Toronto Real Estate Blog & Market Insights

Welcome to your premier resource for navigating the evolving Greater Toronto Area housing market. Developed explicitly by the local experts at RE/MAX Plus City, our toronto real estate blog delivers data-driven market analyses, street-level neighborhood breakdowns, breaking legislative tax updates, and actionable toolkits for modern buyers, sellers, and landlords.

Whether you are analyzing the 2026 downtown condo inventory shifts, mapping out closing costs, or exploring investment opportunities across the GTA, check back weekly for institutional-grade market reporting.

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Selling Your Toronto Home Before the Holidays? What October’s Numbers Say

Many Toronto owners ask the same thing at this time of year: list now, or wait until January? October's data from TRREB doesn't answer that for every home, but it does show where sellers have an edge and where they don't. Here's what to weigh before you decide.

5,603
GTA sales in October, down 7.9%
14,173
New listings, down 11.9%
97%
Average sale-to-list price
49 days
Average total days on market

October 2026 at a Glance

GTA, all home typesOctober 2026Change vs. Oct 2025
Sales5,603-7.9%
New listings14,173-11.9%
Active listings25,098-10.0%
Average price$1,024,108-2.7%
Benchmark price (MLS HPI Composite)n/a-4.3%

Sales equalled about 40% of new listings, and the average sale price was 97% of the list price. The average listing took 49 days to sell (TRREB's total days on market measure). The Bank of Canada raised its policy rate to 2.50% on October 28, and TRREB said uncertainty kept many buyers on the sidelines.

Where Sellers Have an Edge

  • Fewer new listings. New listings were down 11.9% from last year, which means less competing supply.
  • Freeholds in the city are holding up. In the City of Toronto, detached sales rose 0.5% to 741 and semi-detached sales rose 1.5% to 266. The average detached price was $1,603,886 and the average semi-detached price was $1,225,229.
  • East-end homes are selling fast. See our look at east-end house prices in October for Leslieville, the Beaches and East York.

Where Sellers Face More Competition

  • Condos are softer. Toronto condo apartment sales fell 10.7% to 949, and GTA condo prices were down 5.8% from last year.
  • Buyers have leverage. TRREB's Jason Mercer said buyers "continued to benefit from substantial negotiating power on price."
  • Price still matters most. At 97% of list on average, overpriced homes will sit.

List Now or Wait? Questions to Ask

QuestionWhy it matters
What type of home do you own?Freeholds and condos are behaving differently right now
What are similar homes selling for on your street or in your building?Recent sold prices beat last year's peak
Is your home ready to show?Repairs, cleaning and staging affect offers
Do you need to sell by a certain date?A fixed deadline narrows your options
What does your next purchase look like?Buying and selling happen in the same market

TRREB hasn't said whether buyers will return in early 2027. Its president, Daniel Steinfeld, said a Canada-U.S. trade deal could give GTA residents "a clearer picture of the economic outlook." The Bank of Canada's next announcement is on December 9, and rate decisions can move buyer confidence in either direction. Nobody can predict where prices will go, and we won't pretend to.

A Practical Plan

  • Get a pricing opinion based on recent sales, not asking prices.
  • Prepare the home first. Small repairs and a good clean-out go further than you'd think.
  • Plan your showings. Holidays reduce the number of free evenings and weekends for everyone.
  • Review your financing. If you're buying next, check your mortgage options at today's rates. Our land transfer tax calculator and mortgage calculator can help you estimate costs.

Curious what your home might sell for? Request a free home evaluation, or read our October condo market report.

Sources: TRREB Market Watch, October 2026 and CP24, GTA home sales down nearly 8% in October.

Ready to talk through your timing? Contact our team for a look at your home and your numbers.

This article is for general information only and is not financial or legal advice. Figures are from TRREB's October 2026 Market Watch. Market conditions vary by area and property type, and past results don't predict future prices.

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GTA Condo Market, October 2026: Sales Rebound, Prices Still Falling

Condo sales picked up in October after a quiet September, even with the Bank of Canada raising its rate. Prices are still lower than a year ago, and buyers still have room to negotiate.

The short version
  • GTA sales rose from September, but are still 7.9% below last year.
  • The average GTA condo costs $621,400, down 5.8% year over year.
  • The Bank of Canada raised its rate to 2.50% on October 28.
October at a glance

Higher than September, lower than last year

TRREB reported 5,603 GTA sales in October, up from 5,040 in September. Sales equalled about 40% of new listings, up from about 31%, so sellers faced a little less competition. Against October 2025, every measure is still down:

Home sales
-7.9%
New listings
-11.9%
Active listings
-10.0%
Average price
-2.7%
Condo sales
-10.4%
Condo price
-5.8%

Change vs. October 2025, GTA. Source: TRREB Market Watch, October 2026.

Condo prices

Condos: still the lowest-priced home type

AreaAverage pricevs. last year
GTA$621,400-5.8%
City of Toronto$659,214-5.6%
905 regions$539,094-6.1%

There were 8,100 active condo listings, just under six months of supply at October's pace (our own calculation). Condos averaged 38 days on market, compared with 29 for detached and 22 for semi-detached homes. That gives buyers time to compare buildings and monthly costs. Houses were more mixed: Toronto detached sales edged up 0.5% while the 905 fell 6.2%.

The rate hike

The Bank of Canada raised its rate to 2.50%

The October 28 increase of a quarter point was the first in more than three years. The Bank cited 3.1% inflation in September and said further increases are possible but it will "proceed carefully." Next announcement: December 9. Variable-rate mortgages generally move with the policy rate, while fixed rates follow bond yields, so get a current quote, and run your payment with our mortgage calculator.

"GTA homebuyers continued to benefit from substantial negotiating power on price over the past year."
Jason Mercer, TRREB Chief Information Officer
Your next move

What to do now

If you're buying
  • Compare sold prices, not asking prices, in the same building.
  • Add up the full monthly cost: mortgage, fees, tax and insurance, plus closing costs such as land transfer tax.
  • Ask for the status certificate early to see the reserve fund.
  • Get pre-approved at today's rates, then browse condos for sale.
If you're selling
  • Price to recent sales in your building, not last year's peak. Start with a free home evaluation.
  • Expect buyers to compare. Presentation matters.
  • Know your next step: the gap between your sale and your next purchase is what counts.
Thinking about buying or selling a condo this winter?
Reach out to our team for a current look at your building and your numbers.

Sources: TRREB Market Watch, October 2026, Storeys and Advisor.ca on the Bank of Canada decision.

This article is for general information only and is not financial or legal advice. Market figures are from TRREB's October 2026 Market Watch. Speak with a licensed mortgage professional about your situation.

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Pinnacle Toronto East, at 3260 and 3270 Sheppard Avenue East, is a newly completed pair of 30-storey towers with about 796 suites. Many owners and buyers consider leasing a suite. Here's what to check before you do, and what Toronto's latest rent data says.

~796
suites in two 30-storey towers
2025
year the building was completed
$2,554
Toronto average asking rent, down 1.4%
8.3%
of a year's rent lost per vacant month

The Building at a Glance

According to the building page, Pinnacle Toronto East was completed in 2025, with two towers, about 796 suites and 14 floor plans from 515 to 1,045 sq. ft. Amenities include an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness centre, yoga studio, terrace with BBQ areas and 24-hour concierge. The condo corporation is TSCC 3192.

What the Rent Data Says

According to Rentals.ca and Urbanation data for September 2026, Toronto's average asking rent is $2,554, down 1.4% from a year ago. Nationally, condo apartment rents are down 7.8% year over year. Averages aren't the same as your unit, so compare current listings for similar suites in the building and nearby.

Landlord Checklist

A Note on Rent Increases

According to Ontario.ca, new buildings first occupied after November 15, 2018 are exempt from rent control. Because Pinnacle Toronto East was completed in 2025, units there are generally in that category, but confirm the status of a specific unit with the Landlord and Tenant Board. Even where the guideline doesn't apply, written notice and the 12-month rule still matter, and the market sets practical limits.

More on Pinnacle Toronto East

Sources: Rentals.ca National Rent Report, CBC via Yahoo News Canada, Mortgage Professional America and Ontario.ca.

Interested in Pinnacle Toronto East? Register here, call 647-259-8806 or email info@remaxpluscity.com.

This article is for general information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Building details come from the project page and may change. Confirm all details with the condo corporation and your lawyer.

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New condo sales across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area doubled from a year ago in the third quarter. That sounds like a recovery, but the details tell a more specific story. Here's what Urbanation's Q3 survey shows and what it means if you're buying, selling or investing in a condo.

760
new condo sales in Q3, double a year ago
45%
of sales were bulk purchases by investment groups
5,127
completed and unsold units, down 7% from Q2
$763
per sq. ft. average bulk sale price, about 40% below original prices

Q3 2026 at a Glance

Urbanation reported 760 new condo apartment sales in the third quarter, double last year's level and the second straight quarter of growth. That's still 78% below the 10-year average for the third quarter.

Measure Q3 2026
New condo sales 760 units (about double a year ago)
Bulk purchases by investment groups 339 units (45% of sales)
Sales in completed buildings 648 units (85% of sales, a record share)
Pre-construction sales 60 units (down 61%; 12th straight annual decline)
Other sales (balance of the 760)52 units
Average asking price, completed and unsold units $1,157 per sq. ft. (down 4% year over year)
Average bulk sale price $763 per sq. ft. (about 40% below original prices in the same buildings)
Completed and unsold inventory 5,127 units (down 7% from Q2)

What's Behind the Numbers

  • Bulk deals are driving the headline. Nearly half of Q3 sales were investment groups buying several units at once, at deep discounts.
  • Almost all activity is in finished buildings. Buyers are choosing completed units over pre-construction projects, where sales continue to fall.
  • Inventory eased, but it is still high. The 5,127 completed and unsold units are the first quarterly decline in four years, but still about 40% higher than a year ago.

Urbanation's Shaun Hildebrand said, "Two straight quarters of higher sales show that buyers will step in at the right price." Urbanation also expects "a significant shortage by the end of the decade," as construction starts remain at historic lows, according to CP24.

What This Means for Buyers

  • Pricing power sits with buyers in completed buildings, especially for units builders still need to sell. Ask what the builder is offering and compare it with resale units in the same building.
  • Check whether the HST rebate applies. Eligible new-home buyers can qualify for rebates of up to $130,000 combined, depending on the buyer and the home price, if their agreement is signed between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027. See our HST rebate guide and our October market report.
  • Do the building homework. Read the status certificate before you commit. Here's how to read a condo status certificate.

What This Means for Sellers and Owners

If you own a resale condo, you may be competing with builder inventory in your own building. Realistic pricing and good presentation matter more than they did when inventory was tighter. The long-term picture, with fewer new projects launching, may change the balance in future years. That's a longer-term view and not a guarantee for any one building.

Where to Look

Browse Toronto homes for sale, or see how downtown buildings compare in our waterfront guide to 1 Yonge Street.

Sources: Urbanation Q3 2026 survey via REMI Network and CP24.

Thinking of buying or selling a condo in the GTA? Contact our team for a look at your building and your numbers.

This article is for general information only and is not financial or legal advice. Figures are from Urbanation's Q3 2026 survey as reported in October 2026. Confirm rebate eligibility with your lawyer and the CRA.

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Market Report: GTA Condo Prices Fall 7.7% While HST Rebates Lift New Low-Rise Sales: What Buyers Should Know

September left the GTA market in a holding pattern. Condo prices are falling faster than the rest of the market, and new low-rise homes are drawing buyers with a larger HST rebate. Here's what the latest numbers say and what to weigh before you move.

$605,257
average GTA condo price in September, down 7.7%
1,316
condo sales in September, down 7.8%
$130,000
maximum combined HST rebate on eligible new homes
Mar 31, 2027
last day to sign an agreement for the enhanced rebate

September 2026 at a Glance

TRREB reported 5,040 sales across the GTA in September, down 9.0% from a year earlier. New listings fell 14.4% to 16,500 and active listings fell 9.3% to 26,131. The average price was $1,006,409, down 5.1%, and the benchmark price (HPI Composite) was down 4.7%.

TRREB described buyers as being in "a holding pattern," citing uncertainty about the economy, inflation and borrowing costs.

Segment September 2026 Change vs. Sept 2025
All home types: sales 5,040 -9.0%
All home types: average price $1,006,409 -5.1%
Condo apartments: sales 1,316 -7.8%
Condo apartments: average price $605,257 -7.7%
Semi-detached: average price (GTA) $1,015,202 -0.2%
Semi-detached: average price (City of Toronto) $1,207,884 +2.1%

Condos: The Entry Point

At $605,257, the average condo price remains well below every other home type in the GTA, and the decline is steeper than the overall market. It also differs by area.

  • City of Toronto: $640,248, down 6.1%
  • 905 regions: $533,654, down 12.0%

For first-time buyers, that means more choice and more room to negotiate. But the price isn't the whole cost. Compare the total monthly cost, including maintenance fees, and look at the building's financial health, including the reserve fund and management. Ask for the status certificate early and have a lawyer review it.

For sellers, buyers are comparing several similar units, sometimes in the same building. Realistic pricing and strong presentation matter more than they did a few years ago.

Semi-Detached: A Pocket of Strength

While most segments are softer, semi-detached homes held their ground. GTA semi prices were essentially flat (down 0.2%), and City of Toronto semis rose 2.1% to an average of $1,207,884. It's a reminder to look at your specific neighbourhood and property type, not just the GTA-wide average.

New Homes: The Rebate Effect

Ontario and the federal government expanded the HST rebate on new homes for a limited time. According to TRREB, eligible buyers may qualify for up to $130,000 in combined federal and provincial rebates.

Purchase price Enhanced rebate
Up to $1.5 million Up to $130,000 (full amount)
$1.5 million to $1.85 million Phased out as the price rises
$1.85 million and over Not eligible for the enhanced rebate

The agreement of purchase and sale generally must be entered into between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027. The rebate is not limited to first-time buyers, but the usual rules apply: it's for a new or substantially renovated home bought from a builder, generally as a primary residence.

The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) reported that GTA new home sales rose from 3,645 in Q2 2025 to 8,410 in Q2 2026, with nearly all of the increase in single-family homes. New condo sales didn't see the same boost.

If you're looking at a new build, ask:

  • Is the rebate already included in the advertised price?
  • Will the builder credit it at closing, or will I pay the full HST and claim it afterward?
  • Do I meet the eligibility rules, including the occupancy requirements?

What This Means for You

  • Buyers: the market rewards preparation. Know your budget, your total monthly costs and what you'd do if a good option appears.
  • Sellers: price to today's comparables, not last year's.
  • Renters thinking of buying: run the numbers on both. With condo prices lower, buying may be more affordable than it was. It's worth a conversation with a mortgage professional.

Sources: TRREB Market Watch, September 2026, TRREB: Ontario enhanced new housing rebate, CP24 on BILD Q2 report.

Thinking about buying or selling a condo this fall? Reach out to our team for a current look at your building and your numbers.

This article is for general information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Market figures are from TRREB's September 2026 Market Watch and BILD. Rebate details are summarized from TRREB's guide and may change; confirm eligibility with the CRA, your builder and your lawyer.

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Housing affordability is shaping this fall's municipal election, and one closing cost keeps coming up: Toronto's Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT). Here's what Toronto buyers actually pay today, what changed earlier this year, and what hasn't changed at all.

Oct 26, 2026
Toronto municipal election date
85% / 69%
GTA and Barrie residents concerned about housing affordability / say housing will affect their vote (TRREB poll, Sept 16)
~$33,000
combined provincial and Toronto land transfer tax on an average-priced Toronto home (TRREB)
$17,000+
what the Toronto MLTT alone adds, per TRREB

The Election Context

Toronto's municipal election is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026. In a poll released September 16, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reported that 85% of GTA and Barrie residents are concerned about housing affordability, and 69% say housing will affect how they vote. TRREB has launched an election campaign called "Remove Housing Roadblocks," asking candidates across the GTA to commit to cutting local barriers that add to housing costs.

What Toronto Buyers Pay Today

Buy a home inside the City of Toronto and you pay two land transfer taxes: Ontario's provincial tax and the City's MLTT. According to TRREB, Toronto is the only municipality in Ontario that charges one. Combined, the two taxes now total roughly $33,000 on an average-priced Toronto home, and TRREB says the MLTT alone adds more than $17,000.

On the portion of a price up to $2 million, Toronto's rates match the provincial rates, which is why the two bills are close to identical at typical price points. Our Land Transfer Tax calculator gives you your exact figure, and our earlier guide to the first-time buyer rebate walks through who qualifies. First-time buyers can claim a rebate of up to $4,000 provincially and up to $4,475 from the City.

What Changed on April 1, 2026

Toronto City Council voted on December 17, 2025 to raise the MLTT on higher-value homes, and the new rates took effect April 1, 2026. The increase applies to homes valued above $3 million containing one or two single-family residences:

Portion of the priceBeforeFrom April 1, 2026
$3 million to $4 million3.5%4.40%
Above $20 million7.5%8.60%
Below $3 millionNo changeNo change

Supporters, including Mayor Olivia Chow, have argued that the increase affects very few buyers while raising meaningful revenue for the City. TRREB opposes it, arguing that taxes on higher-value homes discourage owners from moving and reduce the supply of move-up homes. It's a genuine policy disagreement, and this election is where it plays out.

What Hasn't Changed

Nothing about your closing costs changes because of the election itself. The MLTT is set by City Council, so any reduction, rebate increase, or expansion would need action by the council elected on October 26 through its budget process, or by the Province, which TRREB has also asked to step in. TRREB has called on candidates to consider tax relief or an increased first-time buyer rebate, and to oppose extending an MLTT to other municipalities. These are advocacy positions and campaign discussion, not changes in the law.

TRREB has also pointed out that the City's first-time buyer MLTT rebate hasn't been updated since 2016.

Buying Outside Toronto?

The MLTT applies only inside the City of Toronto. Buyers in Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham, and Brampton pay the provincial land transfer tax only. That's relevant if you're weighing a Toronto purchase against a project like South Banks at Lakeview Village or The Nine in Mississauga — though the comparison should always be made on total cost, not on one tax alone.

What This Means for You

  • Budget on today's rules. Use current rates in your closing-cost planning, since the land transfer tax is cash due on closing and can't be added to your mortgage.
  • If you're buying above $3 million, double-check your numbers against the City of Toronto directly, since those higher tiers only took effect in April.
  • Watch the post-election budget. If a new council changes the MLTT or the rebate, the change would follow the council's decisions, not the vote itself.

The Bottom Line

The land transfer tax is one of the largest costs in a Toronto purchase, and it's now part of the election conversation. For buyers, the practical takeaway is simple: plan around the rules that exist today, and treat anything else as a proposal until council acts.

Want your exact closing costs before you make an offer? Use our calculator or contact our team for a full breakdown.

This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Confirm your specific closing costs with your real estate lawyer.

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Mattamy Homes just released Phase 3 and 4 at The Nine — 19 floorplans across four collections at Ninth Line & Britannia in west Mississauga, starting from $749,990.

Quick Highlights

  • Four collections: Village Homes (3 bed, from $749,990), 3-Storey Townhomes (4 bed, from $839,990), Dual Front Townhomes (4 bed, from $859,990), and Freehold 3-Storey (no maintenance fee, from $869,990)

  • Current incentives on the table: development charges capped at $0, two years of maintenance fees included, and an $18,000 Design Studio upgrade included on Dual Front homes

  • Location: minutes to Highway 401/407 and Meadowvale GO, close to Meadowvale Community Centre

Worth Knowing Before You Go

The builder's referral program requires your agent to be with you on your first visit to the sales centre — if you walk in on your own first, you generally can't add representation later. Worth a two-minute call before you go, at no cost to you either way.

See Full Pricing and Register

Complete pricing by model, current deposit structure, and full incentive details are available on the registration page.

Register free for pricing and floorplans or call 647-259-8806.

This is not a Mattamy Homes website. RE/MAX Plus City Team, Brokerage is an independent real estate brokerage representing buyers at The Nine — we are not employed by, affiliated with, or acting as a representative of Mattamy Homes.

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Official pricing and floor plans for South Banks — the coastal townhome community rising inside Mississauga's 177-acre Lakeview Village — are officially released. Here's what's on the table.

Pricing

BedroomsStarting Price
2 Bedroom$549,990
3 Bedroom$609,990
4 Bedroom$739,990

Estimated maintenance: $294/month

Why Buyers Are Watching This Project

South Banks sits on genuinely finite ground — waterfront land in the GTA doesn't come up often, and this community includes direct access to Lake Ontario trails, a 600-metre pier, and 50+ acres of parkland, backed by over $1 billion in surrounding infrastructure investment. It's also well-connected: 5 minutes to Port Credit GO (a 24-minute express train to Union Station), and under 25 minutes to downtown Toronto via the QEW.

First Access Incentives

  • ✓ 1 parking spot included with every townhome

  • ✓ 1 year of free maintenance

  • ✓ $0 assignment fee

  • ✓ Development charges capped at $0

  • ✓ Closing costs capped at $5,000

  • ✓ Upgraded kitchen backsplash included

Deposit Structure

Single Storey Townhomes — $70K total: $60K over 330 days, $10K at occupancy 2 Storey Townhomes — $95K total: $85K over 510 days, $10K at occupancy

Get the Full Documents

Full floor plans, the official price list, and the complete deposit structure breakdown are available directly to registered clients — submit your worksheet, call, or email us and we'll send them straight to you.

The Bottom Line

Pricing and layout availability are tiered, and units are limited — earlier worksheet submissions get first choice. If South Banks has been on your radar, this is the window to act before pricing moves and incentives shift toward the public launch.

Submit Worksheet Now to receive the full floor plans, price list, and deposit structure.

Or call 647-259-8806 / email info@remaxpluscity.com and we'll send them directly.

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We mentioned the status certificate briefly in our GTA home buying guide — but it deserves a much closer look on its own, because it's genuinely one of the most important documents in any resale condo purchase, and one of the least understood.

What a Status Certificate Actually Is

A status certificate is a legally mandated package the condo corporation provides, disclosing the building's financial health, governance, and any outstanding legal or maintenance issues. Under Ontario's Condominium Act, the corporation must deliver it within 10 days of a written request and payment of the prescribed fee (capped at $100). Separately, your purchase agreement typically includes its own condition giving you — really, your lawyer — a review window after you actually receive the certificate, commonly 5 to 10 business days, to review it and decide whether to waive the condition or walk away.

What's Actually Inside

The certificate of insurance. Shows the condo corporation's current insurance policies — what's covered at the building level, which matters for understanding what you'll need to insure yourself.

Financial statements. The corporation's recent budget and financial statements, showing whether the building is running a surplus, a deficit, or right at break-even.

Reserve fund study and balance. This is one of the most important sections — it tells you how much money the building has set aside for major future repairs, and whether that amount is considered adequate relative to the building's age and expected capital needs.

Any pending or approved special assessments. If the corporation has already approved a lump-sum charge to owners for a major repair, it should be disclosed here — a critical detail that directly affects your real cost of ownership.

Outstanding litigation. Any lawsuits involving the corporation, which can signal deeper issues (construction defects, disputes with a former developer) worth understanding before you commit.

The governing documents. The declaration, by-laws, and rules — including the building's definition of a "standard unit," which determines what the corporation's insurance covers versus what you'd need to insure yourself.

Minutes from recent board and AGM meetings. Not a standard part of the certificate, so request them separately. They can reveal issues being actively discussed that haven't yet made it into a formal financial disclosure.

Red Flags Worth Taking Seriously

  • A reserve fund that looks thin relative to the building's age. An older building with a reserve fund that hasn't grown proportionally is a genuine warning sign of future special assessments.

  • Multiple recent fee increases without a clear explanation. Can signal the corporation is playing catch-up on an underfunded reserve.

  • A high proportion of units in arrears on their maintenance fees. Affects the corporation's cash flow and can be an early indicator of broader financial stress in the building.

  • Ongoing litigation related to the building envelope or structural issues. Worth having your lawyer review closely, since the ultimate financial exposure isn't always clear from the certificate alone.

Why You Shouldn't Review This Yourself

A status certificate runs long and uses specific legal and accounting language that isn't always intuitive. Having your real estate lawyer review it — not just skim it — is standard practice for good reason: they know exactly which sections carry real risk and which are boilerplate.

What to Do If You Find a Red Flag

A red flag in the status certificate doesn't automatically mean walking away — it means negotiating from a position of full information. Depending on what you find, that might mean asking the seller to address a known issue before closing, negotiating price down to account for likely future costs, or in some cases, deciding the risk isn't one you want to take on.

The Bottom Line

The status certificate is the closest thing a condo purchase has to a financial health check on the entire building, not just the unit you're buying — treating this review as a formality rather than genuine due diligence is one of the more costly mistakes a condo buyer can make.

Buying a resale condo and want help understanding what a specific building's status certificate actually says? Contact our team — we review these regularly and know what to flag.

This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Have your real estate lawyer review any status certificate before waiving your condition.

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A listing description is marketing copy, not a home inspection report — and knowing how to read between the lines can save you a wasted showing, or help you spot something worth asking about before you fall in love with photos alone.

What Common Phrases Often Actually Mean

"Cozy" or "charming" — often signals a smaller space. Not necessarily a problem, but check the actual square footage rather than relying on the adjective.

"Great bones" or "full of potential" — usually means the property needs work, sometimes significant work. Go in expecting a renovation project, not a move-in-ready home.

"TLC needed" — a more direct version of the above. Budget for real repairs, not just cosmetic updates.

"Motivated seller" — can genuinely mean room to negotiate, but also worth asking your agent why the seller is motivated, since the reason sometimes matters (job relocation vs. a property issue they're trying to move quickly past).

"As-is" or "sold as-is" — a real signal to pay close attention to inspection findings, since the seller isn't committing to any repairs before closing.

None of these phrases are automatically red flags — they're just worth reading with a slightly more careful eye than the glossy photos might otherwise invite.

What to Look at Beyond the Description Itself

Days on market. A listing that's been active for a while, especially in a competitive area, is worth asking about. Sometimes it's simply overpriced; sometimes there's a specific reason worth understanding before you view it.

Price history, if available. Multiple price reductions can indicate the seller is adjusting expectations to match the market — useful context for how much room you might have to negotiate.

Listing photo gaps. If a listing shows every room except the basement, or skips exterior shots of one side of the house, it's worth asking why before you assume it's simply an oversight.

Square footage source. Listed square footage can come from MPAC records, a floor plan measurement, or a seller's own estimate — these aren't always consistent. If exact size matters to your decision, ask how the number was derived.

Questions Worth Asking Before You Book a Showing

  • Has the property had any recent renovations, and were permits pulled for them?

  • Why is the seller moving?

  • Are there any known issues the listing doesn't mention?

  • How long has this specific listing been active, and has the price changed?

Your agent can get straight answers to most of these before you spend time on a showing that isn't the right fit.

Why This Matters More in a Fast-Moving Market

When listings move quickly, it's tempting to book every showing that looks appealing in photos without doing this kind of quick read first. A few minutes spent reading a listing critically — not skeptically, just carefully — helps you prioritize your limited viewing time toward properties genuinely worth your attention.

The Bottom Line

A listing description is written to generate interest, which is a different job than giving you a complete picture of the property. Reading it with a slightly more analytical eye — and asking the right questions before you show up — helps you use your house-hunting time more effectively.

Looking at listings and want a second set of eyes before you book showings? Contact our team — we're happy to help you separate genuine opportunities from listings that just photograph well.

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We just listed an assignment at SkyTower, Pinnacle One Yonge VIEW FULL LISTING HERE — and the gap between the original purchase price and today's asking price is one of the largest we've seen on an active listing this year.

The Building

SkyTower sits at 1 Yonge Street, right where the city meets the waterfront, and it now holds the title of Canada's tallest residential building at 106 storeys and 351.4 metres. Hariri Pontarini Architects designed the tower as the centrepiece of the larger Pinnacle One Yonge master-planned community, with occupancy scheduled for fall 2026.

The building is split into four residential tiers — Signature, Landmark, Vista, and SkyVilla — each with floor-to-ceiling windows and finishes built around the lake and skyline views. It also connects directly into the PATH system, which puts residents a few minutes' walk from Union Station and the Financial District without ever stepping outside.

Amenities run over 80,000 square feet and include a Le Méridien hotel across the first ten floors, a 106th-floor restaurant with 360-degree views, a rooftop pool and hot tub, a full fitness centre and yoga studio, co-working space, private guest suites, a kids' zone, and outdoor terrace and BBQ areas. For a deeper look at the building and its unit collections, our sister site oneyongeskytower.com covers the pre-construction side of the project in more detail.

The Unit

  • Size: 655 sq ft

  • Layout: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, no den

  • Developer: Pinnacle International

  • Listing price: $655,000

  • Original purchase price: $929,900

That's a $274,900 difference between what the original buyer paid and what this unit is listed for today — close to 30% below the original contract price. Assignment pricing like this usually comes down to a combination of deposits already paid, closing timeline, and how motivated the original purchaser is to move on before occupancy. We're not publishing exact deposit and profit figures here since they shift unit-to-unit and deal-to-deal — reach out to our team directly for the full breakdown on this one.

Why Assignment Pricing Can Move This Much

If a price gap like this looks surprising, it's worth understanding how assignment sales actually work. Because most developer agreements restrict public marketing until the building's own sales program wraps up, assignments generally can't be listed on MLS the way a resale would be — which limits exposure and can affect pricing more than the unit itself does.

Every assignment also needs builder consent before it can close, so the price you see reflects not just the unit and the market, but the assignor's timeline and what they need to walk away with once consent, legal fees, and any assignment fee charged by the builder are factored in.

Is This the Right Fit for You?

A 655 sq ft one-bedroom at Canada's tallest residential address suits a fairly specific buyer — someone who wants downtown waterfront living with hotel-level amenities and doesn't need a second bedroom or den. If that's you, the combination of a near-$275,000 discount off original price and a fall 2026 occupancy window is worth a closer look before it moves.

Interested in this unit or want the full financial picture — deposits paid, additional deposits required, and estimated closing costs? Contact our assignment specialist directly:

Carlos Gonzalez carlos@remaxpluscity.com 416-890-1240

Or browse our full inventory of active condo assignment listings across the GTA.

Listing details are current as of publish date and subject to change. Confirm price, availability, and deposit/closing figures directly with our team before making any decisions.

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RE/MAX Plus City Team Market Report: GTA Real Estate — August 2026

Each month we pull TRREB's latest numbers and break down what they actually mean for anyone buying, selling, or just watching the GTA market from the sidelines. August's data points to a market that's still soft on price, but visibly tightening underneath — a combination worth understanding before you make your next move.

August at a Glance

GTA REALTORS® reported 5,057 sales in August 2026, down just 2.1% from August 2025. New listings told a very different story, falling 14.1% year-over-year to 12,075, while active listings dropped 11.3% to 24,482. The average selling price landed at $993,410, down 2.7% from a year earlier, and the MLS® HPI Composite benchmark was down 4.5%.

Measured against July, sales eased about 15.4%, consistent with the usual summer slowdown, while the average price slipped roughly 1.0% month-over-month — a far smaller move than the year-over-year figures suggest, and a reminder that August's dip below $1 million says more about seasonal mix than about a market still in decline.

Why the Listings Gap Is the Real Headline

The story worth paying attention to isn't the sales number on its own — it's how much faster new listings and inventory are shrinking compared to sales. That gap means buyers in a given price range or neighbourhood are working with a narrower set of options than they were a year ago, and it's the first building block of a market that's approaching balance rather than staying firmly buyer-favoured.

It doesn't translate into immediate price growth. What it does is start building a floor under values, which historically precedes any turn toward renewed appreciation rather than following it.

Freehold Snapshot

Detached home sales held essentially flat year-over-year at +0.5%, and semi-detached sales edged up 0.9% — both signs that demand for family-sized freehold housing hasn't gone anywhere despite a quiet summer. Townhouse sales fell a more noticeable 9.5%.

Freehold remains the segment where sellers are regaining the most leverage, particularly in established, well-priced neighbourhoods.

Condo Snapshot

Condo apartment sales dipped 2.6% year-over-year, and price sensitivity here remains higher than in the freehold market. That continues to translate into real negotiating room for buyers — particularly first-time buyers, for whom condos remain the most accessible entry point into GTA ownership.

Why Aren't More Buyers Active Yet?

A fair question three-quarters through 2026 is why sales haven't picked up more, given how many of the usual conditions for stronger activity are already in place: prices well off their peak, mortgage rates holding steady, and affordability genuinely improved from two years ago.

The gap increasingly looks like a confidence issue rather than an affordability one. Uncertainty around trade policy, job security, and where borrowing costs head next is keeping otherwise-ready buyers on the sidelines. That demand hasn't disappeared — it's paused, waiting on clearer signals.

Under $1 Million: Context, Not Alarm

August marked the first time in a while the GTA average dipped below the $1-million mark, landing at $993,410. Given August is typically a slower month with fewer higher-end properties trading, this reflects seasonal mix more than a market still falling — a broader range of listings returning this fall makes a move back above $1 million reasonably likely.

The more meaningful shift may be in buyer mindset. As inventory tightens and prices show signs of stabilizing, the question a lot of buyers are asking is changing — from how much further values might drop, to what a property is likely to be worth a few years out. That's a materially different starting point for anyone weighing whether to buy now or keep waiting.

Looking Ahead

August behaved like a textbook seasonal slowdown, but the more important trend continued underneath it: sellers pulling back faster than buyers. If that keeps up, supply and demand should keep moving toward balance, laying the groundwork for price stabilization and, eventually, renewed appreciation.

If you're buying: freehold expect less room to negotiate than a year ago; condos and townhouses still offer real leverage.

If you're selling: accurate pricing matters more than ever in a market that's tightening but not yet turning, and detached/semi-detached sellers hold the strongest position right now.

Want a read on how this applies to your specific neighbourhood or price point? Contact our team for a current conversation, or run your own numbers with our Land Transfer Tax calculator and mortgage calculator.

Watching the power of sale segment specifically as the market firms up? Our sister site Power of Sale Plus tracks those opportunities across the GTA.

This report reflects TRREB's August 2026 Market Watch data and general market commentary. It is for informational purposes only and is not financial or investment advice.

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This website may only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate of the type being offered via the website. The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of the PropTx MLS®. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate.