Lower lending rates and changes to mortgage rules expected to spur activity in GTA housing market this spring .
Aggregate GTA home price increased 2.3% year over year in Q4 of 2024 .
According to the Royal LePage® House Price Survey released on January 14, 2025, the aggregate1 price of a home in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) increased 2.3 per cent year over year to $1,149,300 in the fourth quarter of 2024. On a quarterly basis, however, the aggregate price of a home in the GTA decreased slightly by 0.6 per cent.
Broken out by housing type, the median price of a single-family detached home increased 3.9 per cent year over year to $1,427,500 in the fourth quarter of 2024, while the median price of a condominium dipped 0.7 per cent to $714,600 during the same period.
“We saw sales activity begin to pick up at the end of 2024, with more showings and more appointments in certain markets. This trend should continue well into 2025. All indicators point to better market conditions for buyers, including first-time homebuyers,” said Shawn Zigelstein, broker and leader of Team Zold, Royal LePage Your Community Realty. “Declining lending rates and changes to mortgage regulations will make it easier for buyers in Toronto and the surrounding regions to take their time and find the right deal for them. There’s enough inventory right now to keep a lid on price gains, and we shouldn’t see the multiple-offer frenzy that characterized peak markets, except on properties that are priced below market value.”
Zigelstein noted that activity in the townhome segment is currently leading the market, due to the property type’s relative affordability. Meanwhile, condominium sales have continued to stagnate.
In the city of Toronto, the aggregate price of a home decreased 1.7 per cent year over year to $1,099,900 in the fourth quarter of 2024. During the same period, the median price of a single family detached home rose a modest 1.2 per cent year over year to $1,621,900, while the median price of a condominium decreased 2.7 per cent to $681,200.
“Despite improvements in market conditions, there are many factors at play that could impact consumer confidence, and in turn activity, including political instability in Ottawa, friction with the U.S. government, and a weakening Canadian dollar. For this reason, I don’t anticipate a sudden wave of demand or a huge burst of sales. Rather, a gradual increase in market activity should unfold, which will ultimately be beneficial for both buyers and sellers.”
Royal LePage is forecasting that the aggregate price of a home in the Greater Toronto Area will increase 5.0 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to the same quarter last year.
1 Aggregate prices are calculated using a weighted average of the median values of all housing types collected. Data is provided by RPS Real Property Solutions and includes both resale and new build.
Planning to travel this Spring? How to Prep Your Home Before You Leave .
Spring is the perfect time for a getaway. But before you pack your bags and hit the road, don’t forget to prep your home for your time away. Knowing your home is secure and free from surprises will give you the peace of mind to unplug and enjoy your vacation.
Your Spring Travel Home Prep Checklist:
Lock it Down
Double-check all windows and doors to ensure they’re securely locked. Consider installing a smart security system for extra protection while you’re away. Don’t forget to secure any high-value items that might be left in plain sight. If you can, use a safe or lock them in a drawer to keep them out of view.
Refrigerator Prep
Clean out perishables from the fridge to prevent unwanted odours or spills. You might also want to wipe down any food storage areas to avoid attracting pests while you’re away.
Adjust Your Thermostat & Unplug Devices
Save energy (and money!) by setting your thermostat a few degrees lower. Be sure to unplug unnecessary electronics and appliances to avoid power surges and save even more energy.
Turn Off Water Valves
Prevent any leaks or water damage by turning off the main water supply before you leave.
Lighting
Using timers to turn lights on and off gives the appearance that someone is home. This is an easy way to deter unwanted attention.
Tell a Trusted Neighbour or Friend
Let someone nearby know you’ll be away, so they can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity, help with emergencies, or even collect packages that might be left at your door.
Consider a Home Audit
This is a great time to walk through your house and look for any small maintenance issues that could turn into bigger problems while you’re gone—like a leaky faucet or loose roof shingles.
With a little preparation, you can head off on your spring getaway with reassurance knowing your home is safe and secure.
Springtime Health Check: How to Keep Allergens Out of Your Home .
Spring is here, and while the season brings warmer weather, it also brings a rise in allergens. From pollen to mold, allergens can quickly make their way indoors and affect your health and well-being. Here are some simple steps to help keep your home allergen-free this season:
Manage Pollen
Start by washing your windows and wiping down surfaces regularly to remove pollen. Keep windows closed during peak pollen times, and change your air filters to keep your HVAC system clean.
Combat Mould and Mildew
Spring moisture can lead to mould growth. Keep your home well-ventilated, and use a dehumidifier in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and basements. Check for any mould in corners or hidden areas.
Clean Dust Mites
Dust mites thrive in warm, humid conditions. Wash bedding, rugs, and curtains frequently in hot water. Vacuum your mattress and consider using allergen-proof covers for pillows and mattresses.
Limit Pet Dander
If you have pets, regular grooming and bathing can help minimize dander. Be sure to clean pet bedding and toys often and use an air purifier designed to capture dander.
Install an Air Purifier
Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove airborne allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander, and keep the air fresh.
By following these simple tips, you and your family can breathe easier this spring.
Design Meets Maintenance: How to Create a Stylish,
Easy-to-Clean Home .
When decorating your home, style doesn’t have to sacrifice practicality. With some thought and planning, you can create a beautiful space that’s easy to maintain. Here are simple, stylish ideas for a home that looks great and stays clean with minimal effort:
Opt for Washable Paint Finishes
Gloss or satin finishes work best in high-traffic areas. They’re durable and easy to wipe clean without damaging the paint. Whether it’s kitchen fingerprints or hallway scuffs, washable finishes keep walls looking fresh.
Choose Slipcovers or Washable Fabrics
Furniture takes a lot of wear in busy homes. Slipcovers are removable, washable, and give furniture a fresh look. Fabrics like cotton, linen, or performance blends are durable and machine washable.
Invest in Durable Flooring
Engineered hardwood, porcelain, ceramic tile, and luxury vinyl plank are durable and handle spills, pet accidents, and foot traffic. Washable rugs in high-traffic areas are also helpful, especially for families with kids or pets.
Keep Surfaces Simple
Smooth, sleek surfaces are easier to clean than textured ones. Choose simple, practical tables, counters, and shelves with fewer crevices to trap dirt.
Designing a stylish home that’s also easy to maintain is all about finding the balance between aesthetics and function.
Crisis within a Crisis: Understanding the housing crisis and its impact on women’s shelters .
A new national report from Women’s Shelters Canada, funded proudly by the Royal LePage® Shelter Foundation™, has shed light on the effects of a housing crisis on women fleeing intimate partner violence at local shelters and transition houses from coast to coast.
Among survey respondents – which included individuals working in shelters and survivors accessing support – 99.5% felt that their community was facing a housing crisis, with 97% indicating that over the preceding year it had become harder to support survivors to find housing.
“These findings have confirmed what we’ve been hearing anecdotally from women’s shelters across the country for years,” said Anuradha Dugal, executive director of Women’s Shelters Canada and Board Member of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. “Since there’s no affordable housing, women are staying in shelters longer, which increases turn-away rates. It creates a bottleneck effect where new women can’t move in if women already in shelter have nowhere to go.”
While the majority of organizations surveyed have length of stay policies, only 3% abide by those timelines. Worryingly, compared to 2023, respondents reported that more survivors are leaving shelter for housing that does not meet their needs, is not safe, is unaffordable, and/or often contributes to cycling back into a shelter. Alarmingly, some survivors are choosing to return to abusers rather than face homelessness. When survivors are faced with such decisions, their stress escalates, and their well-being suffers; 92% of respondents had seen survivors’ stress increase due to the housing crisis.
Yet, despite all the challenges, shelters continue their lifesaving work by offering a range of supports to help women find housing and advocate for more housing options for survivors. Some organizations are responding to the housing crisis and the demand for shelter services by working to expand the number of units and/or shelters across the country.
“Housing affordability is a deeply relevant issue for Royal LePage® professionals working to help Canadians in all corners of our country achieve their dream of home ownership,” said Lisa Gibbs, executive director of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. “While the situation is complex, we are hopeful that this nuanced report will help continue to move the needle in ensuring access to safe and affordable housing for everyone – especially those among us who are most vulnerable.”
For more information visit the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation website
https://www.royallepage.ca/en/realestate/about-us/shelter-foundation/
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