Thiru Nirahulan's blog

A year ago, housing affordability dominated national conversations as the Canadian real estate market exploded in growth across major urban centres and rural communities alike.

This year, the conversation has ostensibly changed, with buyers, sellers, market analysts and industry experts discussing the path the Bank of Canada (BoC) will take in 2024 and immigration levels. Will the central bank cut interest rates next year or keep the policy rate higher for longer? How much will the immigration boom impact the Canadian real estate market?

This does not mean the housing...

In Canada, Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) are not as widespread as in some other countries, like the United States, but they do exist, particularly in certain types of residential developments. HOAs are more commonly found in planned communities, condominiums, and townhouse complexes. Properties within an HOA enjoy added benefits like enhanced amenities and community management. HOAs play a key role in improving your living experience. These associations establish and enforce community rules. They are responsible for tasks such as snow removal, garden upkeep, and pool maintenance, all...

Preparing your home for winter is crucial to ensure comfort, energy efficiency, and protection against potential issues that cold weather can bring. Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you get your home ready for winter:

Exterior Maintenance:

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters:

   • Remove leaves and debris to prevent ice dams and water damage.

2. Check the Roof:

   • Inspect for missing or damaged shingles and address any issues.

3. Trim Trees and Branches:

   • Trim branches away from the house to prevent damage from heavy snow or ice.

4. Seal...

Although often touted as a safe haven when compared to the stock market’s volatility, over the past 25 years, Canada’s S&P/TSX composite index has actually generated annual returns equal to, or better than, even key Canadian real estate markets such as Toronto and Vancouver, which have experienced skyrocketing increases in residential real estate prices over the past few years.

Like any investment, commercial real estate investing comes with risks. However, applying sound commercial real estate investment strategies can be an essential counterweight in balancing an overall...

Securing a pre-approval mortgage is the golden ticket that provides insights into your borrowing capacity and sets the stage for your house-hunting adventure. But what if you aspire to reach for a more substantial pre-approval amount, one that can unlock the door to your dream home? Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking to maximize your budget or a seasoned homeowner eyeing a larger investment, there are strategies you can use to take control of your financial profile and elevate your homebuying potential.

What is a Mortgage Pre-Approval?

A mortgage pre-approval is a...

Is inflation killing inflation? This appears to be the case in the Ontario real estate market.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the Ontario real estate market has been booming. From the major urban centres of Toronto and Ottawa to the rural communities of Renfrew and Prince Edward County, close to every Ontario housing market has been posting record-setting gains. In 2023, conditions have come to a standstill, and the latest data point to a slowing and potentially more balanced housing market for buyers and sellers.

Of course, the Ontario housing industry has not returned to its...

When considering buying a property, Canadians are increasingly interested in newly constructed homes. They like the idea of a freshly-built property fitted with modern amenities and designed for energy efficiency. A new home is like a blank slate, allowing you to shape it according to your needs and personal style.

Another popular reason Canadians are looking into new homes is that they prefer master-planned communities. These are places where houses, parks, schools, shops, and recreation centers are all in one area, creating a holistic living environment. It’s a big draw for...

Canadian real estate has been a wild ride over the last couple of years. Here’s a look at 2024 predictions:

Canada Home Prices Expected to Rise in 2024 – But by How Much?

It has been a mixed year for the Canadian real estate market. The industry faced a tidal wave of challenges: rising interest rates, an economy that has slipped into a technical recession, depleted pandemic-era savings, and uncertainty in the housing sector.

Industry observers anticipated that Canada’s housing market would come to a screeching halt during the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) monetary policy tightening...