In Canada, everyone has an opinion about property taxes. Whether city dwellers or rural folk, each side will argue that the other is not paying enough in property taxes, making for a heated and spirited discussion about levies on the residence you worked hard to purchase. That said, aside from discussions over what the property tax rate should be, this is an important subject since many prospective homebuyers do not consider their annual tax bill as part of their ongoing expenses,... [read more]

Why Livability Matters: Insights from Canada’s Most Livable Cities Ranking The Globe and Mail’s 2024 guide to Canada’s most livable cities is out, and it got me thinking—what makes a city truly livable? With 448 cities evaluated based on affordability, amenities, quality of life, and more, it’s no surprise this ranking is sparking plenty of conversation.  Toronto’s Position in the Rankings Let’s address the elephant in the room: Toronto... [read more]

Navigating the Preconstruction Assignment Market: Opportunities in Every Market The preconstruction assignment market has taken a dramatic turn, as highlighted in a recent Globe and Mail article. Once a haven for real estate speculators, this market segment now finds many investors facing steep losses and tough decisions. While the challenges are undeniable, Angelo and I believe there are opportunities for those who understand the market and are ready to seize them. What’s... [read more]

Bank of Canada’s Rate Decision: Stimulus vs. Risks The Bank of Canada’s December 11 rate announcement is creating buzz, with most analysts predicting another oversized interest rate cut. If they proceed with a 50-basis-point reduction, the policy rate will drop to 3.25%, a level designed to neither stimulate nor restrain economic growth. Why a Big Cut is Expected Inflation is now at the central bank’s 2% target, GDP growth fell short of forecasts in Q3, and... [read more]

Understanding the 2025 Ontario Rent Increase Guideline: What It Means for Tenants and Landlords The Ontario government has capped the rent increase for 2025 at 2.5%, the same rate as the previous two years. For landlords and tenants alike, this sets clear expectations on rent adjustments for the year ahead. Let’s dive into what this means and our thoughts on navigating this process. What is the Rent Increase Guideline? The 2.5% guideline is the maximum percentage... [read more]