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What You Should Know About the Toronto Vacant Home Tax

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What You Should Know About the Toronto Vacant Home Tax The Toronto Housing Affordability Task Force has proposed a new 1% vacant home tax that could go into effect as soon as the beginning of 2022. The Toronto City Council voted in favor (24-1) in December to implement the tax levy on vacant homes in order to increase the housing supply, thereby opening the housing and rental markets and to generate post-pandemic tax revenue for Toronto in order to fund necessary affordable housing projects throughout the city. After the law is enacted, homeowners will have to declare annually by the due date whether or not their home is vacant, and the city may conduct an audit to confirm the status of the property. Now, city officials propose wrapping up public consultations so that the tax can go into effect on January 1, 2022, with the first annual property declarations in regard to the 2022 taxation due in 2023. A staff report published this week describes the vacant home tax as a policy tool that “encourages the conversion of units that are being held vacant into ones that are occupied” by addressing “housing market disparities between the lack of rental housing on the one hand and readily available empty homes on the other.” As stated in the report, the primary goal of the tax is to decrease the number of vacant homes that could be used to meet the growing demand for affordable housing. A secondary benefit of this tax is the revenue it generates for the city from people who choose not to live in their own homes, which could be used to subsidize the construction of more low-cost rental units. The goal of the tax is to encourage homeowners to keep their homes occupied or, if they choose to let them sit empty, to alter their habitation patterns. The proposed starting tax rate is 1% of the property’s assessed value, as proposed by the staff. If the assessed value of a vacant home is $1,000,000 in 2022, for instance, the owner would be required to pay $10,000 in annual tax. Staff wrote in the report, “It can be reasonably assumed that some owners of vacant properties may seek out tenants in 2021 to avoid paying the tax.” The effective taxation date of the tax is January 1, 2022. Workers believe the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the reasons why so many Toronto homes have been abandoned. The City claims that until the tax declaration and audit process is fully implemented and carried out in early 2023, it will not be possible to determine the exact number of vacant homes in Toronto. Suppose 1% of Toronto’s housing stock is vacant and subject to the tax, at a 1% tax rate on average Toronto’s current value assessment. In that case, the vacant home tax could yield $55 to $66 million in (gross) tax revenue per year, based on data from a similar tax in Vancouver as a proxy for Toronto. How will the vacant home tax work? Each year, homeowners will have to verify for themselves whether or not their property is zoned for residential use. This will determine whether or not the vacant home tax applies to the property. Household property owners have no further obligations. Vacant property owners must pay a tax equal to one per cent of their property’s current market value (CVA). If a home was unoccupied in 2022, the owner will have to start paying the tax the following year in 2023. How to declare? The tax declaration form for homeowners can be filed electronically. One can also opt for the traditional paper version. According to Toronto, tax notices will be mailed out in March and April, with May 1 as the deadline for making payments. Exemptions The tax does not apply to some houses that are vacant. Examples of such cases are: A fatality in the home Occupancy is prohibited due to a court order because the primary resident is a patient in a hospital or resident in a nursing home. Owner currently resides outside of the Greater Toronto Area but will need to use the property for at least six months of the year due to work-related relocation. Adjustments and refurbishments Authorized change of legal ownership Ratehub.ca’s director of content, Penelope Graham, advised those who have received tax exemptions or who might otherwise fall through the cracks to maintain regular contact with local government. She stressed the importance of keeping in touch with the local government and staying one step ahead of any potential problems. Possible Fines Penelope Graham, advised homeowners to submit on time to avoid hefty fines ranging from $250 for late submission to $10,000 for submitting a false declaration. In a phone interview with BNNBloomberg.ca on Monday, she warned homeowners that the city is “quite stringent” in terms of fines if they don’t comply. Those who fail to file a declaration may also be subject to the full Vacant Property Tax. Overdue tax payments will accrue interest at a rate of 1.25 percent per month for as long as the payments are late. In the event of nonpayment, Toronto has stated that they will assess a penalty against the property owner. The City of New York should implement a tax on empty homes as a means of easing the housing shortage. Joe Cressy, a member of Toronto’s city council, said that the tool has been used effectively in other cities. More than fifth fewer empty homes were found in Vancouver after the city instituted a vacancy tax. Cressy argued that lowering Toronto’s vacancy rate would increase the number of rental units available to those who make their living in the city rather than just flipping them for a profit. Based on tax data from Vancouver, the new law has the potential to bring in $55 to $66 million annually, although it is currently unknown how many homes in Toronto are vacant. In addition, the federal government has declared its

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Is the Buggy Light Justified?

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Is the Buggy Light Justified? Everyone knows that bugs that fly are drawn to light. We can’t stand it when they buzz around and hit our light fixtures over and over again. They leave after the lights go out, which is good. What if they don’t, though? What if they decide to live in your light fixtures for good? In their first year as homeowners, a couple, Dave and Donna, had to deal with this problem. Small bugs were able to get into the light fixture and stay there even after their own lights went out. Dave and Donna thought that a problem with their light fixture caused this ugly problem and that their new home warranty would cover it. When their builder said no, the couple decided to put it on their warranty form at the end of the year and seek help. How to fix the problem of bugs The exact procedure for resolving an issue with a light fixture will vary according to the nature of the malfunction. Turn off the power to the light fixture: Ensure the light fixture’s power is turned off at the circuit breaker or fuse box before doing any maintenance. Inspect the fixture: Examine the light fixture to see if there are any obvious issues, including a cracked lens or frayed wires. Look around for spider webs or other detritus that could indicate an insect problem. Clean the fixture: Remove dust and insects from the light fixture with a soft brush or vacuum. Replace any damaged parts: If you detect broken pieces, such as a cracked lens or frayed cables, you should replace them. Hardware stores are a good place to look for spare components. Check the wiring: Inspect the connections of the wiring within the light fixture to ensure everything is wired correctly. It is your responsibility to reconnect any cables you find loose or otherwise unattached. Test the fixture: Turn the power back on and test the fixture to verify it is working properly after any repairs. If the issue persists or you lack experience working with electrical components, you should seek the assistance of a professional electrician. Related posts 07 March 2023 Is the Buggy Light Justified? 07 March 2023 Three common components tips for new homeowners Three common components tips for new homeowners The convenience of having a low-maintenance lifestyle… 01 March 2023 Want to Build on Your Own Land? Here Are Five Things You Can Count On From Your Contractor Want to Build on Your Own Land? Here Are Five Things You Can Count On From Your Contractor If you want… 28 February 2023 Canada’s population growth driven by underutilized immigrants without shelter: RBC Canada’s population growth driven by underutilized immigrants without shelter: RBC Canada’s… 28 February 2023 Fitch Expects World’s Biggest Real Estate Price Correction in Canada Fitch Expects World’s Biggest Real Estate Price Correction in Canada A major credit rating agency… 18 February 2023 Despite the slowdown, Canadian mortgage debt continues to rise Despite the slowdown, Canadian mortgage debt continues to rise Despite the housing market recession,… 15 February 2023 StatCan: Nearly Half of Canadians Worry About Shelter Costs StatCan: Nearly Half of Canadians Worry About Shelter Costs Many Canadians worry that they are only a…

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Condominium homeowners

Three common components tips for new homeowners

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Three common components tips for new homeowners The convenience of having a low-maintenance lifestyle is a major selling point for a condominium for homeowners. Not to bother about yard work, gardening, or pressure cleaning the driveway. Yet, this does not give you the licence to disregard the shared spaces in your building completely. Discover the common elements Homeowners of a condominium share ownership of the common features, which include the building’s infrastructure, grounds, and amenities. This includes anything outside of your apartment: Laundry rooms Fitness rooms and pools Garages Roofs Gardens Lobbies Utility systems (e.g., heating, cooling, electrical, security) Hallways Walkways and steps to building entrances Elevators There are also “exclusive-use common elements,” which are used in a way that is different from their more common counterparts. Patios, balconies, and parking spots all fall within this category. Since these features are shared amongst multiple units, only the owners of the units directly adjacent to them can use them. Go to your Disclosure Statement or recorded Declaration and Description if you are unsure of the location of your unit’s borders in relation to common areas. Condominium fee information Each unit of homeowners in your building must contribute to the overall expense of upkeep and repair of the building’s common areas. Condominium dues are typically calculated monthly based on the size of your living space. Other monthly housing expenses must be taken into account besides the mortgage and property taxes. Common area upkeep is included in your monthly condo fee and includes things like landscaping, waste collection, recycling, outside window cleaning, snow removal, carpet cleaning, and energy payments. Condominium dues can include funding for the maintenance and upkeep of shared areas. Your condo association dues include money set aside in case of emergency repairs or replacements. In rare instances, however, additional funds from property owners may be required.home Learn your warranty’s terms and conditions Condominiums may qualify for warranty protection under Ontario’s New Home Warranties Plan Act, which might apply to individual units and the building’s shared infrastructure. Tarion will hear warranty claims from both individual unit owners and the condo association itself in regard to the unit’s individual components and the common areas. The period of interim occupancy, which can run anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, begins when you move into your unit and ends when you become the registered owner. When you move in temporarily, the warranty protections for your unit will kick in. It’s possible that the rest of the building won’t be done during your temporary occupation time before registration. During this time, your builder will finish the communal areas and any remaining units. Until the condominium project is registered, the warranty period for the common areas will not begin. Thus, your coverage will be inadequate during this time. Your home is still warranted even though the warranty has expired. Hence, if you see something in the common areas that you think needs fixing, let the property management know so that they can get in touch with the developer. The Common Element Building Performance Standards might help you figure out if the builder’s warranty covers your problem. Suppose your builder isn’t addressing your complaints. In that case, you can create an ad hoc committee of three to five unit owners who will communicate with Tarion’s common components warranty team on your behalf if the builder doesn’t. If you’re new to condo living, the shared areas can be especially challenging to figure out. Related posts 07 March 2023 Is the Buggy Light Justified? Is the Buggy Light Justified? Everyone knows that bugs that fly are drawn to light. We can’t stand… 07 March 2023 Three common components tips for new homeowners Three common components tips for new homeowners The convenience of having a low-maintenance lifestyle… 01 March 2023 Want to Build on Your Own Land? Here Are Five Things You Can Count On From Your Contractor Want to Build on Your Own Land? Here Are Five Things You Can Count On From Your Contractor If you want… 28 February 2023 Canada’s population growth driven by underutilized immigrants without shelter: RBC Canada’s population growth driven by underutilized immigrants without shelter: RBC Canada’s… 28 February 2023 Fitch Expects World’s Biggest Real Estate Price Correction in Canada Fitch Expects World’s Biggest Real Estate Price Correction in Canada A major credit rating agency… 18 February 2023 Despite the slowdown, Canadian mortgage debt continues to rise Despite the slowdown, Canadian mortgage debt continues to rise Despite the housing market recession,… 15 February 2023 StatCan: Nearly Half of Canadians Worry About Shelter Costs StatCan: Nearly Half of Canadians Worry About Shelter Costs Many Canadians worry that they are only a…

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Despite the slowdown, Canadian mortgage debt continues to rise

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Despite the slowdown, Canadian mortgage debt continues to rise Despite the housing market recession, Canadians still have a serious addiction to mortgage debt. According to Stat Can, the sum of outstanding mortgage loans reached a new high in December of 2022. Even while the rate of increase in mortgage credit has fallen to its lowest point in years, it is still significantly higher than it was before 2020. With a GDP as large as Canada’s and expanding at a much quicker rate, it continues to be a cause for concern. Total Canadian mortgage debt exceeds $2 trillion The mortgage debt in Canada continued to grow by billions towards the end of last year. In December, the total amount due reached $2.08 trillion, an increase of 0.1%, or $3.0 billion. Compared to last year, this is a $137.8 billion (7.1%) rise. The fact that one-third of a very small population is responsible for so much debt is cause for alarm in and of itself. But the rate of expansion is slowing down. When interest rates rise, mortgage borrowing in Canada slows dramatically Mortgage credit is being slowed by slowing real estate sales and rising rates. In February of 2022, a month before the initial increase to the overnight rate, annual growth peaked. Every month since then has seen slowing, culminating in December’s reported rate of 7.1%. Since October of 2020, it has been declining at an ever-faster clip. Mortgage Debt Continues to Outpace Productivity Despite Slower Growth Please keep in mind that slowing down is not the same thing as being slow. The amount of mortgage credit that is currently outstanding continues to grow at an abnormally rapid clip. The rate in December was still 1.4 percentage points above the average for the five years preceding to 2020. Even though its size is comparable to GDP, its growth rate is substantially higher. Increase in Mortgage Debt in Canada Slowly but surely, rising interest rates are putting an end to Canada’s mortgage binge. But if mortgage lending expands faster than GDP, consumer spending would inevitably fall. In a nutshell, the unproductive financial economy is stifling the productive economy, which is terrible for long-term expansion Related posts 18 February 2023 Despite the slowdown, Canadian mortgage debt continues to rise. 15 February 2023 StatCan: Nearly Half of Canadians Worry About Shelter Costs StatCan: Nearly Half of Canadians Worry About Shelter Costs Many Canadians worry that they are only a… 30 January 2023 How can homeowners safeguard against title fraud? How can homeowners safeguard against title fraud? There are new reports of title fraud every week, and… 30 January 2023 Bank of Canada will increase rates, and leave room for more: BMO Bank of Canada will increase rates, and leave room for more: BMO One possible reason why we won’t… 28 January 2023 How To File A Warranty Claim And What You Can Anticipate How To File A Warranty Claim And What You Can Anticipate There has been a recent surge in the population… 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?…

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Bank of Canada will increase rates, and leave room for more: BMO

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Bank of Canada will increase rates, and leave room for more: BMO One possible reason why we won’t see a rate cut this year is that Canadian markets have already started talking about them. Over the weekend, BMO Capital Markets sent a letter to investors stating their anticipation of a rate increase this week. Currently, they predict a pause in rate hikes by the Bank of Canada (BoC) following the upcoming one, but they caution that this may not be the BoC’s limit. Hikes in the future could be fueled by bullish fundamentals, inflationary concerns, and market anticipation. The Bank of Canada Is Likely To Raise Interest Rates Next Week It is widely anticipated that the Bank of Canada will increase its overnight rate this week, marking its entry into the supposedly restrictive terrain it has previously addressed. According to BMO, the overnight rate will increase by 25 basis points (bps), making it equal to its 20-year high. There is anticipation that this will be the highest point for the year, but they caution that further increases cannot be ruled out. The BMO rate and macro strategist Benjamin Reitzes argues that with inflation still far above target, we predict that Governor Macklem and the Governing Council will keep the door open to further increases just in case the data forces their hand. He said the BoC may surprise the market by cutting rates before the fall, when cuts are widely expected. There’s reason to think there might be even more hikes down the road Canada’s Base Is Solid, and It May Not Need To Ease There is much speculation of a recession, yet there are few indicators of a downturn in Canada’s fundamentals. The preferred gauge of inflation used by the BoC, core CPI, is still above 5% and much above the 2% target rate. December’s employment report showed another near record growth, indicating that the economy is still humming along strongly. The Bank of Canada’s Business Outlook Survey from last week was a major shortcoming. Its data demonstrated a decline in morale, although companies maintained an optimistic outlook. Despite the slowdown, Reitzes argues that it is intentional on the part of the BoC. They’re attempting to reduce inflation by cooling the economy. More dangerous than credit shortages is the possibility of an inflationary spiral. Moreover, BMO suggests the BoC may raise rates for risk management reasons. They would rather keep inflation under control than have it spin out of control if they are overly permissive. The latter is a more serious issue that requires a more dramatic cooling event to mitigate. In this situation, it’s preferable to err on the side of caution than carelessness. While there has been some good inflation news as of late, that doesn’t mean the trend will continue. Upside inflation risks still exist, but they have diminished since he made those comments a few months ago. Due to market anticipation of a reduction, the BoC may be compelled to raise rates Since the market is already factoring in planned layoffs by this fall, it’s time to start a fresh funding round, right? For precisely this reason, the BoC may be unable to decrease interest rates. A resurgence in economic activity may be possible before it completely dies down if expectations shift in a lenient direction. According to Reitzes, this could lead to even higher inflation before the desired effect is seen. “While the BoC isn’t excessively busy with the market, improved financial conditions go counter to the purpose of lowering inflation pressure, and cannot be a positive development,” he argues. BMO believes that a 25 bps raise is warranted on the basis of fundamentals, risk management, and market conditions. Although, as Reitzes points out, the BoC often attempts to surprise. This keeps a central bank relevant by discouraging individuals from taking actions that run counter to its current objective. That’s why, he advises, we shouldn’t rule out pausing the meeting this week. They still want to go on future excursions, despite this setback. In particular if core inflation proves to be more persistent than expected. Related posts 30 January 2023 Bank of Canada will increase rates, and leave room for more: BMO Bank of Canada will increase rates, and leave room for more: BMO One possible reason why we won’t… 28 January 2023 How To File A Warranty Claim And What You Can Anticipate How To File A Warranty Claim And What You Can Anticipate There has been a recent surge in the population… 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? 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Quick tips for first-time homebuyers

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Quick tips for first-time homebuyers How will someone know when it’s “the proper moment” to buy a house? maybe a question you have if you’ve been considering it. Is it still ok to think about buying if you don’t have a 20% down payment saved up? Like any major undertaking, the secret to a smooth home purchase is to pay attention to every last detail. You can navigate the procedure, save money, and complete the transaction with the aid of these first-time house purchase recommendations. Determine the cost of your home Before you start looking, determine how much you can afford to spend on a house. The house affordability calculator can assist you in determining a price range based on your income, debt, down payment, credit score, and the location of your intended residence. Examine and improve your credit If you are eligible for a mortgage, your credit score will help lenders decide what interest rate to give you. Generally speaking, a better score will result in a lower interest rate, so follow these recommendations to improve your credit score in order to purchase a home. Get free copies of your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, the three credit bureaus, and challenge any errors that could lower your score. Maintain the lowest possible credit card balances while paying all of your bills on time. Keep your active credit cards active. Closing a card will increase the amount of credit you are already using, which could harm your credit score. Monitor your credit rating. Research for first-time home buyers programmes First-time home buyer programmes are available in many states, some cities, and counties, and frequently include low-interest mortgages, down payment help, and closing cost aid. Additionally, tax benefits are offered by several first-time home buyer programmes. Costs and rates of mortgages To compare costs, including interest rates and potential origination fees, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau advises receiving loan estimates for the same type of mortgage from many lenders. Discount points, which the borrower pays up in advance to reduce the interest rate, may be available from lenders. If you have the cash on hand and intend to live in the house for a long time, buying points may make sense. To make your choice, use a discount point calculator. Get a letter of pre-approval An offer from a lender to lend you money up front and on particular terms is known as a mortgage preapproval. A pre-approval letter can provide you with an advantage over other home shoppers who haven’t taken this step yet by demonstrating to home sellers and real estate agents that you’re a serious buyer. When you’re ready to begin looking for a home, submit an application for preapproval. To confirm your income, assets, and debt, a lender will check your credit and look over your paperwork. If you apply for a preapproval from multiple lenders to compare rates, as long as you do it within a set time period, such as 30 days, it shouldn’t adversely affect your credit score.

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After Variable Shock, Canadian Homebuyers Choose Fixed Terms

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After Variable Shock, Canadian Homebuyers Choose Fixed Terms Overstimulated Homebuyers in Canada are avoiding adjustable-rate mortgages. Mortgage borrowers in Canada favoured fixed interest rates over variable ones in October, according to data from the Bank of Canada (BoC). At the beginning of the year, a majority of new borrowers selected adjustable-rate mortgages. As rates return to normal and fixed rates become more affordable, this pattern is quickly changing. Mortgage borrowers in Canada are becoming more comfortable with adjustable-rate loans As interest rates climb, fewer Canadian families are selecting variable rate mortgages. Of all the new uninsured mortgage loans extended in October, only 29.7 percent of it came with adjustable rates. That’s a big drop from the 40.1% recorded a month ago, and even bigger drop from the 60.1% recorded in January 2022, when rates peaked. Uninsured debt was more likely to use variable rates, while insured debt also saw growth during this period. Percentage of Canada’s Mortgage Credit Extended at Variable Rates The market share of variable rates for insured mortgage finance had a similar boom and bust. A little over a quarter, or 24.1%, of October’s new insured mortgage debt was for variable expenses. This is down from the previous month’s 34.1% and the all-time high of 39.3% in January 2022. That’s a dramatic change in terms of time spent and money spent. In Canada, interest rates on adjustable-rate mortgages have been creeping higher The rising cost of borrowing has caused a shift in priorities among Canadian mortgage borrowers. In October, the average interest rate for an unsecured loan with variable terms was 5.53%. The interest rate was significantly higher than the national average of 5.18% seen across all loan types. That is to say, fixed-rate mortgages were mostly responsible for the overall decline in the national average. No Longer A Discount For Canadian Mortgages With A Variable Rate When the market share peaked in January, this wasn’t the case. When compared to the overall average of 1.89% in the same month, the average rate for uninsured variable rate mortgages was only 1.45%. If your mortgage’s variable interest rate doesn’t unexpectedly increase, you could save quite a bit of money. Changes were also seen with loans that had to be insured. In October, the average interest rate on all mortgages was 5.18%, while the average interest rate on variable loans was 5.53%. In January, variable-rate loans averaged 1.51 percent, roughly 50 basis points (bps) below the overall average. It would appear that borrowers are just choosing the lowest interest rate loan available. When you consider that a sizable portion of the market consisted of short-term investors, you can see the logic behind this. Traditional repayment plans with set terms are preferred by the majority of Canadian households. They may be more expensive, but they offer security and piece of mind. It’s surprisingly mature, but it hasn’t happened in the past two years. The Bank of Canada’s low rate stimulus resulted in a significant discount for variable rate loans As central banks lagged behind the market, the chasm widened. Inflation, rising bond yields, and low unemployment were all completely disregarded. Too good to pass up, this steep bargain turned out to be a trap. Especially considering the exceptional action taken by the central bank in offering low rates to households till next year.

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

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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.

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Positive Aspects of Making a Pre-Construction Purchase

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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.

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

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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.

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