January Market Update

 In January 2024, the average selling price of homes across the GTA experienced a one percent year-over-year decline, settling at $1,026,703 according to The MLS® Home Price Index Composite. While home sales increased compared to the same month in 2023. This rise was partly due to certain homebuyers taking advantage of lower interest rates linked to fixed-rate mortgages. While new property listings also saw a year-over-year increase, the growth rate was lower than that of home sales. The resulting tighter market conditions, compared to the previous year, suggest the possibility of renewed price growth as we transition into the spring market. Essentially, the increased demand, coupled with a more modest increase in available homes, may contribute to a potential uptick in housing prices.

 Toronto Market Insights

1920x965-January 2024 Market Stats Toronto by Ben Stanton

What we are seeing on the ground

In a market characterized by both increased sales and a surge in property listings, home buyers and sellers find themselves navigating a dynamic and competitive landscape. The spike in listings provides buyers with a broader array of options, but the heightened demand, particularly in the lower price range, has resulted in more properties receiving multiple offers. Despite the competitive atmosphere, there remains ample opportunity for savvy buyers to find a suitable property and engage in negotiations. Sellers, on the other hand, are benefiting from the renewed demand, potentially receiving more attractive offers. Overall, the market's equilibrium between increased sales and listings creates an environment where both buyers and sellers must adapt to changing dynamics while recognizing opportunities for successful transactions.

 In a news release the federal government has announced that it will be extending the: Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act,

Known as “the Foreign Buyers Ban” for an additional 2 years. This means the ban on foreign buyers will be in place until at least 2027. 

Key Highlights of the Act include:

• The Act defines residential property as buildings with 3 dwelling units or less. This includes semi-detached houses and condominium units. The Act doesn’t prohibit the purchase of larger buildings with 4 or more dwelling units.
• Non-Canadians can purchase residential properties located outside of Census Metropolitan Areas (CMA) and Census Agglomerations (CA). CMA is defined as having a population of over 100,000 with 50,000 or more living in the core. CA defined as having a population of over 10,000.

*contact me today to find out what areas are not included in this ban.

• Certain exceptions apply allowing Non-Canadians to purchase a residential property in defined circumstances. Including temporary residents working or studying in Canada, refugees and non-Canadian spouses or common law partners buying with their partner or spouse who is Canadian or has an exemption.
• If a non-Canadian, or anyone who knowingly assists a non-Canadian, is convicted of violating the prohibition, they will have to pay a fine of up to $10,000. Additionally, a court can order the sale of the residential property.

Source: CMHC

 I hope you found this information helpful and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions relating to this or anything else real estate related.

The city of Toronto says on its website that the goal of the Vacant Home Tax (VHT) is to increase the supply of housing by discouraging owners from leaving their residential properties unoccupied. Homeowners who choose to keep their properties vacant will be subject to a tax of one percent of the property's Current Value Assessment. Revenues collected from the Vacant Home Tax will be allocated towards affordable housing initiatives.

Owners of properties in Toronto that are classified within the residential property tax class are required to declare occupancy status every year. The deadline to declare is February 29, 2024.

Use the URL below to get to the City of Toronto webpage to submit your declaration.

https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/property-taxes-utilities/vacant-home-tax/vacant-home-tax-declaration-of-occupancy-status/

If you do not qualify for an exemption, the city will send you a notice at the end of March showing your VHT amount owing. Payment will be due in three installments in May, June and July.