It’s not uncommon for investors to focus on desirable rental areas and then scour the market for high-value, low-priced properties. When they find their target, it often needs substantial work to bring it up to a standard that’s suitable for the rental market. Renovating is often necessary for bathrooms and kitchens, which are the most…
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When it comes to home maintenance, owners tend to overrate their DIY skills, producing work that either doesn’t add value to their property or damages it. Be aware that poorly executed and finished work will diminish the property’s value. If buyers recognise poor work they will often seek a discount to pay for remediation or…
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Parents are being called the “Sandwich Generation”, caught between helping their own children as well as their mothers and fathers, a consequence of living longer. The days when parents’ greatest concern was paying for the kids’ college education have now morphed into helping them onto the property ownership ladder. It’s amazing to think that almost…
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For months now, owners have been keeping a keen eye on the falling rate of inflation in the hope it would signal cheaper mortgage costs and boost the property market. Now Canada’s inflation is 2.5%. It doesn’t mean anything is any cheaper, but it signals the fast pace of price rises, which most global economies…
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It’s the calm before the storm – two interest rate cuts are now complete but the housing market remains stubbornly poised for growth as buyers and owners wait to see the impact. Home sales fell 0.7% in July, compared with the June numbers, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). June had recorded a…
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The cost of rents is slowing but continues to grow at more than twice the level of our 2.5% inflation rate, according to the new National Rent Report released by Rentals.ca. Average monthly rents are now $2,201 with increases registering in Vancouver and Toronto. While the growth in rental costs is at its slowest for…
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WIth two interest rate cuts under our belt, and more promised by the Bank of Canada, how is this affecting the spending power of those wanting to buy their first home, or upgrade to a bigger property? So far, Canada has seen rates cut for two successive months, moving the cost of cash from 5%…
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These lazy days of summer can lull you into a false sense of security if you’re planning to sell your home this fall. Consider spending some of your spare time working on your home to maximise its value even if that means missing out on the occasional trip to enjoy the warm weather. Making a…
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With interest rates now 0.5% less than just a few weeks ago, Canadian homeowners and buyers are poised to spur the market back into action. Whether the two recent rate cuts from the Bank of Canada will be sufficient to electrify the market remains to be seen. However, Canada is one of the first developed…
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Residential sales have been predicted to rise by more than 6% this year as the Canadian real estate market begins to bounce back from a quiet start to the year. Two interest cuts that have taken the cash rate to 4.5% are expected to entice more sellers into the market to meet the pent-up demand…
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