The down payment gets all the attention, but it is the closing costs that catch GTA buyers off guard. On a $1,050,000 townhouse in Clarkson, you should have roughly $21,000 to $22,000 in cash ready on closing day, on top of your down payment. Buy at the same price in the Junction instead and that number jumps by about $14,000, because Toronto charges its own land transfer tax that Mississauga buyers never pay. Here is the full list of what you actually pay at closing in 2026, which costs are... [read more]

Real estate prices in Canada continue to rise, and between fluctuating interest rates and pricing differences between markets, it’s increasingly difficult to plan your finances and housing options. But when you’re struggling with the rent vs buy decision, there’s more to consider than your out-of-pocket costs. What’s Cheaper: Rent vs Buy in Canada In most Canadian cities, renting is less expensive than buying. Average rents are currently $1,922 for a 1-bedroom and... [read more]

📍Opportunity Knocks: Why Now’s a Smart Time to Buy in the GTA Let’s be real — the GTA market hasn’t been easy for buyers over the last few years. But 2025? It’s different. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor, or planning your next move-up, opportunity is back on the table — and it’s showing up in more ways than one. 💰 Prices Have Softened — But Won’t Stay Low Forever The average home price in the... [read more]

An Opinion: How Toronto could avoid raising property taxes City pays much more for construction than it needs to by limiting bidding to firms that work with certain trade unions Renze Nauta, Special to Financial Post Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is proposing to hike the city’s property taxes 10 per cent. That is totally unnecessary. The mayor could find most of the revenue she’s after elsewhere. The trouble is, she just hasn’t looked. Toronto city council... [read more]

For most people, their home is their biggest investment—and I get it. It’s not just four walls and a roof, it’s your safe place, your lifestyle, and potentially, your biggest wealth-building tool. The question is: Are you making your home work for you? Let’s talk about home equity—what it is, why it matters, and how to grow it faster so you can use it toward big goals like renovations, upsizing, or even buying that vacation property you’ve... [read more]