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Winter in Toronto brings freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and plenty of wear and tear on our homes. Whether you’re preparing to sell, recently purchased a property, or simply want to protect your investment, staying on top of winter maintenance can prevent costly repairs and keep your home running efficiently all season long. ❄️ 1. Protect Your Home From Freezing Temperatures Cold weather can be tough on plumbing and exterior systems.
🔥 2. Service Your Heating System Your furnace works overtime in the winter, so make sure it’s ready.
🧹 3. Clean Gutters and Downspouts Snow and ice can build up quickly if gutters are clogged.
🪟 4. Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation Drafts can make your home uncomfortable and expensive to heat.
🧯 5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors With furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters running, winter is peak season for indoor air hazards.
🪵 6. Maintain Your Fireplace and Chimney If your home has a wood‑burning or gas fireplace:
🚪 7. Inspect Exterior Walkways and Entrances Toronto winters can create slippery, hazardous conditions.
🧰 8. Prepare for Winter Storms Being ready for unexpected weather is essential.
✨ Final Thoughts Winter maintenance isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your home’s value. Whether you’re planning to sell in the spring or simply want to keep your property in top shape, these seasonal tasks help ensure your home stays safe, efficient, and market‑ready.
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Keep Your Property Safe, Efficient, and Protected All Season Long
Winter in Toronto isn’t just a season—it’s a full‑on endurance test for your home. Between freezing temperatures, lake‑effect snow, and sudden thaws, your property works overtime to keep you warm and comfortable. A little proactive maintenance now can prevent costly repairs later and help your home run more efficiently through the coldest months. Below is a practical, homeowner‑friendly checklist you can share with clients, readers, and prospective buyers. 🏡 1. Inspect and Service Your Heating System Your furnace is the heart of your home in winter. • Replace or clean furnace filters every 1–3 months • Book a professional HVAC inspection • Check for unusual noises or inconsistent heating • Ensure vents and cold‑air returns are unobstructed A well‑maintained system improves efficiency and keeps energy bills in check. 🧊 2. Prevent Frozen Pipes Toronto’s deep freezes can cause pipes to burst—one of the most expensive winter repairs. • Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages • Keep cabinet doors open on extremely cold nights • Let faucets drip slightly during severe cold snaps • Know where your main water shut‑off valve is located 🪟 3. Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation Heat loss is a silent budget‑killer. • Check windows and doors for drafts • Apply weatherstripping or caulking where needed • Add insulation to attics or crawl spaces • Install thermal curtains to retain heat Small upgrades can significantly reduce heating costs. 🧹 4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, leaks, and foundation issues. • Clear leaves and debris before heavy snow • Ensure downspouts direct water away from the home • Consider gutter guards for long‑term protection ❄️ 5. Prepare for Snow and Ice Toronto winters can be unpredictable—be ready. • Stock up on eco‑friendly ice melt • Service your snowblower • Keep shovels accessible • Mark driveway and walkway edges before heavy snowfall 🔥 6. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors With heating systems running constantly, safety is essential. • Replace batteries • Test alarms monthly • Install detectors on every floor 🪵 7. Maintain Your Fireplace If you use a wood‑burning or gas fireplace: • Have the chimney cleaned and inspected • Check for cracks or blockages • Store firewood safely away from the home 🚪 8. Protect Exterior Surfaces Cold weather can damage exterior materials. • Inspect caulking around windows and doors • Touch up peeling paint • Check for loose siding or shingles • Store outdoor furniture and cover what remains outside 🧯 9. Create a Winter Emergency Kit Storms and power outages happen. Include: • Flashlights and batteries • Portable phone chargers • Bottled water • Blankets • Non‑perishable food • First‑aid supplies 🌨️ Final Thoughts Winter maintenance isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential—especially in a climate like Toronto’s. By taking a few preventative steps, homeowners can protect their investment, avoid unexpected repairs, and enjoy a warm, worry‑free season. 1. Leaside
• Why it matters: Consistently ranked among Toronto’s most desirable family neighbourhoods, with excellent schools and access to the new Eglinton LRT. • Price range: Detached homes average $2.3M–$2.6M. • Best for: Families seeking strong school districts and convenient transit. 2. Lawrence Park • Why it matters: Prestigious, leafy enclave with top schools and enduring appeal. • Price range: Detached homes around $4.2M. • Best for: Upscale buyers valuing tradition and exclusivity. 3. Rosedale • Why it matters: Historic prestige, beautiful homes, and proximity to downtown. • Price range: Detached homes average $4.5M+. • Best for: Luxury buyers and investors seeking long-term value. 4. Midtown Toronto (Davisville, North Toronto) • Why it matters: Balanced lifestyle with family-friendly amenities, transit access, and more affordable options compared to Rosedale or Lawrence Park. • Price range: Detached homes $2.0M–$2.5M. • Best for: Families and professionals wanting central convenience. 5. The Junction / Junction Triangle • Why it matters: Trendy west-end hub with a youthful vibe, independent shops, and growing real estate interest. • Price range: More affordable than central luxury districts, with strong appreciation potential. • Best for: Young professionals and first-time buyers. 6. Leslieville • Why it matters: East-end gem with a vibrant arts scene, family-friendly parks, and proximity to downtown. • Price range: Mid-range homes, appealing to both buyers and renters. • Best for: Families and creative professionals. 7. East York / Danforth Village • Why it matters: Underrated but increasingly popular, offering affordability, strong community spirit, and access to transit. • Price range: Detached homes $1.3M–$1.8M. • Best for: Families and investors seeking value outside the core. Risks & Considerations • Affordability pressures: Luxury enclaves like Rosedale and Lawrence Park remain out of reach for many buyers. • Transit impact: The Eglinton LRT and Ontario Line will reshape demand in Midtown and East York. • Market volatility: While prices are softening in 2026, competition for detached homes remains high. Final Word Toronto’s 2026 neighbourhood landscape is a mix of prestige markets (Rosedale, Lawrence Park), family hubs (Leaside, Midtown, East York), and trendy growth areas (The Junction, Leslieville). Buyers and investors should weigh lifestyle priorities against affordability and transit access to find the right fit A Market in Transition
As 2026 begins, the Toronto housing market is moving away from the volatility of recent years. Interest rates have plateaued, giving buyers and sellers more confidence in their decisions. The Bank of Canada’s stabilization has cooled the frantic bidding wars of the past, creating a more thoughtful and balanced environment. • Prices: Average home prices in Toronto fell by about 4–6% year-over-year in late 2025, with single-family homes averaging around $1.16M and condos closer to $696K. Forecasts suggest a further 3–5% decline in 2026, particularly in the condo segment. • Sales Activity: While prices soften, sales volumes are expected to rise by 5% compared to 2025, signalling renewed buyer activity. • Listings: Inventory has grown, with listings up 17% year-over-year, giving buyers more choice. Key Drivers This Winter 1. Immigration & Demand: Record immigration targets continue to fuel demand, especially for entry-level condos and rental properties. 2. Supply Constraints: Ground-oriented homes (detached, semi-detached) remain scarce, keeping competition high in this segment. 3. Mortgage Stability: With rates holding steady, buyers can plan with more certainty. Mortgage products tailored for first-time buyers and investors are gaining traction. 4. Neighbourhood Dynamics: Areas like Midtown and East York are drawing families seeking balance between affordability and lifestyle, while downtown condos attract investors looking to capitalize on softened prices. What This Means for Buyers • Condos present opportunity: Softer pricing and surplus inventory make Winter 2026 a favourable time for first-time buyers and investors to enter the condo market. • Detached homes remain competitive: Scarcity keeps freehold properties in high demand, especially in family-friendly neighbourhoods. • Mortgage planning is critical: With stable rates, locking in terms now could provide long-term security. What This Means for Sellers • Pricing strategy matters: Sellers should be realistic, especially in the condo segment where buyers have more options. • Staging and presentation: With slower decision-making, well-presented homes stand out in a crowded market. • Timing: Listing in early spring may capture renewed buyer momentum as sales volumes are expected to rise. Outlook for Investors • Balanced conditions: The market is shifting toward a buyer’s market, but steady demand ensures long-term resilience. • Rental demand: Immigration-driven demand continues to support rental yields, particularly in central Toronto. • Neighbourhood plays: Emerging areas like The Junction and Leslieville remain attractive for younger buyers and investors seeking growth. Final Word Winter 2026 offers a window of opportunity for buyers and investors, while sellers must adapt to a more balanced market. With prices softening but demand holding steady, Toronto real estate is entering a phase of measured growth and strategic decision-making. 📉 1. Interest Rates Will Shape Buyer Behaviour
Interest rates remain the single biggest factor influencing Toronto real estate. As borrowing costs stabilize and potentially ease later in the year, more buyers are expected to re‑enter the market. This includes: • First‑time buyers who paused their search • Move‑up buyers waiting for affordability to improve • Investors recalculating cash flow and cap rates Lower rates typically increase competition, especially in desirable neighborhoods and entry‑level price points. 🏡 2. Demand for Freehold Homes Will Stay Strong Toronto’s freehold market (detached, semi‑detached, and townhomes) continues to face chronic supply shortages. With limited new construction and strong family demand, expect: • Competitive conditions in established neighbourhoods • Faster sales for well‑priced homes • Continued upward pressure on freehold prices Even in slower markets, freehold homes tend to hold value exceptionally well. 🏢 3. The Condo Market Will See a More Balanced Recovery The condo market is expected to stabilize as more buyers return and investors adjust to new rental economics. Key trends include: • Increased demand for larger units • Strong interest in transit‑connected buildings • Continued growth in downtown and midtown neighbourhoods Pre‑construction activity may remain cautious, but resale condos should see healthier activity as affordability improves. 🏗️ 4. Major Infrastructure Projects Will Influence Neighbourhood Growth Toronto’s ongoing transit expansion, including the Ontario Line, Eglinton Crosstown, and GO Transit upgrades, will continue to reshape real estate demand. Areas expected to benefit include: • Riverside / Leslieville • Thorncliffe Park • East Harbour • Mount Dennis • Scarborough Centre Buyers and investors increasingly prioritize transit access, making these neighborhoods ones to watch. 🏘️ 5. Suburban Markets Will Stay Competitive The “drive‑until‑you‑qualify” trend hasn’t disappeared; it has evolved. Many buyers still look to the GTA and surrounding regions for: • Larger homes • More outdoor space • Better price-per-square-foot value Expect strong activity in areas like Durham, Halton, and parts of York Region, especially for family‑sized homes. 📈 6. Rental Demand Will Remain Exceptionally High Toronto’s rental market continues to experience record demand due to: • Population growth • Limited rental supply • High ownership costs This creates opportunities for investors, though rent control rules and operating costs must be carefully considered. 🔮 7. Overall Market Outlook: A Year of Gradual Strengthening While the market won’t return to the frenzy of past years, the overall forecast points to: • Moderate price growth • Increased sales volume • More balanced conditions • Renewed confidence among buyers and sellers For most Torontonians, this year represents a transition from uncertainty to stability—and for many, a chance to make long‑delayed real estate decisions. 📝 Final Thoughts Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, understanding the forces shaping Toronto’s real estate market is essential. With interest rates stabilizing, demand returning, and major city‑building projects underway, the year ahead offers both opportunities and challenges — but also renewed optimism. Landlords and property managers should educate themselves on their rights, responsibilities and the frequently changing rental legislation. As each municipality/city and province/state varies, it is important for a landlord to consult their local landlord-tenant board for their specific regulations.
There are a variety of laws regarding each step of the rental process, which starts prior to the rental unit being advertised. It is important for a landlord to consider compliance with municipal property standards, zoning by-laws, fire safety regulations, local building codes and any required rental licensing. After ensuring compliance, there are multiple pre-lease details to consider. Advertising Vacancies It is important to be aware of and avoid the use discriminatory wording. The general rule of thumb is to describe the rental unit, not the ideal tenant. Deposits There are a variety of deposit restrictions that vary, depending on the area: 1. Rent Deposit: One of two deposits allowed in Ontario. The maximum amount varies per state/province and is often interest accruing. This is sometimes referred to as "last month's rent". 2. Key Deposit: The second deposit permitted in Ontario. It is often allowed as long as it is “not greater than the expected direct replacement costs”, but varies per state/province as well. Once the tenant returns the keys, a landlord must refund the deposit back to the tenant. 3. Security Deposit: If a tenant pays rent on time and keeps the rental unit in good condition, then the tenant is entitled to get the security deposit back. The maximum amount depends on the state/province. A security deposit is common within the United States and some parts of Canada. 4. Pet Deposit or Fee: The amount of a pet deposit, pet fee, pet rent and the overall prohibiting of pets varies per area and are only legal in certain states/provinces. There are also some exceptions such as landlord or tenant allergies. Emotional support animals can be another exception. In many areas, service animals are not considered pets, but some require training, certification or government-issues ID cards. On January 1, 2023, the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act comes into force. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has just informed all boards across Canada that as of today, December 9, the government has still not released the supporting regulations for the law. Regulations typically include definitions, exceptions, and enforcement elements to help individuals understand and comply with the law. CREA has been told they would be receiving a communication this week, but received word there was another delay yesterday. In the absence of new details, this information published in News2Me in September continues to be accurate. In October, CREA formally wrote to the Ministers responsible for the Act and asked for a delay to the coming into force of the legislation. They still have not received a response. CREA has indicated that this is totally unacceptable, and they, as well as other affected groups, have made multiple interventions to the government to indicate as much. This week, CREA's CEO, Michael Bourque, made the following statement at the Senate Committee on National Finance. As soon as any guidance is released, CREA will notify boards, associations and REALTORS®. They know this is a very difficult situation for our Members and will continue to press for answers and information. What You Need to Know about the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians (Foreign Buyers Ban) The City of Toronto Garden Suites By-law is now in full force after the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) dismissed an appeal. The Garden Suites By-law and Official Plan Amendment were adopted by Toronto City Council on February 2, but were appealed shortly after. On July 4, 2022, the OLT decided that it did not have jurisdiction to hear the appeals, and dismissed them. Read the full City of Toronto news release.
TRREB is encouraged by this decision, as we have worked closely with the City on allowing garden suites as-of-right across the city. This will now allow a greater variety in the type and form of housing that can be built as part of the City’s Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) program focused on missing middle housing and gentle intensification. Garden suites are not only a solution to increase housing choice for current and future residents, but can also provide help to homeowners to offset mortgage payments on their primary residences. If a proposed garden suite meets various performance criteria, such as maximum building height and setbacks, as well as all applicable bylaw standards, only a building permit application is required. Any garden suite proposal that does not meet the Zoning By-law requirements can seek a minor variance application at the Committee of Adjustment. Through that process, City Planning staff review the application to determine if the proposed variances are appropriate and meet the intent of the Official Plan policies and the Zoning By-law. You are encouraged to check out the City of Toronto Garden Suites By-law to learn about the rules, regulations and key considerations in order to inform their clients if they wish to consider adding a garden suite to their primary residence. Toronto City Council has approved an increase to development charges that will be phased in over a two-year period in an attempt to manage the impact on community development.
Charges for residential and non-residential buildings have been increased. Half of the increase amount will be implemented on May 1, 2023, with the full rates coming into effect one year later. Despite these aggressive increases in development charges spurred by a change in provincial law that requires municipalities to review their current fee structure, it is encouraging for missing middle housing supply that an amendment was approved that provides exemptions for multiplexes with four or fewer units. What this means is that development charges would be waived on second, third, and fourth units on a single lot. The following scenarios are provided for further clarification on the new exemption:
This exemption was brought forward as a way to encourage more missing middle housing, something that TRREB has been strongly advocating for, and working closely with elected municipal officials and City staff for many years. City Offers Zero-Interest Loans, Incentives to Accelerate Home Retrofits and Emissions Reductions7/17/2022
The City of Toronto has announced an enhanced Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) that will offer zero-interest loans and incentives to help homeowners in Toronto make their homes more energy-efficient and reduce the emissions contributing to climate change. The HELP program has been in existence since 2014, but it has now been enriched and expanded.
For a limited time, through the enhanced HELP program, Toronto homeowners will be able to access: Zero-interest loans of up to $125,000 for terms of up to 15 years; 20-year terms are available for retrofits that include rooftop solar PV, geothermal, new windows and electric heat pumps. Incentives for specific measures including electric heat pumps, which can replace a home’s natural gas furnace and air conditioner; rooftop solar PV and deep retrofits that significantly reduce a home’s emissions.The Government of Canada provided funding to enhance the program through the Green Municipal Fund, administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), including a loan of up to $9.712 million to fund the zero-interest loans and a grant of up to $4.856 million. The new zero-interest loans and incentives will be available until the funding allocated for each is fully subscribed, after which homeowners can continue to access low-interest loans. Home improvements eligible for financing include:
In addition to the loans and incentives available through HELP, homeowners may also be eligible for the federal government’s Canada Greener Homes Grant of up to $5,000. TRREB is encouraged about the launch of the enhanced HELP program, as we have worked closely with City staff in ensuring that homeowners have the necessary financial incentives and supports to undergo costly energy-efficient retrofits on a voluntary basis. The City’s HELP program supports the goals and objectives of TRREB’s first-ever climate change statement, and we look forward to continue working with the City in educating our Members on the HELP program in particular, and on the sustainability and climate action issue in general. More information about HELP is available on the City’s Home Energy Loan Program webpage. NOTE: The HELP application available on this PDF form is the only valid application for this program. Other websites outside of toronto.ca that offer applications for the HELP program are not legitimate. |
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