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Government Announces Biggest Changes to Mortgages Rules In Decades!

The federal government is introducing 30-year amortization loan periods for all first-time homebuyers as well as buyers of new builds, even if it’s not their first home.

The government has also expanded mortgage insurance qualification to cover houses that cost more than $1 million, up to $1.5 million.

These changes are set to take effective Dec. 15, 2024.

THE BENEFITS FOR BUYERS

By stretching their payments for more years buyers can reduce their monthly payments increasing affordability and helping them pass the mortgage stress test when qualifying.

With mortgage insurance expanding to homes $1M - $1.5M more buyers will be able to enter the market in areas where average home prices are over the $1M mark with lower downpayment’s, including many neighbourhoods across the GTA. 

THE DRAWBACK 

The most obvious is that it will take longer to pay off your loan and that means you are paying interest for longer which means more interest over time.

HOW WILL THIS IMPACT THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

These changes may lead to an uptick in prices by bringing more buyers to the market, especially at a time where interest rates are coming down from recent highs. 

It is likely to have the biggest impact on homes valued just over the $1M mark by increasing the buyer pool for these homes which may send a ripple through the market and add to upward pressure on prices.

To learn more about how these impacts may affect your real estate goals, please reach out, we are always excited to share our knowledge and help you achieve success.

Read

Government Announces Biggest Changes to Mortgages Rules In Decades!

The federal government is introducing 30-year amortization loan periods for all first-time homebuyers as well as buyers of new builds, even if it’s not their first home.

The government has also expanded mortgage insurance qualification to cover houses that cost more than $1 million, up to $1.5 million.

These changes are set to take effective Dec. 15, 2024.

THE BENEFITS FOR BUYERS

By stretching their payments for more years buyers can reduce their monthly payments increasing affordability and helping them pass the mortgage stress test when qualifying.

With mortgage insurance expanding to homes $1M - $1.5M more buyers will be able to enter the market in areas where average home prices are over the $1M mark with lower downpayment’s, including many neighbourhoods across the GTA. 

THE DRAWBACK 

The most obvious is that it will take longer to pay off your loan and that means you are paying interest for longer which means more interest over time.

HOW WILL THIS IMPACT THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

These changes may lead to an uptick in prices by bringing more buyers to the market, especially at a time where interest rates are coming down from recent highs. 

It is likely to have the biggest impact on homes valued just over the $1M mark by increasing the buyer pool for these homes which may send a ripple through the market and add to upward pressure on prices.

To learn more about how these impacts may affect your real estate goals, please reach out, we are always excited to share our knowledge and help you achieve success.

Read

August 2024 RE Market Recap: Real Estate Sales in the GTA

Is housing in the GTA becoming more affordable?

GTA home sales fell 5.3% year-over-year in August 2024, with a slight increase in new listings. Despite a modest dip in average home prices, the market remains well-supplied. Recent Bank of Canada rate cuts are expected to enhance affordability, especially for first-time buyers.

Market Summary

  • Sales Momentum: Sales decreased by 5.3% compared to August 2023 and 7.72% from July 2024.

  • Listing Dynamics: New listings were up 1.5% year-over-year but down 23% from July 2024.

  • Active Listings: Active listings increased by 46% from 2023 but saw a 5.1% decline from July 2024.

  • Price Trends: Average home prices were down 0.8% year-over-year and 7.72% from July 2024.

  • Market Status: With 5 months of inventory, the GTA market is currently in a buyer's market. Sales to new listings ratio fell 3% from 2023 but rose 7% from July.

  • Time to Sell: Listings spent an average of 28 days on the market, while properties were on the market for 44 days.

What's happening locally? Toronto Market Insights

Every city/town is unique as are the communities within them. Scroll through to find your town.

Impact of Interest Rates

On September 4th the Bank of Canada reduced it’s policy rate for the third straight time by a quarter point. The Bank of Canada’s recent rate cut is poised to improve housing affordability, particularly benefiting those with variable-rate mortgages. As borrowing costs decrease, we anticipate increased first-time buyer activity, which could stimulate the condo market and overall housing demand.

What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?

For Buyers

Buyers will find favorable conditions with lower mortgage rates and modestly reduced home prices. The current market offers more choices, particularly in the condo sector, making it an opportune moment for those looking to enter or upgrade within the market.

For Sellers

Sellers in the GTA may experience a slower pace of sales due to the year-over-year decline, despite a stable inventory. With average prices slightly down, sellers should be prepared for modest offers but can benefit from increased buyer interest as affordability improves over time.

In Conclusion 

The GTA housing market is navigating a period of adjustment with declining sales and slightly lower prices. The recent rate cut promises to boost affordability and buyer activity, setting the stage for a gradual market recovery.

Get the Help You Need:

Ready to buy or sell in the GTA? Contact us today for expert guidance and personalized support to navigate this evolving market and make the most of current opportunities.

Call Ben at 905-995-23372 or Jim at 905-409-9967

Read

August 2024 Market Recap: Real Estate Sales in the GTA

Is housing in the GTA becoming more affordable?

GTA home sales fell 5.3% year-over-year in August 2024, with a slight increase in new listings. Despite a modest dip in average home prices, the market remains well-supplied. Recent Bank of Canada rate cuts are expected to enhance affordability, especially for first-time buyers.

Market Summary

  • Sales Momentum: Sales decreased by 5.3% compared to August 2023 and 7.72% from July 2024.

  • Listing Dynamics: New listings were up 1.5% year-over-year but down 23% from July 2024.

  • Active Listings: Active listings increased by 46% from 2023 but saw a 5.1% decline from July 2024.

  • Price Trends: Average home prices were down 0.8% year-over-year and 7.72% from July 2024.

  • Market Status: With 5 months of inventory, the GTA market is currently in a buyer's market. Sales to new listings ratio fell 3% from 2023 but rose 7% from July.

  • Time to Sell: Listings spent an average of 28 days on the market, while properties were on the market for 44 days.

What's happening locally? Durham & Toronto Market Insights

Every city/town is unique as are the communities within them. Scroll through to find your town.

Impact of Interest Rates

On September 4th the Bank of Canada reduced it’s policy rate for the third straight time by a quarter point. The Bank of Canada’s recent rate cut is poised to improve housing affordability, particularly benefiting those with variable-rate mortgages. As borrowing costs decrease, we anticipate increased first-time buyer activity, which could stimulate the condo market and overall housing demand.

What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?

For Buyers

Buyers will find favorable conditions with lower mortgage rates and modestly reduced home prices. The current market offers more choices, particularly in the condo sector, making it an opportune moment for those looking to enter or upgrade within the market.

For Sellers

Sellers in the GTA may experience a slower pace of sales due to the year-over-year decline, despite a stable inventory. With average prices slightly down, sellers should be prepared for modest offers but can benefit from increased buyer interest as affordability improves over time.

In Conclusion 

The GTA housing market is navigating a period of adjustment with declining sales and slightly lower prices. The recent rate cut promises to boost affordability and buyer activity, setting the stage for a gradual market recovery.

Get the Help You Need:

Ready to buy or sell in the GTA? Contact us today for expert guidance and personalized support to navigate this evolving market and make the most of current opportunities.

Call Ben at 905-995-23372 or Jim at 905-409-9967

MORE MARKET INSIGHTS (Markham/Stouffville & Port Hope/Cobourg)

Read
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