Market Update: October 2011

Across the country, Canadian homeowners have been reaping the benefits of increased housing prices. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), the average home price in Canada has risen 6.5 per cent to $352,600. Meanwhile, the average home price in Toronto is now $465,369, up 8.9 per cent from September 2010.

Experts believe that Toronto prices will soon top Vancouver’s price growth. Prices in Vancouver have increased 10.6 per cent year-over-year. Toronto, in the mean time, has seen a steady 9 per cent year-over-year pace since April.

With a… Read the rest

Market Update: August 2011

Canada continues to defy the less certain economic outlook that European countries and our neighbours to the south continue continue to experience.

Toronto’s real estate market continues to flourish, with a reported 7,542 sales through the TorontoMLS system in August – a 24 per cent increase over 6,083 sales in August 2010. New listings, at 12,509, were up by 20 per cent compared to August 2010.

With mortgage rates staying relatively low, first-time homebuyers are capitalizing on the opportunity to get into the market.

Market Update: June 2011

Greater Toronto REALTORS reported 10,046 sales in May 2011 – up six per cent compared to May 2010. This result was the second best on record for May under the current Toronto Real Estate Board service area. The number of new listings in May, however, were down 15 per cent compared to last year with 16,076 listings in May 2011 compared to 18,940 listings in May 2010.

Properties listed in May 2011 were on the market for 23 days and sold for an average price of $485,520 – up nine… Read the rest

To Buy or Not To Buy… That Is The Question!

In 2007, as a taxation measure granted under the City of Toronto Act, 2006, Toronto City Council approved a new Municipal Land Transfer Tax, which came in to effect in February 1, 2008.

While first-time homebuyers enjoy a rebate on the Municipal tax of up to $3,725 of both new and existing homes, non-first-time homebuyers are subject to charges on a graduated basis depending on the purchase price of the property.

Mayoral-elect Rob Ford has pledged to remove the Toronto Land Transfer Tax which will save homebuyers $4,725 on the… Read the rest