The New $130,000 HST Rebate: A Game
Changer for Ontario Low-Rise Buyers
Published for www.resaletorontocondos.com | May 2026 Update

The Ontario housing market just received its biggest policy jolt in years. The 2026
Budget introduced an "Enhanced HST Rebate" that can save buyers up to $130,000
on a new home. But while the headline number is exciting, the "fine print" regarding
developer timelines and property types means this program isn't for everyone.

The Core Rule: This program is designed for speed. Because of the strict
construction deadlines, it effectively excludes high-rise condos....

April 2026

Dear Friend,

A lot of interesting news in April! 5,039 homes sold in March, up slightly over last year while the number of homes listed dropped by a significant 16.7%. With sales starting to increase as we head into the spring market and only 21,596 homes listed, buyers will have less choice moving forward.

The big news is that as of April 1, 2026, Ontario officially eliminated the full 13% HST on eligible new home purchases for one year, running until March 31, 2027. Premier Doug Ford announced the measure on March 25, framing it as a "13% off" moment for the province's...

Dear Friend,

A decent month of sales for GTA realtors as 5,010 homes sold through the MLS system. With a listing inventory of about 25,000 homes, it shows that buyers have a good variety of homes to look at before they buy and this also means that 4 homes are NOT selling! More on that later.

The Toronto Real Estate Board reported an average selling price in November as $1,039,458, and it’s interesting to break down that average into different components.

Detached Semi Detached Row Townhouse Condo Townhouse Condo Apt Total

% of

Sales 45.8 % 9.7% 10.3% 7% 25.9% 98.8% *

Ave Price $1,346,017...

I recorded a segment with Wolfgang Klein for AM 640.

Hear it on Spotify. 

Toronto's Power of Sale Surge: A Wake-Up Call for Buyers and the Market

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market is undergoing a fundamental shift, and a rising tide of Power of Sale listings is serving as a stark reminder of the financial risks taken during the peak market frenzy of 2020-2022. While these listings still represent a small fraction of the overall market, their sharp increase—more than doubling in the past year in the GTA—is a critical indicator of which borrowers and properties are now under the most stress.

The Two-Tier Mortgage Market: Major Banks vs....

The Ultimate Guide to North York's 'Downtown': Condos for Every Buyer (Yonge & Finch to Sheppard)

The stretch of Yonge Street between Sheppard and Finch Avenues is not just a major artery—it's the dynamic "Downtown" of North York. This vibrant, high-density corridor, known officially as North York Centre, offers a truly unique urban experience right outside the heart of Toronto. For condo buyers and renters, it represents the ultimate blend of convenience, culture, and connectivity.

Location, Location, Lifestyle: The North York Centre Advantage

What makes this neighbourhood a...

The Sweet Spot: Why Toronto's St. Lawrence & Esplanade Area is the Perfect Place to Call Home

It's the age-old Toronto conundrum: How do you live right in the core, close to your office, transit, and all the action, without sacrificing community, convenience, and a high quality of life?

As a full-time Toronto Realtor® who literally grew up navigating these streets, watching the city change over time, I can tell you that most neighbourhoods require a trade-off. Except one: the vibrant, historic area around St. Lawrence Market and the Esplanade. This is Toronto's definitive "sweet...

Toronto Real Estate: More Than Just Transactions—It's a Relationship

By Brian Matthews, Full-Time Toronto Realtor®

It's one thing to have a real estate license; it's another to have nearly two decades of dedicated, full-time experience navigating one of the most dynamic markets in North America. My name is Brian Matthews, and I have been a licensed Toronto Realtor® since 2002.

This city isn't just a place I work—it’s home.

The Advantage of Growing Up in Toronto

I didn't just move here for the market; I grew up right here in Toronto. That means my understanding of the city goes...

Stop Wasting Time: Why Shopping Without a Mortgage Pre-Approval is a Recipe for Disappointment

As a Toronto real estate agent, one of the most common scenarios I encounter is the eager homebuyer who has spent weeks, or even months, online, falling in love with properties, only to hit a wall when it comes to making an offer. The culprit? Shopping without a mortgage pre-approval.

It might seem like a minor detail, something you can "get to later," but I can't stress this enough: entering the housing market without a pre-approval is not just inefficient; it's a guaranteed way to waste...

The Virtual Vexation: Why Bad Digital Staging is the Fastest Way to Kill a Home Sale

In today's real estate market, the first showing happens online. Almost every home search begins with a scroll, making professional, beautiful photos a non-negotiable. This is where virtual staging shines, promising a cost-effective way to transform an empty box into an aspirational lifestyle.

But there is a dark side to this digital wizardry: when used poorly, virtual staging doesn't just fail to sell the home—it actively poisons the in-person viewing, turning excitement into crushing disappointment.

...