Dhar (Dharmendra) Dholakiya's blog

Canada’s Housing Market: Facing the Sharpest Decline Among Major Economies

A recent report, covered by Yahoo Finance and The Financial Post, based on data from the Bank for International Settlements, states that Canada has experienced the largest housing price decline among major economies.

That headline sounds dramatic. But as always in real estate, context matters.

Let’s break this down properly — and more importantly, let’s talk about what it means for you.

Key Findings from the BIS Report

• Inflation-adjusted house prices in Canada were down ~5% year-over-year in Q3 2025, the largest...

Canada’s Housing Market: Facing the Sharpest Decline Among Major Economies

A recent report, covered by Yahoo Finance and The Financial Post, based on data from the Bank for International Settlements, states that Canada has experienced the largest housing price decline among major economies.

That headline sounds dramatic. But as always in real estate, context matters.

Let’s break this down properly — and more importantly, let’s talk about what it means for you.

Key Findings from the BIS Report

• Inflation-adjusted house prices in Canada were down ~5% year-over-year in Q3 2025, the largest...

The latest Ipsos Issue Watch survey shows something very significant:

Housing is now tied as the most important issue facing Canadians (36%), alongside healthcare and ahead of the economy.

That tells us one thing clearly:

Real estate is no longer just a transaction topic — it is a national priority.

At the same time, new housing affordability data present an important shift in market dynamics.

1. Housing Is a National Concern — That Creates Policy & Market Pressure

When housing ranks at the very top of public concern:

• Governments respond with supply initiatives

• Policymakers adjust...

Failed Home Purchase Leads to $1.8M Judgment Against Buyer

(Real Estate Insight for Home Buyers & Sellers in the GTA)

Buying or selling a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. But what happens when a buyer backs out of a deal at the last minute — and the market has changed?

In a recent Ontario court decision, a buyer who failed to complete the purchase of a Mississauga property worth $8,385,000 was ordered to pay $1.8 million in damages to the seller after walking away from the transaction.

What Happened?

After entering into a binding Agreement of Purchase...

Understanding the Latest Inflation Data in Canada

Canada’s most recent inflation data shows that the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.4% year-over-year in December 2025, slightly above market expectations of 2.2%. This marks a modest uptick from November, which was reported at 2.2%.

However, it’s essential to dig beneath the headline number:

• Core inflation measures, such as CPI-trim and CPI-median (which exclude volatile categories), continue to moderate, easing to some of their lowest levels since late 2024.

• The headline increase was partly driven by temporary distortion...

According to new data released by CMHC — covering 30 municipalities across Canada — development charges (DCs) and related municipal fees vary enormously from city to city. But one trend stands out: in the Greater Toronto Area, both Toronto and Markham have some of the highest charges on new homes. 

Here’s what the data shows:

• For a new condo: in Ontario, development charges can represent 8–16% of the final selling price. 

• In Markham, a typical two-bedroom condo reportedly carries per-unit charges up to ≈ US$121,500 (or equivalent), making the DC portion as high as ~15.7% of the average...

When it comes to selling your property in the GTA, having a clear pricing strategy can make or break your success. Let's break down why pricing your listing “high” in hopes of negotiating down may not be the jackpot move many believe it to be.

The Pitfall of Pricing High: 
At first glance, pricing your home above its market value might sound like a savvy seller move, but it often has the opposite effect. Here’s why:   
- Reduced Visibility: Overpriced homes often get filtered out of serious buyers' searches. If they don’t see it, they won’t book a showing!
- Questionable Intent:

Buyers...

CMHC 2025 Mid-Year Rental Market Update – GTA Spotlight!  

The real estate market is buzzing with insights from CMHC’s latest mid-year rental market update, offering a comprehensive look into how the GTA is evolving. Here’s what you need to know about homes and condos for rental, excluding purpose-built units. 

Key Trends in the GTA Rental Market

- Rents Are Easing: Condo rents in the GTA have dropped 3.7% year-over-year, showing increased competition in the secondary market.

- Vacancy Rates Are Rising: Landlords are taking longer to fill units as tenant mobility slows, and inventory...

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Buy a Home in Ontario!

Are you dreaming of owning a home? The current real estate market is offering incredible opportunities for buyers.

Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:

Prices are Down: Ontario’s home prices have dropped by 6.3% compared to last year, creating amazing affordability. In the GTA, the average home price is down nearly 4%—this is your chance to secure a better deal!* February’22 Avg. home price recorded in TRREB was $1,334,544 February’25 Avg. home price recorded in TRREB was $1,086,685 That is a drop of around 19% in 3 years.

More Choices...

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Buy a Home in Ontario!

Are you dreaming of owning a home? The current real estate market is offering incredible opportunities for buyers.

Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:

Prices are Down: Ontario’s home prices have dropped by 6.3% compared to last year, creating amazing affordability. In the GTA, the average home price is down nearly 4%—this is your chance to secure a better deal!* February’22 Avg. home price recorded in TRREB was $1,334,544 February’25 Avg. home price recorded in TRREB was $1,086,685 That is a drop of around 19% in 3 years.

More Choices...