The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market experienced a dynamic year in 2024, marked by modest sales growth, increased inventory, and varied price trends across housing types. Let’s delve into the key takeaways and what they could mean for the year ahead.

A Look Back at 2024

In 2024, 67,610 homes were sold, a 2.6% increase compared to 65,877 homes sold in 2023. Meanwhile, 166,121 new listings entered the market, reflecting a notable 16.4% rise in supply. This influx gave buyers more options and greater negotiating power, particularly in the condo segment, which experienced the sharpest price declines.

The average home price in 2024 settled at $1,117,600, a slight dip from $1,126,263 in 2023. Detached and semi-detached homes retained their value better, while condos faced more significant pricing challenges.

The Role of Interest Rates

Persistently high interest rates throughout much of 2024 dampened affordability for many buyers. However, the Bank of Canada introduced two rate cuts in the second half of the year, providing some relief. TRREB President Elechia Barry-Sproule noted that these rate reductions, combined with slightly lower home prices, could help invigorate the market in 2025.

➡️ Read more: Bank of Canada Interest Rate Cuts and What They Mean for You

Key Market Trends from 2024

TRREB’s Chief Market Analyst, Jason Mercer, highlighted several trends:

• Strong demand for single-family homes: Sales remained robust, reflecting their continued appeal.

• Challenges for the condo market: Many first-time buyers postponed purchases, anticipating further interest rate reductions in 2025.

These trends underscore how market dynamics are influenced by both financial conditions and buyer sentiment.

Ending the Year: December 2024 in Numbers

The GTA market closed 2024 with 3,359 homes sold in December, a slight decline from December 2023. Active listings remained plentiful, offering buyers a wide range of choices. The average home price in December was $1,067,186, marginally lower year-over-year. The MLS® Home Price Index saw a modest increase of less than 1%.

Looking Ahead: Predictions for 2025

Here’s what could shape the GTA real estate market in 2025:

1. Further rate cuts from the Bank of Canada may boost affordability, drawing more first-time buyers into the market.

2. High inventory levels could keep buyer options open and prices relatively stable.

3. Potential policy changes on housing and development might influence supply and demand.

4. Diverging price trends: Detached and semi-detached homes are likely to hold value, while the condo market may continue to face challenges.

5. Market stabilization: With conditions normalizing after a period of adjustment, the market is expected to stabilize in 2025, bringing improved balance and better opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

TRREB’s comprehensive Market Outlook and Year in Review report, due in February, will shed more light on these evolving trends.

Stay Ahead of the Curve in 2025

Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in the GTA? Staying informed is your best strategy. Subscribe to our newsletter for expert insights, market updates, and actionable advice. Be prepared to make confident, well-informed real estate decisions in 2025!

On December 11, 2024, the Bank of Canada announced a 0.50% cut to its key interest rate, bringing it down to 3.25%. This marks the fifth rate cut since June. While the reduction is significant, the Bank has signaled that the pace of future cuts will likely slow.

Why It Matters

Interest rate changes influence many aspects of the economy and personal finances. Here’s what this latest adjustment could mean for you:

• Lower Borrowing Costs: Big banks like TD, RBC, and others have already reduced their prime rates to 5.45%, which can make borrowing more affordable for mortgages, car loans, and personal loans.

• Real Estate Impacts: Lower rates may make it easier for buyers to qualify for mortgages, potentially boosting activity in the housing market.

• Savings Accounts: On the flip side, interest earned on savings may decrease, affecting returns for savers.

Implications for Buyers and Sellers

• For Buyers: Lower rates mean reduced monthly mortgage payments, making homeownership more attainable. This could be a good time to explore the market if you’re considering purchasing a home.

• For Sellers: Increased buyer activity might create more competition for properties, potentially supporting home prices. However, competitive pricing remains essential as market dynamics vary by location and economic factors.

A Look at Recent Rate Trends

The graph below illustrates the Bank of Canada's interest rate changes over the last three years. After peaking earlier in 2024, rates have steadily declined, with the latest cut reflecting efforts to support the slowing economy while keeping inflation near the 2% target.

What’s Next?

The Bank of Canada has emphasized a cautious approach moving forward, signaling that future decisions will be made “one meeting at a time.” Some Economists predict rates may stabilize between 2.5% and 3%, a range considered neutral for balancing economic growth and inflation control.

However, challenges remain. Potential U.S. tariffs could affect Canadian exports, adding uncertainty to the economic outlook.

Takeaways

The recent rate cuts aim to balance a cooling economy and steady inflation, offering opportunities like cheaper borrowing costs and potentially more active housing markets. Still, broader economic conditions warrant careful consideration for major financial decisions.

Stay informed as the Bank of Canada continues to adjust its policies. Understanding these changes can help you navigate their impacts on your finances and the real estate market.

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As we close in on the end of 2024, it’s clear that the Greater Toronto Area’s housing market is picking up. November brought significant changes.

Market Highlights

Sales Activity: November saw 5,875 homes sold, marking a 40.1% increase compared to November 2023. More affordable market conditions and lower borrowing encouraged many buyers to enter the market, boosting sales activity.

Average Price: The average selling price increased to $1,106,050, reflecting a 2.6% increase year-over-year. Detached homes led the price growth, especially in Toronto, while condos remained an affordable option for buyers seeking negotiation power.

Inventory: New listings rose 6.6% year-over-year, with 11,592 properties hitting the market. However, sales outpaced listings, resulting in tighter market conditions

Months of Active Inventory: The supply of active listings translates to 3.71 of inventory and more of a balanced market overall. Note, this is not reflective of the entire market. For example, in the City of Toronto detached homes the number is much lower at 2.89 Months, and in contrast Central Toronto Condos there is 5 months of inventory.

Localized GTA Market Trends

When we zoom in on specific cities, the market dynamics become even more interesting:

• Markham: Detached and semi-detached homes experienced price declines of 6.83% and 3.2% year over year respectively, but are up month over month, while townhouses rose by 1.52% year over year, and 5.94% month over month. Condo prices remained stable.

• Richmond Hill: Detached homes prices surged by 13.32%, with smaller gains in semi-detached and townhouses. Condos saw an 8.50% drop, presenting opportunities for buyers.

• Vaughan: Detached homes fell by 6.30%, but semi-detached properties and townhouses saw gains of 5.21% and 5.24%, respectively. Condo apartments dipped by 4.14%.

Key Trends Driving the GTA Market

Lower Borrowing Costs: Reduced inflation and stabilizing interest rates are giving buyers more purchasing power.

Detached Homes in Demand: Detached properties outperformed other segments, with prices growing above inflation.

Condo Market Opportunity: While detached homes soar, condos remain a bargain for buyers, offering plenty of inventory and negotiation leverage.

Rental Market Strength: As more renters transition into homeownership, rental supply remains steady. High immigration continues to support rental demand, balancing the market.

What to Look Forward To in 2025

The stage is set for a continued market recovery in the new year:

Market Recovery Acceleration: Lower borrowing costs and reduced monthly mortgage payments will likely drive more activity.

Steady Price Growth: Expect home prices to continue their upward trend, especially in high-demand areas.

Mortgage Rule Changes: Some of the bold changes to mortgage rules will be in effect going into 2025 which will make mortgages more affordable and increase purchasing power

What Does This Mean for You?

For Buyers

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy, consider making your move now. Plenty of opportunity with good amount of inventory and favorable interest rates now and into the new year. Condos in particular offer plenty of choice and negotiating opportunities.

For Sellers

With demand outpacing supply, it’s could be an ideal time to list your property. The right pricing and marketing strategy could help you maximize returns in this competitive market.

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We’re honored and grateful to share some wonderful news—Royal LePage Terrequity Realty has been named the 2024 Readers’ Choice Diamond Award Winner by the Toronto Star! What makes this especially meaningful is that it’s our third consecutive year being recognized as the Top Real Estate Brokerage in the GTA.

This recognition is not just about us—but our clients, partners, and community, who have placed your trust in us to guide you through some of life’s most significant moments. Whether it’s buying, selling, or investing, being part of your journey is what inspires us every day.

Why This Recognition Matters

The Diamond Award is chosen by readers like you, and it reminds us how important it is to serve with care, professionalism, and dedication. At Royal LePage Terrequity Realty, our team strives to be Proactive Trusted Advisors—putting your goals at the heart of everything we do.

We’re also humbled to share that for the past 8 years, we’ve been recognized with the Consumer’s Choice Award, making this year’s dual recognition extra special. These achievements are a reflection of the collective effort of our agents, staff, and, most importantly, the trust you continue to place in us.

What This Means for You

This award reaffirms our commitment to providing the best possible service to you. Whether it’s your first home, your dream property, or an investment opportunity, our focus is on ensuring your experience is seamless, informed, and rewarding.

It’s not about the awards—it’s about the results and the satisfaction of seeing you achieve your real estate goals.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To everyone who voted, supported, and believed in us—thank you. This achievement is as much yours as it is ours. Your referrals, kind words, and confidence in our team mean the world to us and motivate us to keep striving for excellence.

Let’s Continue the Journey Together

If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in real estate, we’d be honored to support you. Reach out today and let’s work together to make your real estate dreams a reality.

Here’s to another year of serving you with gratitude, dedication, and a passion for making your goals come true. Thank you for being such an important part of our journey.

If you're dreaming of buying your first home, you’ve probably wondered, "How am I going to save up for it?" Well, let me introduce you to the First Home Savings Account (FHSA). It’s a fantastic tool that combines the perks of two other popular accounts—the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)—to help you save for your first home. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is the FHSA?

The FHSA is like a savings superhero, designed specifically for first-time homebuyers in Canada. It gives you powerful benefits:

1. Tax-Deductible Contributions:

   You can contribute up to $8,000 a year, with a lifetime cap of $40,000. The best part? Your contributions are tax-deductible! That means if you put money into your FHSA, you lower your taxable income for the year—and that could mean paying less in taxes.

2. Tax-Free Growth:

   Just like with a TFSA, the money you invest in your FHSA grows tax-free. Whether it’s earning interest, dividends, or capital gains, you don’t have to share a dime with the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency).

3. Tax-Free Withdrawals:

   When you’re ready to buy your first home, you can withdraw from your FHSA completely tax-free. Every dollar you saved goes directly toward your home purchase—no deductions, no catches.

4. Roll Over Unused Savings:

   What if you decide not to buy a home or your plans change? No worries. You can roll over unused funds into your RRSP or RRIF (Registered Retirement Income Fund) and keep enjoying tax-free growth for retirement savings.

Who Can Open an FHSA?

It’s not for everyone. To qualify, you need to be:

• A first-time homebuyer (you haven’t owned a home in the last four years).

• A Canadian resident aged 18 or older.

If you check those boxes, you’re good to go!

Pro Tips for Using the FHSA

1. Start Early: Even if you’re a few years away from buying, opening an FHSA now lets your money grow tax-free longer.

2. Max Out Your Contributions: Aim to hit that $8,000 yearly limit to get the most out of your tax deduction and savings potential.

3. Combine with Other Programs: Pair the FHSA with programs like the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan for even more buying power.

Ready to Open an FHSA?

Opening an FHSA is straightforward. Many banks, credit unions, and financial institutions across Canada offer them. Check with your financial advisor or bank to find the best fit for you.

The FHSA is an incredible opportunity for first-time homebuyers to save smarter and faster. Whether you're just starting your journey or already looking at listings, every bit of savings counts.

Take the first step toward your dream home today! If you have questions or want to discuss how this fits into your home-buying plan, let’s chat. Book a call today—I’m here to help!

October saw strong growth in Toronto’s real estate market, with home sales in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) up by 44.4% compared to October 2023. While new listings also increased, they didn’t keep up with the pace of sales, leading to a tighter inventory and more competitive market conditions.

Market Highlights:

• Sales Activity: The GTA recorded 6,658 home sales in October, a significant 44.4% increase from the 4,611 sales in October 2023. Month-over-month, sales also saw a rise, as October’s figures were up from September’s 6,470 sales, reflecting ongoing demand.

• Average Price: The average selling price across all property types in the GTA reached $1,135,215, a 1.1% increase year-over-year. On a month-over-month basis, the average price saw a slight uptick from $1,123,390 in September, indicating a stable price environment despite rising sales.

• Inventory: New listings totaled 15,328 in October, up 4.3% from October 2023. However, this marked an 18% decrease compared to the 18,742 new listings seen in September 2024, pointing to a tightening of inventory. Active listings also decreased from 6,658 in September to 4,611 in October, which may lead to more competition among buyers in the coming months.

• Months for active inventory This is a indicator I monitor closely and has been coming down as well indicating that the market is tightening. There was 3.67 Months of inventory in October, down from 5.1 in September.

What’s Driving This Market Activity?

The Bank of Canada’s recent rate cuts have improved borrowing conditions, making homes more affordable and encouraging buyers to step back into the market. With borrowing costs lower than they’ve been in months, demand has picked up, leading to higher sales volumes compared to last year.

Implications for Buyers and Sellers

With inventory shrinking and sales activity growing, we may see prices rise more significantly in the months ahead. For buyers, it’s a good time to act before inventory gets even tighter. Sellers, on the other hand, have the advantage of strong demand and fewer listings to compete with.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, there may be further policy changes affecting affordability and market conditions. For example, TRREB supports the Conservative Party of Canada’s proposal to remove the GST from new homes under $1 million, which could provide relief for first-time buyers and encourage more construction to meet growing demand.

The Toronto market is definitely in motion, and whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching the trends, our team is ready to help you navigate these changes and find the best opportunities.

If you’re looking to buy, sell, or refinance, this shift in interest rates is welcome new and could work in your favor. Lower lending costs and more options for both buyers and homeowners.

Here’s a summary of what going on around the decision of this latest BOC rate cut at its last meeting and the direction rates may continue to head:

The Canada economy has grown slowly at around 2% in early 2024, but spending per person is beginning to slow down. On top of that, the job market remains soft, with a 6.5% unemployment rate. This has been tough for young people and newcomers to Canada.

Looking ahead, the economy is expected to pick up slightly, with growth estimated at 1.2% in 2024, 2.1% in 2025, and 2.3% in 2026. With lower interest rates spending is expected to increase gradually. Plus, demand for housing and business investments should also grow as the economy gets stronger.

Inflation has dropped significantly since earlier this year, falling from 2.7% in June to 1.6% in September. While housing costs are still high, they are starting to ease. Additionally, lower oil prices are bringing down gas prices. Overall, extra supply in the economy is helping lower the prices of many goods and services.

Going forward, inflation is expected to stay close to the Bank’s target. As the economy strengthens, inflation should balance out, keeping prices stable for Canadians.

If the economy continues to improve, there may be more interest rate cuts. However, the Bank of Canada will carefully watch new data and decide what’s best to keep inflation steady around 2%.

The Bank’s next (and final!) rate announcement of 2024 is coming up fast on Wednesday, December 11. There is a good chance we will see another significant cut to it key rate.

Stay up-to-date to latest market trends! Subscribe to our newsletter for easy-to-read insights and tips.

Selling your condo fast might seem like a stressful and overwhelming task, especially with the state of the current condo market. You might imagine rushing to get everything ready and fearing that you’ll have to settle for a lower price just to make a quick sale, or not selling at all. But it doesn’t have to be that way! With the right strategy, you can sell your home in a reasonable amount of time and get a good price. Here are three proven tips to help you do just that:

1. Price It Right

The first thing to consider is your listing price. If your price is too high compared to other similar condos in your area, some buyers might not even bother booking a viewing and overlook the listing. But that doesn’t mean you have to drastically lower the price either. The goal is to be strategic—setting a competitive price that’s attractive to buyers while still maximizing your return. A well-priced property will naturally attract more interest, giving you a better chance of selling quickly.

2. Stage It Smartly

A well-staged condo makes a huge difference in how quickly it sells. The good news is, staging doesn’t need to be a lengthy or expensive process. Simple steps like cleaning, decluttering, and adding a fresh coat of paint can have a big impact. Sometimes with condos, less is more! You want buyers to walk in and imagine themselves living there, so creating a welcoming and clean space is key.

3. Make It Easy to View

The more potential buyers see your condo, the higher the chance you’ll get a quick offer. To make that happen, you’ll need to be flexible with showing times. Many buyers are only available during evenings or weekends, so being accommodating with viewings can make a big difference. The small inconvenience of arranging last-minute showings will be worth it when your condo sells faster than you expected.

4. Work with a Local Real Estate Professional

One of the best things you can do to ensure a smooth sale is to work with a real estate agent who is knowledgeable of the local market. A knowledgeable agent will understand what is going on in the area, know how to price your home competitively, and can offer valuable insights on staging and marketing to appeal to the right buyers to get you the best possible price. If you’re ready to get started, feel free to contact us for a complimentary consultation. We’re here to help!

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive monthly real estate updates, market trends, and expert tips directly to your inbox. Stay informed and get ahead in your real estate journey!

The September 2024 real estate market in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) brought some encouraging news for both buyers and sellers. With stable home prices and interest rates starting to ease, more buyers are beginning to take advantage of the current market conditions. Let’s take a closer look at what happened in September, why it’s important, and what it means for you if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home.

Increasing Home Sales

September 2024 saw an increase in home sales compared to the same time last year. According to GTA REALTORS®, 4,996 homes were sold in September, which is an 8.5% increase from September 2023 when 4,606 homes were sold. This boost in sales is partly due to interest rates trending lower, which has made it more affordable for buyers to enter the market.

More Homes, More Choices

In addition to the rise in home sales, there has also been a significant increase in the number of new listings. In September 2024, there were 18,089 new listings, which is 10.5% more than what we saw in September 2023. This increase in listings gives buyers more options to choose from, which also increases their ability to negotiate prices.

What does this mean for buyers and sellers? For buyers, more homes on the market mean more opportunities to find a home that fits their needs and budget. Sellers, on the other hand, need to price their property strategically according to the market as buyers now have more choices.

What’s Happening with Home Prices?

While the number of homes sold and listed increased, home prices have seen a slight dip. The MLS® Home Price Index Composite benchmark was down by 4.6% compared to last year. The average selling price for a home in the GTA in September 2024 was $1,107,291, which is just a 1% decrease from the September 2023 average of $1,118,215.

Interestingly, on a month-to-month basis, the average home price inched up slightly compared to August 2024. This suggests that while prices may have dropped year-over-year, they are beginning to stabilize, which could be a sign that the market is adjusting to the new conditions.

The key points: For buyers, the dip in prices means it’s a great time to start looking for a home, especially in segments like condos and townhouses, which are seeing the biggest price drops. These more affordable housing options are especially attractive to first-time buyers who are looking to enter the market. Sellers, however, may need to adjust their expectations when it comes to pricing, but the overall increase in sales and listings shows there’s still strong interest in the market.

Positive Changes to Mortgage Guidelines

Another factor that will help home sales is the recent changes to mortgage lending guidelines. Over the past month, there have been several adjustments aimed at making it easier for homebuyers to get the possible deal on their mortgage. One key change is that existing mortgage holders can now shop around and change lenders without having to pass the stress test again. This allows for more affordable mortgage renewals, and will create more competition between lenders giving homeowners some breathing room when it’s time to refinance.

Additionally, the introduction of longer amortization periods and the option to insure mortgages for homes priced over $1 million gives buyers more flexibility, especially in a market like the GTA where home prices are much higher than the national average.

What to Expect in the Future

The increase in home sales and listings, along with changes in mortgage guidelines, points to a recovering market. As borrowing costs continue to drop, we can expect more people to enter the housing market, especially first-time buyers and those looking to invest in a second property.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, now might be the perfect time to make your move. With more homes available and rates trending lower, there’s a lot of opportunity. On the other hand, if you’re a seller, you’ll want to keep an eye on market trends and properly positioned in the marketplace when you are ready to list. While prices are slightly lower, they have stabilized and the steady rise in sales suggests there is still strong demand for homes, particularly in the GTA.

The market is changing, and there’s plenty of opportunity for those who are ready to take the next step in their real estate journey. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive monthly updates on GTA market trends.

🔗 See the market overview chart here

Even in Canada's most expensive cities, the country's luxury real estate market isn't cooling down as we head into the fall. The spring of 2024 is seeing growth in high-end property sales across Canada, a trend reported earlier this year by the most recent Royal LePage® Carriage Trade® Luxury Market Report. The first eight months of the year brought increases in almost all cities, save for Vancouver, Toronto, and Halifax which each saw small declines.

So, what does this mean for the luxury market and buyers & sellers in general?

Steady Sales, Reduced Fluctuations

Luxury real estate typically offers more stability compared to the broader market, where price fluctuations are more common. High-end buyers often take their time selecting a home, and sellers are rarely in a hurry to drop their asking prices. This year, cities like Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Calgary have seen the largest gains, driven by strong local interest and buyers from other provinces.

Meanwhile, cities like Toronto experienced a slower start to the year, partly due to the introduction of a municipal land transfer tax in January. However, activity is expected to rise in the fall. Despite this, luxury properties in Toronto continue to be highly sought after, particularly those with convenient access to the city's top amenities like restaurants, parks, and public transit.

Market Drivers

Luxury homebuyers have distinct preferences. They typically seek more than just a property—they’re after specific features such as prime locations or custom-built homes. In certain regions, move-in-ready, fully renovated homes are the most in-demand, while in others, buyers are prepared to navigate rising construction costs to create their ideal living space.

Another key factor fueling the luxury market is economic confidence. High-end buyers are generally less influenced by interest rate changes, as many do not rely on large mortgages. Some make substantial down payments or buy properties outright with cash. Their decisions are typically based on long-term market stability, and currently, they remain optimistic about Canada’s real estate market.

Foreign Buyer Ban: Minimal Impact

The federal government's foreign buyer ban, introduced in 2023 and extended until 2027, was intended to make housing more accessible for Canadians. However, it hasn't significantly affected the luxury market. The majority of high-end buyers are Canadians, and the broader issue in real estate continues to be a lack of available properties, not just within the luxury segment.

What to Expect This Fall?

Looking ahead, the luxury market is expected to stay active. Cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Quebec City are predicted to experience continued growth. While markets in Toronto and Vancouver were slower earlier this year, they are likely to gain momentum as interest rates stabilize and economic confidence grows.

Whether you’re looking for a ready-to-move-in home or planning to design your own dream property, luxury real estate remains a sound investment. Buyers in this segment know what they want and are willing to wait, so demand is expected to remain strong.

Toronto’s Luxury Real Estate Market in 2024

In the first eight months of 2024, Toronto’s luxury home prices saw a modest rise of 3.9%, bringing the median price to $5.82 million, even as sales dipped by 5%. The minimum entry point for a luxury home in the city currently stands at $4.75 million.

“Toronto’s luxury market had a soft start to the year as the introduction of the updated municipal land transfer tax came into effect on January 1st. The amended tax saw graduated increases on properties valued over $3,000,000, starting at 3.5 percent and moving upwards. This led to a slower-than-normal spring market, which caused our inventory of available homes for sale to increase,” said Gillian Oxley, sales representative, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Oxley Real Estate. “However, the interesting element of the spring market was the many sellers who did not pull their listings off of the MLS when activity softened. Instead, many sellers chose to keep their homes listed, pushing up the average days on the market.”

Luxury properties in Toronto generally feature 4+ bedrooms, and 5+ bathrooms, and span at least 2,300 square feet. Buyers are patient, waiting for the right deal, although prime areas near transit, dining, and parks remain in high demand.

Oxley anticipates a stronger market in the fall, with further improvement expected in the spring as interest rates ease and buyer confidence returns.

2024 Royal LePage Carriage Trade Luxury Market Report – Data Chart: rlp.ca/2024-Luxury-Market-Report-Chart

Want to stay updated on Canada’s luxury real estate market? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest trends, market insights, and tips on navigating the luxury property market. Keep posted as the fall market unfolds.

Source: https://www.royallepage.ca/en/realestate/news/luxury-landscape-brisk-activity-expected-this-fall-across-canadas-high-end-real-estate-markets/#_ftn1

The GTA housing market took a bit of a breather in August. Home sales dropped by 5.3% compared to last year, with 4,975 homes sold, down from 5,251 same time last year. New listings went up up, with 12,547 homes added to the market, and currently 22,653 active listings. So, if you’re looking to buy, there are ample options.

Prices didn’t change much. The average home price was down by just 0.8%, bringing it to $1,074,425. The MLS® Home Price Index dropped a bit more, down 4.6%, showing that home prices are cooling off, but slowly.

There’s some welcome news for buyers, On September 4, the Bank of Canada cut interest rates, which is going to help make carrying costs more affordable. . As mortgage rates continue to fall, we expect to see more people buying homes—especially condos—over the next year or two.

TRREB’s Chief Market Analyst, Jason Mercer, said “As borrowing costs trend lower, home buyer will initially benefit from both lower monthly mortgage payments and lower home prices. Even as demand picks up, especially in 2025 it will take time for inventory of listing to be absorbed…. And this will help keep price growth moderate, at least in the initial phases of recovery”

Looking ahead, TRREB’s CEO, John DiMichele, reminded that we need to maintain a sustained focus of boasting home construction, especially relating to the right mix of homes to meet consumers needs meet demand and keep them affordable.

Want to stay in the know about the GTA housing market? Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates, tips, and insights!

View the detailed August report here.

As anticipated, The Bank of Canada recently announced a third consecutive reduction to its target overnight lending rate, bringing it down to 4.25%, with the Bank Rate at 4.25% and the deposit rate matching the overnight target at 4.25%. Alongside this rate cut, the Bank is continuing its policy of balance sheet normalization, which aims to reduce the excess reserves built up during past economic interventions. This move is part of a broader effort to stabilize the Canadian economy as global financial conditions shift.

Target for the overnight rate (Past 5 Years)

This chart highlights the changes in the Bank of Canada’s policy interest rate over the past five years, providing a visual understanding of the central bank’s approach in response to evolving economic conditions.

Globally, the economy grew by 2.5% in the second quarter, with stronger-than-expected growth in the U.S. and steady improvement in Europe. China’s growth lagged due to weak demand. Financial conditions have eased, and the Canadian dollar has slightly appreciated. In Canada, the economy grew by 2.1%, driven by government spending and business investment, though recent data shows a slowdown. Inflation has eased to 2.5%, with housing costs still the main driver, though they are starting to decline.

In response, the Bank reduced the interest rate by 0.25% and will continue monitoring trends to ensure price stability for Canadians.

The next overnight rate target announcement is set for October 23, 2024. On the same day, the Bank will release its full economic and inflation outlook, highlighting key risks and projections in the MPR. Stay informed—subscribe to our newsletter for updates.