The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) has released its August 2025 housing market report, showing modest sales growth, more inventory, and downward pressure on prices. If you’re planning to buy or sell a home in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), here’s what you need to know.
Home Sales and Listings
Sales: GTA REALTORS® reported 5,211 home sales, up 2.3% compared to August 2024.
New Listings: 14,038 homes were listed, a 9.4% increase year-over-year.
Month-over-Month: Sales dipped slightly from July, but listings rose — giving buyers more choice.
👉 What this means: Buyers are gaining negotiating power thanks to higher supply, while sellers need to price competitively to attract offers.
Prices and Affordability
Average Selling Price: $1,022,143 (down 5.2% year-over-year).
MLS® Home Price Index (HPI): Also declined 5.2% annually.
Month-over-Month: Prices held steady compared to July.
Even with lower interest rates and moderating home prices, affordability remains a challenge. Households earning the average GTA income still struggle with monthly mortgage payments on an average-priced home.
Insights from TRREB Leadership
Elechia Barry-Sproule, TRREB President: Suggested that further Bank of Canada interest rate cuts could boost affordability and offset tariff-related pressures.
Jason Mercer, TRREB CIO: Emphasized that easing borrowing costs would help more buyers re-enter the market.
John DiMichele, TRREB CEO: Pointed to large-scale infrastructure projects—like affordable housing and transit—as critical for long-term growth, while also noting housing demand often stimulates short-term economic recovery.
Key Takeaways
For Buyers: More homes are available, giving you more leverage to negotiate.
For Sellers: With prices trending lower, you’ll need a smart pricing strategy to stay competitive.
Ready to Make a Move in Today’s Market?
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or selling in the GTA, having the right guidance can make all the difference.
Should You Refinance to Buy Another Property in Ontario? (2025 Investor Guide)
By Sol Yasin | Mortgage Agent Level 1 Kingsdale Mortgage Centre Inc. | FSRA License #13585 Call or Text: 647-207-0470
🎯 Thinking About Buying Another Property?
Strapped for cash but sitting on equity? Refinancing an existing property could unlock the capital you need — but in 2025’s market, it’s not always the right move.
In this guide, we’ll explore when it makes sense to refinance to buy another property in Ontario, and when it might backfire. I’ll also share real investor case studies to help you decide.
🧠 Why Investors Refinance to Buy Another Property
Refinancing allows you to:
Unlock equity based on a new appraisal
Leverage gains instead of letting equity sit idle
Scale your portfolio faster than saving a new down payment
📌 Example: A client bought a townhouse in Kitchener for $520K in 2020. It’s now worth $700K. We refinanced to $560K, paid off the $390K balance, and used the extra $170K as a down payment on a triplex in Welland.
✅ Pros and ⚠️ Cons of This Strategy
✔️ Pros:
Tax-free access to equity
Accelerated portfolio growth
Potential to improve cash flow with better terms
⚠️ Cons:
Higher debt load
Possible increase in monthly payments
You’ll need to pass the current stress test
Risk of low appraisal value
Always run a full mortgage analysis to ensure the numbers work before you proceed.
📈 Is This Strategy Viable in 2025?
Yes — but only for those who are prepared.
You’ll need to:
Pass the stress test (2% above contract rate)
Have strong credit and provable income
Ensure the new property’s rental income supports itself
📌 Real Example: A couple in Mississauga refinanced their detached home, pulled $200K, and aimed to buy a $900K duplex in Barrie. They passed the stress test but fell short on income. We pivoted to a joint venture with a capital partner who co-qualified — and closed the deal.
🛠️ Smart Ways to Refinance for a New Purchase
Here are investor-tested strategies:
HELOCs: Access capital without resetting your full mortgage
Blended Mortgages: Add funds without breaking your current rate
Equity Take-Out + B Lender: Refi with an A lender, buy with a B lender
Refi + JV Strategy: Combine equity with a partner who can qualify
Each method has trade-offs — structure depends on your goals, credit, and income.
📞 Ready to Build a Refinance Strategy?
Thinking about refinancing to buy another investment property in Ontario? Let’s run the numbers together.
Fixed vs Variable Rates for Investors in Ontario – What’s Smarter in 2025?
Published by: Sol Yasin | Mortgage Agent Level 1
Brokerage: Kingsdale Mortgage Centre Inc. | FSRA License #13585
Location: Ontario, Canada
🎯 Why This Decision Matters More Than Ever
Rates are high. Real estate activity is slow. And headlines are louder than ever.
But for serious real estate investors in Ontario, this environment is exactly when smart mortgage strategy matters most.
The choice between fixed and variable rates in 2025 isn’t just about getting the lowest number — it’s about protecting your cash flow, planning for future deals, and structuring your debt for growth.
Let’s break it down.
🔍 Who Am I to Give You This Advice?
I’m Sol Yasin, licensed mortgage agent in Ontario and active investor for over 15 years.
I’ve worked with hundreds of investors buying, refinancing, BRRRRing, and scaling portfolios across Ontario — and what separates those who grow from those who stall is almost always financing strategy.
That’s what this blog (and my YouTube channel Mortgages by Sol) is all about.
💼 Fixed vs Variable Rates for Investors
Let’s define the basics — with an investor lens:
✅ Fixed-Rate Mortgages
Locked-in rate for 1–5 years
Predictable payments
Best for long-term holds or tight cash flow
✅ Variable-Rate Mortgages
Fluctuates with the Bank of Canada’s prime rate
Often lower to start — but higher risk
Ideal for short-term plays, renos, or refinance strategies
Key Investor Considerations:
Prepayment penalties: Fixed rates often carry IRD penalties, which can cost thousands if broken early. Variable usually has just a 3-month interest penalty — better for BRRRRs, flips, or early exits.
Refinance timing: If you plan to pull equity within 1–2 years, variable or short-term fixed (1–2 year) can give you flexibility without harsh penalties.
Alignment with your plan: Your mortgage term should support your exit plan, cash flow model, and portfolio growth — not just headline rates.
📊 What’s Actually Happening in 2025?
As of mid-2025, we’re entering a rate-cutting cycle in Canada. Inflation has cooled, and the Bank of Canada is beginning to ease up.
Here’s what that means:
Fixed rates have already started to fall, as bond yields price in anticipated cuts.
Variable rates remain high (for now), since lenders are cautious and prime hasn’t moved much yet.
Some fixed-rate mortgages are now cheaper than variable — which flips the usual script.
👉 So don’t assume variable is always cheaper. In today’s market, you need to choose based on structure, penalties, and flexibility — not just rate.
🧠 What Investors Should Consider Before Choosing
Before picking a rate type, I walk every client through these four questions:
1. Cash Flow Tolerance
Can your property absorb fluctuations? Fixed offers predictability. Variable gives flexibility — with more risk.
2. Refi or Exit Timeline
Planning a BRRRR or value-add play in the next 12–24 months? Avoid fixed IRD penalties. Consider variable or a short-term fixed.
3. Lender Policy Differences
Trigger rates, blending rules, and prepayment privileges vary. The fine print matters.
4. Portfolio Growth Strategy
Want to buy again soon? You may want to prioritize flexibility and qualification power over rate.
🧱 What Most Investors Are Doing Right Now
Here’s what I’m seeing across my investor clients in Ontario:
🔒 1 to 3-Year Fixed Rates: For stability without a long-term commitment.
🔄 Variable Rates for BRRRRs & Flips: Lower penalty exposure and easier exits.
🧩 Mixing Strategies: Fixed for long holds, variable for short terms, and HELOCs for renos.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer — only smart structure based on your unique plan.
💬 Final Thoughts: Make the Move Before the Market Does
Uncertainty creates hesitation — but also opportunity.
The smartest investors in Ontario are positioning now, before the market heats up again. That means getting pre-approved, setting up your HELOC, and locking in flexible terms while others wait.
Need help reviewing your current mortgage, equity, or purchase plans?
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) housing market is slowly showing signs of recovery, according to the latest update from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB). Although June 2025 sales were slightly below last year’s numbers, improved affordability and rising inventory are encouraging more buyers to re-enter the market.
📉 More Affordable Than Last Year
Thanks to declining interest rates and slightly lower home prices, affordability is improving. The average selling price in June was $1,101,691, down 5.4% compared to June 2024. Mortgage rates are also lower than they were a year ago, giving buyers more breathing room when it comes to monthly payments.
TRREB President Elechia Barry-Sproule notes that “with more listings available, buyers are taking advantage of increased choice and negotiating discounts off asking prices.” For those waiting on the sidelines, this could be the window of opportunity.
✅ Tip: Lock in today’s lower rates before the next wave of buyers enters the market. Apply Now
📊 Market Snapshot – June 2025
Home Sales: 6,243 (↓ 2.4% year-over-year)
New Listings: 19,839 (↑ 7.7% year-over-year)
MLS® HPI Benchmark: ↓ 5.5% year-over-year
Average Price: $1,101,691 (↓ 5.4% year-over-year)
On a seasonally adjusted basis, sales in June rose compared to May, while new listings declined, continuing a tightening trend that began in the spring.
🏛️ What Could Push Sales Even Higher?
TRREB’s Chief Information Officer, Jason Mercer, highlighted two key factors that could further support the housing market:
A strong trade deal with the U.S. – More economic stability would boost consumer confidence.
Two more rate cuts – Lower mortgage payments could make homeownership achievable for more households.
🛡️ Safety Concerns & Government Response
Beyond economics, safety is becoming a concern for many GTA residents. TRREB CEO John DiMichele addressed growing fears about home invasions and carjackings, and voiced support for a new federal crime bill aimed at stricter bail conditions and sentencing.
🏠 What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re considering buying, selling, or refinancing in the GTA, now may be the right time. With interest rates lower and more homes on the market, savvy buyers are negotiating better deals.
📌 Ready to explore your options?
Start your application online — it’s quick, secure, and free:
More Affordable, More Choice — But Buyers Are Holding Back
TORONTO, ON – April 3, 2025 — The GTA real estate market in March delivered a rare mix: greater affordability 📉 and more inventory 🏠 — a scenario many homebuyers dream of. But despite the buyer-friendly landscape, many are holding off, watching how the economy and upcoming federal election unfold.
📉 Sales Drop, but Buyer Opportunity Rises
GTA REALTORS® reported 5,011 home sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in March 2025 — a 23.1% decrease compared to March 2024. On a seasonally adjusted basis, sales also dipped compared to February 2025.
At the same time, new listings surged to 17,263, up 28.6% year-over-year, giving buyers more options than they’ve seen in quite some time. 🏘️
🗣️ “Homeownership has become more affordable over the past 12 months, and we expect further rate cuts this spring,” said TRREB President Elechia Barry-Sproule. “Buyers will also benefit from increased choice, giving them greater negotiating power.”
💰 Prices Reflect the Shift
•MLS® Home Price Index Composite Benchmark:
📉 Down 3.8% YoY
📉 Down MoM (seasonally adjusted)
•Average Selling Price:
💲$1,093,254
🔻 Down 2.5% YoY
➖ Flat MoM (seasonally adjusted)
This drop in pricing, along with declining borrowing costs, has improved affordability across the board — making this spring a potentially strategic entry point for savvy buyers.
🤔 Why Are Buyers Waiting?
According to TRREB’s Chief Information Officer Jason Mercer:
“Given the current trade uncertainty 🌐 and the upcoming federal election 🇨🇦, many households are likely taking a wait-and-see approach. If trade issues are solved or public policies ease the impact of tariffs, we’ll likely see an uptick in sales.”
⚠️ Confidence Is Key
It’s not just about rates and prices — job security and economic outlook are front-of-mind for buyers committing to long-term mortgage payments.
“Home buyers need to feel their employment situation is solid before committing,” Mercer added.
🧱 Housing Supply: A Political Priority
TRREB CEO John DiMichele emphasized that housing remains a top priority across federal party platforms:
“Access to affordable housing remains top-of-mind for Canadians. Building that housing will be a key economic driver moving forward.”
🔍 Final Thoughts
✔️ More listings
✔️ Lower prices
✔️ Rate cuts expected
❌ But buyers remain hesitant
If you’re a buyer, the math is starting to make sense. If you’re a seller, positioning and strategy are more important than ever.
Thinking of making a move in the GTA? Let’s talk about how to make today’s market work for you. 📲🏡
TORONTO, ONTARIO – December 4, 2024 The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) housing market is heating up! 🔥 Home sales in November 2024 rose significantly compared to the same time last year. Buyers are reaping the benefits of lower borrowing costs and more affordable conditions. While new listings also increased, they didn't keep up with the demand, tightening the market and nudging prices upward. 💹
Key Highlights: ✨
Home Sales: 🏘️ A whopping 5,875 sales were recorded in November 2024—a 40.1% increase compared to November 2023!
New Listings: 📋 11,592 properties hit the market, up 6.6% year-over-year.
Average Price: 💵 The average selling price climbed 2.6% year-over-year to $1,106,050.
A Word from TRREB 🗣️
Jennifer Pearce, TRREB President, shared her optimism: "With inflation easing and borrowing costs trending lower, many buyers are re-entering the market. Selling prices remain well below their historic peaks, setting the stage for a stronger recovery in 2025."
Market Trends 🔍
Detached Homes: 🏡 Tight conditions in this segment led to price growth outpacing inflation, especially in the City of Toronto.
Condos: 🏢 Prices remained lower than last year, offering buyers great choice and negotiation power.
According to Jason Mercer, TRREB’s Chief Market Analyst: "Condo affordability will attract renters into homeownership as borrowing costs continue to decline."
Rental Market Outlook 🏘️
With high population growth, rental demand is expected to strengthen. However, resolving the backlog of 53,000 Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) cases could bring significant improvements for tenants and landlords alike.
John DiMichele, TRREB CEO, emphasized: "Reforming the LTB to make it faster and fairer will help more families find affordable housing."
GTA Residents Speak Up 📊
A recent Ipsos poll revealed:
93% of respondents support immediate action to reduce the LTB backlog.
94% believe an efficient LTB is critical to Ontario’s housing market.
89% endorse investments in staffing, tech, and streamlined processes.
The numbers tell a clear story: the GTA real estate market is poised for a strong recovery as we head into 2025. 📅 Whether you're buying, selling, or renting, it’s a market to watch! 👀
Stay tuned for more updates, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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