

The proper procedure, once an agreement of purchase and sale has been signed, is for the owner to file an N12, giving them 60 days notice from he end of a pay period to leave. One must follow the protocols to provide notice to the tenant exactly as stipulated by the Landlord Tenant Board (LTB).

Most tenants will leave willingly, but not all. If a tenant doesn’t leave, they have to be evicted and this can take months because of the backlog at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Most lawyers would say, if you’ve got a tenant, pay them what they want to get them out before the property is put up for sale. That’s the lowest risk. You may be eating a couple of months’ rent, but the property will sell faster because you’ve eliminated the complications. If an investor is buying it, they’ll be happy to bring in their own tenant at market rent. One important caveat: if the place you’re selling was completed after November 15, 2018, rent control rules don’t apply.

If it was completed before that date, you can only raise the rent according to the government. But after, the landlord has a right to raise the rent as much as they want.

If you have any questions about investment properties, or anything else real estate related, please get in touch!

Read

We are well into August and it may seem like our summer is almost at its end but, before we break out our sweaters and start sipping on those pumpkin spice lattes, there’s still so much left to do in order to make the most of your remaining summer days! Have a staycation and enjoy some of the most stunning places in Ontario before summer winds down or give your taste buds a treat and try out some of Toronto’s hot new restaurants. There are a few ideas below on how to make the dog days of summer “sit pretty” in your memory bank.

In July, across the board, the average home prices were up compared with last year. This is an excellent sign that people are adjusting to higher mortgage rates. Interestingly, the number of sales of detached homes and condos were up year-over-year; sales of semis and towns were down. Any upward trend in sales and pricing is good news. We’ll see if this continues into the fall as the Bank of Canada is set to make another rate announcement in September. Another rate hike could definitely affect the pace of the fall market, depending on if ti actually happens or not.

Click here for the full newsletter

Read

Toronto’s August Extravaganza: Unmissable Events to Ignite Your Summer Spirit!

Scarborough Rib Fest (August 3rd-7th)

Enjoy delicious ribs, hot dogs, french fries, corn on the cob and more… Midway rides, Creative designs by crafters and vendors, All day beer garden and more!

SummerWorks Performance Festival (August 3rd-13th)

The 2023 SummerWorks Performance Festival will feature an eclectic mix of programming in a multitude of formats, including theatre, dance, and sound/music performances, sensorial experiences, site-responsive activations, and community gatherings. The Festival is presented in both the East and West ends of Toronto at The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance, Aki Studio at Daniels Spectrum, and The Theatre Centre from August 3 – August 13, 2023.

Toronto Food Truck Festival (August 4th-7th)

Woodbine Park has never tasted this delicious before. Back for another year, The Toronto Food Truck Festival is serving up some real must-eats! As always, admission is free and there’s something for everyone. Entertain yourself with some of Toronto’s best local talent, participate in our live-eating challenges and enjoy a cold beer!

Taste Of India Food Festival (August 4th-5th)

Taste of India is the largest Indian Food Festival in North America. Witnessing a footfall of whoopin 10,000 + attendees, Taste of India is an yearly event taking place in the month of August.

Boots And Hearts (August 10th-13th)

Boots & Hearts Music Festival is Canada’s largest country music festival, held annually in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds. This year we see headliners such as Tim McGraw, Nickelback and Keith Urban.

Taste of the Danforth (August 11th-13th)

Mark your calendars for August 11-13, and join us for an unforgettable weekend brimming with delectable cuisine and entertainment. Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures that thrive along the Danforth, where you can savour a culinary journey unlike any other. From savoury street eats to delicious dessert creations, our festival promises to be a delight for all! 

But Taste of the Danforth isn’t just about food—it’s an experience for the entire family! Join us for a festival that showcases the fusion of flavours and cultures of our beloved Danforth businesses.

The CNE (August 18th-September 4th)

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is Canada’s largest community event and one of the top agricultural fairs in North America. Founded in 1879 as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition, the CNE is a not-for-profit organization that has enjoyed a distinguished history as a showcase of the nation. People came to experience the latest innovations in technology and commercial products, to enjoy the popular entertainers of the time, and to engage in a collective community celebration.

Japan Fest (August 19th-20th)

Japan Festival CANADA has been hosted in one of the multicultural countries in the world, Canada, to introduce and promote genuine Japanese food, culture and technologies.

After holding our Festival virtually in 2020 and 2021, we were thrilled to host a successful return to our in-person festival with Japan Festival CANADA 2022.

We are now once again planning our in-person festival for Japan Festival CANADA 2023.

Please continue to monitor this page and our social media channels for updates regarding programming.

The concept of Japan Festival CANADA is to contribute in further success of establishing Canada and Japan Diplomatic Relations. Since the first year event in 2016, Japan Festival CANADA has been hosted annually in the summer.

Enjoy Some Great Live Music

Summers in Toronto are music season! From Matchbox 20 to Queens of the Stone Age, get your rock on this August.

Escape The Heat With Some Great Movies Coming To Netflix Canada

As the warm weather continues, beat the heat with these great new additions to Netflix Canada in August.

Read
This website may only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate of the type being offered via the website. The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate.