fbpx

HOMEPORTAL

Menu

Canada

Three Improved Ways to Understand Your Warranty

Blogs / / / , , , , , , , ,

Three Improved Ways to Understand Your Warranty Purchasing a home in the pre-construction phase can be a thrilling adventure. In addition, it may be quite lengthy. Your move-in date may be months or even years away from the time you sign the purchase agreement. The Ontario New House Warranty Program affords you certain guarantees as a buyer of a newly constructed home in the province. This protection lasts for a good long while as well, spanning both the time before you take possession (for things like deposits and improper delays). Moreover, the seven years after you take possession (for things like defects). While it’s important that you know what’s going on with your warranty, it’s understandable that you can’t focus on it 100% of the time. We hear you, and we know that you’d rather not be inundated with data. This is why we have included a variety of resources for education. These may be accessed at any point in the process of purchasing a new house. The following are some brand new resources that will be useful to anyone. They include individual who is either in the market for a new house or who has recently purchased one: Updated Brochures for Print and Web The pamphlet we offer, “Warranty Coverage for New Homes in Ontario,” has always been a best-seller. The new and improved version is even better. The Freehold Brochure, now revised and enlarged, is the best way to learn about the new home warranty. New information is included, such as the responsibilities of the homeowner, builder, and Tarion. Data Sheets Regarding Warranties Buyers of new houses and condos will see a change on February 1, 2021, when they get ready to sign the contract. This is because from now on, every new home purchase agreement and construction contract must include a Warranty Information Sheet signed off on by both the builder and the vendor. Depending on the home being sold, the Warranty Information Sheet may include a brief summary of the warranty coverage (such as deposit protection and compensation for closing delays). It emphasize the significance of the pre-delivery inspection, and point new homebuyers in the direction of additional resources. Buyers will be fully informed of the coverage to which they are entitled at the time of purchase thanks to the Warranty Information Sheet. Related posts 28 January 2023 Three Improved Ways to Understand Your Warranty Three Improved Ways to Understand Your Warranty Purchasing a home in the pre-construction phase can be… 28 January 2023 Can I Have A New Home Warranty Even If It’s Not New? Can I Have A New Home Warranty Even If It’s Not New? Did you buy a previously owned house recently?… 27 January 2023 How To File A Warranty Claim And What You Can Anticipate Process of warranty claim and what to expect? There has been a recent surge in the population of small… 26 January 2023 Process of warranty claim and what to expect? Process of warranty claim and what to expect? Everything about your new house would be wonderful if you… 25 January 2023 Home Snow Removal? Remember These Spots Home Snow Removal? Remember These Spots One constant of an Ontario winter is snow. Sometimes quite a… 23 January 2023 Lower Bond Yields Mean Lower Fixed Mortgage Rates Lower Bond Yields Mean Lower Fixed Mortgage Rates Mortgage debtors may finally see some relief after… 21 January 2023 Denied mortgage renewal: What happens next? Denied Mortgage Renewal:What happens next? If you want to keep paying down your mortgage after the current…

Three Improved Ways to Understand Your Warranty Read More »

Can I Have A New Home Warranty Even If It’s Not New?

Blogs / / / , , , , , , , ,

Can I Have A New Home Warranty Even If It’s Not New? Did you buy a previously owned house recently? A new home warranty may still be in effect if the home is less than seven years old. For the most part, Ontario’s new construction warranties cover a period of seven years. A fact that you might not know is that a home warranty is transferred to the property rather than the owner.  It is likely that the purchase of a resale home less than seven years old will include a warranty The terms of the new home warranty cover whoever owns the home for seven years after the original date of possession. However, assuming ownership of a resold property isn’t enough to transfer the warranty coverage. If you’ve just purchased a previously owned house, it’s imperative that you contact Tarion as soon as possible to let us know you’ve taken ownership. Tips for registering a house warranty on a previously owned property It’s important to have both the purchase agreement and the deed on hand. Please provide us with a copy of these papers so we can update our records. Once we have finished making the necessary changes to our system, we will send you an email confirming the alteration, along with your enrollment number and a link to MyHome. Here at MyHome, you can easily maintain tabs on your submitted paperwork and the remaining time on your house warranty. This tool can also be used to complete and submit any warranties that may apply to you. No company will  provide extensive warranty details over the phone prior to delivery, since this would violate their customers’ privacy. Once you’ve registered as the new owner in the system, the concerned company and individual will be able to inform you whether or not the home is protected by the warranty. Moreover, it would determine whether or not it’s enrolled with Tarion. Suggestions for ensuring that you take full advantage of any applicable warranty terms and conditions Closing dates that fall after the warranty form submission deadline can be a problem for homeowners. Is there anything you can do to remedy the situation? Know what your warranty covers before you start negotiating with the seller. Assist them with the necessary paperwork to make sure they don’t miss the submission date. While the seller’s priority may be getting out of the house and onto the next chapter of their lives, yours should be learning about the warranty protections you’ve earned. You should be conscientious and cooperative with the vendor in order to ensure that the warranty documents are submitted on time. Not submitting the paperwork in a timely manner could cause critical deadlines to be missed. Visit Tarion’s Learning Hub to find out crucial information regarding home warranty coverage and deadlines. A home buyer’s best bet is to find out about the property’s warranty terms before making a purchase. How to know the time that is remaining on the warranty? It is advised to consult with either a real estate agent or an attorney. They can inquire directly with the seller or contact us on their behalf to get warranty details such as the date coverage began, the name of the home’s builder, and whether or not the home has been occupied. Related posts 28 January 2023 Three Improved Ways to Understand Your Warranty 28 January 2023 Can I Have A New Home Warranty Even If It’s Not New? Can I Have A New Home Warranty Even If It’s Not New? Did you buy a previously owned house recently?… 27 January 2023 How To File A Warranty Claim And What You Can Anticipate Process of warranty claim and what to expect? There has been a recent surge in the population of small… 26 January 2023 Process of warranty claim and what to expect? Process of warranty claim and what to expect? Everything about your new house would be wonderful if you… 25 January 2023 Home Snow Removal? Remember These Spots Home Snow Removal? Remember These Spots One constant of an Ontario winter is snow. Sometimes quite a… 23 January 2023 Lower Bond Yields Mean Lower Fixed Mortgage Rates Lower Bond Yields Mean Lower Fixed Mortgage Rates Mortgage debtors may finally see some relief after… 21 January 2023 Denied mortgage renewal: What happens next? Denied Mortgage Renewal:What happens next? If you want to keep paying down your mortgage after the current…

Can I Have A New Home Warranty Even If It’s Not New? Read More »

Home Snow Removal? Remember These Spots

Blogs / / / , , , , , , , , , ,

Home Snow Removal? Remember These Spots One constant of an Ontario winter is snow. Sometimes quite a bit. Snow, like wind and rain, can do a lot of harm to our homes and health. During the winter months, it is crucial that we stay on top of the snow situation. Even if we’re all familiar with the process of shovelling snow or snow removal, how can you be sure that you’ve covered every inch of your property? Here are some popular (and some less common) areas that should always be part of your snow clearing routine, regardless of whether you’re a die-hard old schooler who swears by the shovel or an advocate for the ease and technology of a snow blower: Foundation It’s likely that you’ll move on to the areas immediately surrounding your house when you’ve finished with the driveway, front porch, and walkways. Keep the ground around your house’s foundation free as you work. It’s possible for snowmelt water to sneak into your home through foundation cracks. Before the winter season arrives, it’s important to check for cracks in these locations. In and out drives and sidewalks Preventing slips and falls and frost damage both necessitate clearing walks and roads. Hidden by snow, frost can wreak havoc on concrete and asphalt, causing cracks and other damage. You may avoid any unpleasant surprises in the spring by keeping these places free of snow. Roof Although many of us would rather leave the snow on our roof (it looks so pretty on holiday cards!) it is an area that need equal attention. Water infiltration can be caused by ice dams. These form when the roof surface is warm enough to melt snow but the air temperature is still cold enough to refreeze it. Use a roof rake to remove the first few feet of snow off your roof after a snowstorm. The alternative is to get some help from an expert. Pipes and valves for releasing exhaust gases outside As you clear the snow from around your home’s perimeter, check to see that the external exhaust pipes and vents. This is especially for your heating appliances (including your furnace, dryer, fireplace, and stove) are not blocked by snow or ice. Blocked exhaust pipes and vents can prevent these appliances from functioning properly, which can result in a fatal buildup of carbon monoxide. Wells in windows Get rid of the snow from the window wells of your home. When snow melts, it can seep into your basement and cause damage to your window frames, walls, and other finishes. This would be the case if it has accumulated in your window wells. Covering your window wells to keep the cold out is another option to think about. Related posts 25 January 2023 Home Snow Removal? Remember These Spots Home Snow Removal? Remember These Spots One constant of an Ontario winter is snow. Sometimes quite a… 23 January 2023 Lower Bond Yields Mean Lower Fixed Mortgage Rates Lower Bond Yields Mean Lower Fixed Mortgage Rates Mortgage debtors may finally see some relief after… 21 January 2023 Denied mortgage renewal: What happens next? Denied Mortgage Renewal:What happens next? If you want to keep paying down your mortgage after the current… 19 January 2023 Canada’s Bank Regulator Wants Tighter Real Estate Risk Rules Canada’s Bank Regulator Wants Tighter Real Estate Risk Rules More stringent rules on mortgage borrowing… 16 January 2023 Reasons a robust labour market could affect your mortgage interest rate Reasons a robust labour market could affect your mortgage interest rate Over the past year, Canada’s… 13 January 2023 Is it necessary to pay Toronto’s new vacant home tax? Is it necessary to pay Toronto’s new vacant home tax? The new Vacant Home Tax in the City of Toronto… 13 January 2023 Difference between Pre-qualification and pre-approval Difference between Pre-qualification and pre-approval The terms pre-qualified and pre-approved are often…

Home Snow Removal? Remember These Spots Read More »

Toronto Residents Are Leaving At Record Rates, Immigration Overtakes Growth

Blogs / / / , , , , , ,

Toronto Residents Are Leaving At Record Rates, Immigration Overtakes Growth There has been a dramatic increase in population in the Greater Toronto Area, but that growth may be levelling out soon. According to Stat Can data from the year 2022, the population of the Toronto CMA was soaring. When we look at the data more closely, we see that immigration was the sole cause of the expansion. The unprecedented migration away from the area is hidden by the tendency of artificial expansion. Although the basic statistics look promising, investors may be looking elsewhere for higher returns. Greater Toronto’s Population Added Over 138,000 People In 2022 Growth in the population of Greater Toronto mirrors that of the rest of Canada. In 2022, the population of the Toronto CMA is projected to reach 6.69 million, up 2.1% (or +138,240) from the previous year. Even if only half of that expansion had occurred in the City of Toronto, it would have been a remarkable figure. The majority of Toronto’s growing population is the result of immigrants As Canada works to catch up on its backlog, immigration is the main factor driving this development. Increased by 103% (+80,830), the number of immigrants to Greater Toronto in 2022 was 159,670. The rate of growth and the sheer number of people are two key indicators. There has been a surge of immigrants to the Greater Toronto Area The tendency of the region’s immigrant population doubling was odd. As was indicated earlier, due to a backlog, last year saw a multi-year low in immigration. There is some base impact in the expansion, but the total is still enormous. The second possible observation is that the rate of immigration was higher than the rate of overall population growth. This is not because of a death toll; on the contrary, people in Toronto are packing up and leaving at an unprecedented rate. A Total of 78,000 People Left Greater Toronto for Other Parts of Ontario. The number of persons that moved out of the Greater Toronto Area and settled in another Ontario region is the net interprovincial migration. After a net outflow of 73,500 persons in 2021, the number jumped to 78,100 in 2022. More people left the area for other parts of Ontario, hence the population decreased. in the tens of thousands, which is the highest number in at least a generation. A dramatic increase in the number of people leaving the Greater Toronto Area Do you remember when people from all around Canada would congregate in Toronto? No longer is there a positive net migration across provinces; in fact, it has become strongly negative. People who move from outside the Greater Toronto Area to the GTA are counted as INTER. More than twice as many people left in 2022 as had left the year before, totaling 21,400. Until the low-rate bubble took off in 2019, the region actually experienced a positive flow. One-quarter or more of Canadians who have emigrated have lived in Toronto Leaving Canada permanently, or emigrating, is a big decision. The Greater Toronto Area, however, contributed thousands of people who were up to the challenge. The number of persons leaving the Toronto CMA to live elsewhere rose to 12,625 in 2016, a 38.1% increase from the year before. About a quarter of all Canadian emigration was concentrated in Greater Toronto. The number of people leaving the Greater Toronto Area has increased to its highest point since 2017. Still, it’s important to keep in mind that application delays exist in other nations as well. You shouldn’t be too shocked if the number of people leaving your country keeps going up in the next few years. The meaning of this is unclear. This is largely a mood gauge, as we note when talking about people moving to the suburbs. The expansion of Toronto’s population bodes well for the city’s economy in the long run. However, by simply adding more economic units, aggregate boosts can mask a decline in quality of life. The human capital stock is the proper political term, we apologise for the confusion. The mass exodus of a community’s residents is a major issue that often goes unnoticed. The opportunity statistics that immigrants rely on are often years behind the actual situation. As a deterioration in opportunities or quality of life takes place, locals will notice it. People in their field are beginning to follow them as they leave for greener pastures. Immigration reform will eventually be implemented in other countries. Related posts 13 January 2023 Difference between Pre-qualification and pre-approval Difference between Pre-qualification and pre-approval The terms pre-qualified and pre-approved are often… 12 January 2023 Toronto Residents Are Leaving At Record Rates, Immigration Overtakes Growth Toronto Residents Are Leaving At Record Rates, Immigration Overtakes Growth There has been a dramatic… 12 January 2023 test template MOST CANADIAN REAL ESTATE MARKET BEYOND AFFORDABILITY FOR MIDDLE CLASS You did it! Your family has an… 11 January 2023 Refinancing my car loan: bad for my credit? Refinancing my car loan: bad for my credit? Refinancing your auto loan can help you get a lower rate… 10 January 2023 How to determine the mortgage I can afford? How to determine the mortgage I can afford? Real estate purchases financed by mortgages typically represent… 09 January 2023 Quick tips for first-time homebuyers Quick tips for first-time homebuyers How will someone know when it’s “the proper moment”… 09 January 2023 Mortgage broker or Lender: which is the best? Mortgage broker or Lender: which is the best? Because they are already familiar with the bank and do…

Toronto Residents Are Leaving At Record Rates, Immigration Overtakes Growth Read More »

Renting is increasing among all ages. There is a need for better legal protection—and respect

Blogs / / / , , , , , , , , , , ,

Renting is increasing among all ages. There is a need for better legal protection—and respect After decades of reliability, the Canadian dream of homeownership is beginning to look more like a pipe dream. Rising interest rates and stagnant property markets have put a strain on potential purchasers’ budgets, forcing them to look for alternative housing options, such as renting. Despite being a numerical underdog, renters are outpacing homeowners at a rate three times as fast. The tenants may not be who you expect them to be. One thing to keep in mind is that the emergence of the rental country is not limited to urban areas. According to census data highlighted in a report from Royal Bank this month, the growth of renters in smaller cities surpassed that of major urban centres during the past decade. And the rental population is ageing; baby boomers are the fastest-growing segment of renters. The analysis predicts that “demand for rental housing will continue to be driven by these demographic and behavioural trends” in the years to come. An increasing number of people are opting to rent rather than buy, highlighting the need to revamp inadequate financial and legal safeguards and our perception of tenants for the long haul. Owning a property in Canada has traditionally been seen as a symbol of social and economic achievement. Therefore, people who rented were assumed to be low-income or at least just starting out in life. We now know that account was never entirely accurate. And it’s drifted further and further away from the truth. Because of the high cost of living in major cities, a sizable annual income is required to qualify for a lease. Zumper, an apartment search website, reports that the median cost of a two-bedroom in Vancouver is $3,500 per month, meaning that landlords in the city are looking for tenants who can afford to spend no more than 35% of their income on rent. The median rent in Toronto is only $2,950 per month, making it only slightly more affordable. The cost is roughly $2,000 even in Montreal, which has traditionally had a more renter culture. The rental market is already saturated in both Vancouver and Montreal. The majority of Torontonians (around 50%) are renters. Now that there are five million renting households in the United States (up from 4.1 million a decade ago), the issue of rent control is more contentious than ever. Even though there are twice as many home-owning households, renters currently have the upper hand. These people should be treated with the same respect and consideration as everyone else. While this change will not happen overnight, there are steps that may be taken in the correct direction. Ten years after Canadians were allowed to use their mortgage payments to bolster their credit score, many renters still don’t have access to this option. Equifax began partnering with the Landlord Credit Bureau in 2020, allowing for rent payments to be factored into credit scores. However, renters in Quebec are out of luck and those who use Equifax’s main competitor, TransUnion, are out of luck as well. If you make your largest monthly payment on time, month after month, it’s possible that a credit reporting agency will ignore your payment history. This makes no sense. Even if you pay your rent on time every month, you can still lose your home. Landlords in some places can evict renters to move in with their own families. A landlord who wants to increase the rent and find a new tenant could take advantage of this condition. Furthermore, owner-use evictions are on the rise. The Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre in British Columbia reports that 36.3% of eviction-related calls this year are linked to owner use, up from 31.62% in 2020/2021. Tenants should be protected against unlawful eviction by stricter laws. The province of British Columbia is attempting to put a stop to this practise by enacting a provision last year that allows for a fine equal to one year’s rent, payable to the renter, though enforcing this law has proven difficult. Ottawa has increased its annual immigration quota to roughly 500,000. The majority will settle in the country’s urban areas, which will be unable to expand outward to accommodate them. Toronto Mayor John Tory is trying to do this with a housing plan that permits for tiny multi-unit structures everywhere to increase density. It’s also important to put more effort into the rental housing market. Protecting renters will require action from provincial and local authorities. And the rest of us will have to reevaluate how we view renters.

Renting is increasing among all ages. There is a need for better legal protection—and respect Read More »

A New Purchaser of a Condo Under Construction

Blogs / / / , , , , , , , ,

A New Purchaser of a Condo Under Construction In the pre-construction real estate market, an assignee is the new buyer of a home or condominium who has legally transferred the contract for that property through an assignment sale. A contract for a yet-to-be-built property is being offered for sale or assignment by the original buyer to a potential buyer (or assignee). At this point in time, the buyer assumes full legal responsibility for the contract’s ongoing performance. The seller (assignor) has transferred the contract to the buyer (assignee), who is now legally bound by the terms of the agreement. Consequently, the assignee is the buyer in an assignment sale and, in the end, the legal owner of the house. Catherine wants to find a new place to live just outside of Toronto, where she presently resides and works, so she talks to her real estate agent online about possible pre-construction townhomes in Vaughan. Her real estate agent recommends a new townhouse in the city, one that is convenient to a wide variety of services and transportation alternatives. Free parking is provided, and homeowners association dues are inexpensive. Catherine is in luck because the sale of the unit is an assignment prior to construction, which means she can haggle for a lower price and potentially save a lot of money. The home, neighbourhood, and sales incentives are all appealing to Catherine. She gets an excellent price reduction and signs the contract to buy the new townhouse. In this transaction, Catherine is the new buyer, or assignee, of the pre-construction contract. She takes over the ownership of the pre-construction contract and assumes the assignor‘s rights and obligations under the agreement. To rephrase, once the assignment sale closes, Catherine will be the official owner of a brand-new house.

A New Purchaser of a Condo Under Construction Read More »

Positive Aspects of Making a Pre-Construction Purchase

Blogs / / / , , , , , , , , ,

Positive Aspects of Making a Pre-Construction Purchase In addition to saving yourself four years or more of waiting for new pre-construction, negotiating the purchase price, and securing a brand-new, never-lived-in home with full Tarion guarantee, there are a number of other advantages to purchasing a pre-construction assignment unit shortly before closing. Laura wants to buy her first home. After landing a job in Toronto this fall, she plans to relocate there. Due to the high demand in the city’s real estate market, most resales result in bidding wars and sell for significantly more than the asking price, and a pre-construction condo is unlikely to be ready for occupation when she needs it to be. Laura’s real estate agent has suggested that she consider purchasing a new home that is listed as a pre-construction assignment. Laura may want to look into purchasing a pre-construction unit if the listing date is several months before the unit is actually ready for occupation. Her real estate agent explains all the advantages of owning an assignment that she can take advantage of. Laura is able to take advantage of the price-negotiating feature. If Laura purchases a condo during the pre-construction assignment period, she will be able to save a lot of money. The current status of the real estate market leaves little room for haggling over the purchase price, whether it be a pre-construction purchase or a resale. Laura can save a lot of money by negotiating a favourable assignment sale directly with the contract’s seller. Laura can save even more money by making an offer below market value, as the initial buyer may be in a hurry to close the deal and be more receptive to counteroffers. Many people in the market for a new or replacement residence know very little about assignment sales. Developer limits on advertising and marketing of the contract make it more difficult to find these transactions. Since fewer people are aware of these listings, Laura’s agent thinks she has a better chance of securing the apartment she wants without having to engage in a competitive bidding war. Without making a purchase during the exclusive “VIP sales” time of a new development project, Laura is treated as if she were a celebrity. When Laura buys the assignment, she will be entitled to all of the perks that were promised to the original buyer, such as free parking, a free locker, appealing dollars, closing credits, and so on. Laura also receives the enormous perk of relocating to a brand-new, never-before-occupied house. Laura is completely at ease with the purchase because no one else has used the bathroom or the appliances and because they normally come with a full Tarion guarantee. And depending on where things stand with the building of her actual unit, she may still be able to go to the design centre and select her own designs, amenities, and finishes, making her new home truly her own. Another perk for Laura is that she can move into her new place earlier if she buys rather than leases, as assignment sales are typically advertised for purchasing closer to interim possession. It typically takes about four to five years from the start of pre-construction until a high-rise building is ready for occupancy. By opting to buy an assignment, Laura’s new house will be ready for her to move into in months rather than years. Get in touch with a Certified Expert immediately if you’re thinking of buying a pre-construction home through an assignment listing, or if you’re just curious about how they work and how they can benefit you in your home search.

Positive Aspects of Making a Pre-Construction Purchase Read More »

Paperwork requirements for pre-construction homes

Blogs / / / , , , , , , , , ,

Paperwork requirement for pre-construction homes It takes a significant amount of trust and dedication to purchase a house or condo before construction has even begun. If you’re buying something online without seeing it in person first, you’re putting your faith in the builder to deliver exactly what you ordered. There will, of course, be much paperwork involved with a deal of this size. Even if you haven’t broken ground on your new house or condo yet, it’s still in your best interest to familiarise yourself with these contracts so you can make an educated purchase and safeguard your investment. Your purchase agreement is the most crucial document because it is a legally binding contract between you and the builder. You may feel intimidated by this lengthy document full of legalese if this is your first time purchasing a home. However, there are three essentials you should look for and make sure you fully grasp. Addendum Pre-construction homeowners and condo buyers frequently have worries regarding the completion date of their property and the consequences of any delays in construction. As such, an annex is necessary. Your closing or occupancy date and the maximum amount of time your builder can delay it for are specified in this agreement. With sufficient written notification, your builder is within their rights to push out the closing date for your property based on the sort of closure date agreed upon in the Addendum. Check out Tarion.com for further details on possible compensation and notification periods in the event of delays. You can find out how your deposit will be handled in the event of a purchase agreement termination and what those conditions are in the addendum. Specifications Sheet for Warranties You must be aware of the specifics of your new home warranty in order to safeguard your investment. Newly constructed homes are required, as of February 1, 2021, to include a warranty information page with each sales contract. This sheet is specific to the home being sold, making it easy to understand and read, and informing buyers of the vital coverage to which they are entitled. It briefs buyers on the fundamentals of warranty protection (such as deposit protection and reimbursement for closing or occupancy delays), stresses the significance of the pre-delivery inspection, and points them in the direction of further resources for learning more. Details about Condominiums Brochure An information sheet outlining the pros and cons of purchasing a condominium must be included in any purchase agreement for a condominium unit. For instance, it details early termination circumstances that would allow a builder to cancel a project and the possibility that pre-construction condominium developments may never be finished. Buyers should be informed of the following: The status of the project (e.g., zoning permission, date of commencement of building); Any restrictions on the builder’s land title that may prohibit the project from going forward; A buyer’s right to terminate a sales agreement within 10 days; and, The estimated date when a buyer can take occupancy of their condominium. There’s no denying that there’s a lot of paperwork involved in buying a new-construction house or apartment. However, it is essential that you are an educated purchaser; a competent real estate attorney can walk you through the paperwork and provide you much more assurance and peace of mind.

Paperwork requirements for pre-construction homes Read More »

New data reveals Canadian rentals exceed $2K for the first time

Blogs / / / , , , , , , , , , ,

New data reveals Canadian rentals exceed $2K for the first time In November, the average rental price in Canada topped $2,000 per month, according to a survey issued on Wednesday. Based on the numbers provided, it appears that renters in Canada are forking over an average of $2,024 monthly to cover their housing costs. This number includes anything from studio units to mansions. That’s a 12.4% increase from the same month a year ago, which is far higher than Canada’s inflation average of 6.9%. Vancouver has the most expensive one and two-bedroom rents in the country, at $2,633 and $3,598 per month. It was the second most expensive to rent in Toronto. The median monthly rent for a one-bedroom in the city is now $2,532, up 23% from the same period last year. According to the data, the median monthly rent for a two-bedroom unit is $3,347. Rental costs rose dramatically in other GTA municipalities as well. The cost of living increased by 28% in Brampton and by 19.2% in Mississauga compared to the previous year. Monthly rents in smaller areas west of the GTA also rose, by as much as 27.9% in London and 24.1% in Kitchener. Only one Canadian city, Halifax, had a higher median rent than the cities of British Columbia and Ontario combined. In Burnaby, British Columbia, tenants paid a whopping 32% more for a one-bedroom flat in October 2018 than they did in October 2021. The survey found that rising rental prices have shown no signs of slowing down. Since May, year-over-year increases have been in the double digits, with November’s increase being the largest yet. In a press statement, Urbanation president Shaun Hildebrand said, “Rents in Canada are rising at an extraordinarily fast speed, which is having a dramatic effect on housing affordability as interest rates continue to rise.” “Demand is shifting to more inexpensive locales in regions with rapid population growth,” the article states, because “the most costly cities are experiencing very low supply and the quickest rates of rent increase.” Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island had the fastest annual rate of increase in rental prices, at a combined 31.8%, out of all of Canada’s provinces and territories. There was an average monthly cost of $1,716 for a one-bedroom apartment in Atlantic Canada in the month of November, while $2,032 was the average for a two-bedroom. The survey found that rent rises were slowest in Montreal, despite the fact that it is Canada’s largest rental market. Builders are cancelling ventures, and investors are afraid to put money into future real estate projects because of the high costs of borrowing. “Investment in real estate, especially in the condo area, loses some of its appeal as interest rates rise,” Tal added. So, “if you don’t have those units, that’s another factor pushing up the cost of renting what’s left.” The rising cost of rent is “becoming unaffordable” “We’re getting near to the point when rents are just becoming prohibitive for tenants,” said, Hildebrand. “It appears that a downturn in economic activity may begin sometime in the coming year. It follows that rentals may see a temporary lull in 2023 “the head of Urbania remarked. However, it is very evident that rents will continue to grow higher in the medium to long term due to strong immigration targets and rental building that has been halting recently due to high costs. When the weather turns cold, Hildebrand says renters should start looking elsewhere. There are fewer potential tenants, therefore landlords are often willing to negotiate a lower monthly payment in exchange for your business. Hildebrand argues that governments might introduce incentives to develop purpose-built apartments and make new rental projects more economically feasible, although this won’t help in the immediate term. Rentals.ca’s head of content, Paul Danison, has said that governments need to be more innovative with their zoning policies. One possible use for these buildings is as lofts with amenities like cafes, shops, and galleries. Alternatives he suggests are inclusionary zoning, laneway suites, and infill construction. There are responses to this problem, but governments are moving too slowly.

New data reveals Canadian rentals exceed $2K for the first time Read More »

Mortgage rates to rise with latest interest rate hike, but the end of raising cycle near

Blogs / / / , , , , , , , , , ,

Mortgage rates to rise with latest interest rate hike, but the end of raising cycle near The increase in interest rates by a half per cent that was implemented by the Bank of Canada on Wednesday signals greater hardship for indebted homeowners and those who are trying to enter the property market because they will now have to fight with even higher mortgage rates and borrowing costs. After the Fed increased interest rates, the Royal Bank of Canada was the first of the Big Six banks to hike their prime rate, taking it from 5.95 per cent to 6.45 per cent. On Wednesday afternoon, the lending rates of the Toronto-Dominion Bank, the Bank of Montreal, Scotiabank, National Bank of Canada, CIBC, Equitable Bank, and Laurentian Bank were all raised to 6.45 per cent, with the increase taking effect on December 8. Economists, on the other hand, have pointed out a potential silver lining in the fact that the most recent massive rate increase — which raised the central bank’s trend-setting policy rate up to 4.25 per cent — could indicate the end of the cycle of rate hikes. While the majority of real estate markets are beginning to feel the consequences of rising interest rates, which have now increased by 400 basis points this year, the real estate markets in Toronto and Vancouver have been affected the worst. The number of properties that changed hands in Toronto dropped by 49 per cent year over year in November, which contributed to the price of a home falling by almost seven per cent to approximately one million dollars. The housing market in Vancouver did not fare any better, with sales decreasing by more than 50 per cent in November and the benchmark price of a home falling from October. Even while home sales and prices are falling, homes are not becoming more affordable for people who are considering purchasing one. According to Victor Tran, an expert on mortgages and real estate at Ratesdotca, the most recent action taken by the central bank will most likely result in the prime lending rate being given by the major banks increasing to 6.45%. Tran also stated that a homeowner with a variable-rate mortgage can anticipate an increase in monthly payments of around $28 per $100,000 of mortgage balance for every increase of 50 basis points in the interest rate. “Previous rate hikes significantly cooled the housing market while rising rates pushed many homebuyers, including first-time homebuyers and investors, to the sidelines to wait out the instability in the market,” Tran said, adding that Wednesday’s hike will have the same effect. “Rising rates pushed many homebuyers, including first-time homebuyers and investors, to the sidelines to wait out the instability in the market,” Tran said. Before purchasers start returning to the market in the spring of 2023, we may be witnessing the bottom of the trough that the housing market has been in. Mortgage holders are already feeling the effects of higher interest rates, which the Bank of Canada is beginning to notice. According to the most recent data provided by the central bank, approximately half of all variable-rate mortgages with fixed payments and nearly one-fifth of the entire Canadian mortgage pool have already hit their “trigger rates.” This refers to the point at which monthly mortgage payments are only covering the interest and are not making any progress on the principal. Those looking for a new place to call home will be pleased to hear this. Clay Jarvis, an expert on mortgages and real estate who works for the personal finance website NerdWallet Canada, stated that despite the fact that the path to homeownership may have become a little more difficult as a result of this announcement, this fact should not be a deal-breaker for prospective buyers. According to Jarvis, prospective purchasers of homes should be encouraged by the possibility that the Bank of Canada is getting close to the conclusion of its cycle of interest rate hikes. If the central bank truly believes that inflation will be back down to around three percent by the end of 2023, then they must also believe that the rate hikes they’ve been making will start having a noticeable effect in the early to middle stages of next year. “The overnight rate could rise further in January and March, but if the bank truly believes that inflation will be back down around three percent by the end of 2023, then they must also believe that the rate hikes they’ve been making will start having a If inflation begins to fall, there should be a halt to interest rate increases. The economics team at the Royal Bank of Canada made the observation that the policy statement issued by the Bank of Canada in conjunction with the interest rate increase was not as hawkish as the increase itself. In today’s guidelines, rather than stating that “the policy interest rate will need to rise further,” RBC Economics senior economist Josh Nye noted that “Governing Council will be examining whether the policy interest rate needs to rise further.” That unquestionably leaves the door open for a pause as soon as the next meeting in January, and from our point of view, that decision can be framed somewhere between 0 and 25 (basis points).

Mortgage rates to rise with latest interest rate hike, but the end of raising cycle near Read More »