17 Apr

Federal Budget 2024 Targets Wealthier Canadians and Impacts Housing

General

Posted by: James L James

The 2024 federal budget focuses on helping younger voters, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, navigate rising housing costs and inflationary pressures. However, the budget takes aim at wealthier Canadians with new tax measures, including an increase in the capital gains inclusion rate from 50% to 66.6% for gains over $250,000. This change will impact individuals […]

Read More
17 Apr

Budget 2024: Capital Gains Inclusion Rate on Secondary Homes to Increase

General

Posted by: James L James

The federal budget for 2024 has prioritized housing, introducing $52.9 billion in new spending to tackle affordability challenges for young Canadians, particularly concerning homeownership. The budget projects a deficit of $39.8 billion this fiscal year, with a gradual decline to $20 billion by 2028-29. One significant change is the increase in the capital gains inclusion […]

Read More
16 Apr

Positive Signs for Canadian Housing Market in April

General

Posted by: James L James

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) reported that national home sales remained steady in March, while new listings dipped slightly. Prices showed little movement, but CREA experts anticipate a stronger housing market in the upcoming months. There is significant demand for housing due to rapid population growth and first-time homebuyers’ concerns about potential price hikes […]

Read More
21 Feb

Analyzing the Impact of Unexpected Inflation Drop on Bank of Canada’s Rate Cut Plans

General

Posted by: James L James

Despite January’s unexpected drop in inflation, economists believe the Bank of Canada will likely delay its first rate cut until mid-year. Headline inflation in January came in at 2.9%, below expectations of 3.3%, attributed to lower energy and grocery prices. The Bank’s preferred core inflation measures also trended downward, with CPI-median easing to 3.3% and […]

Read More
20 Feb

Canadian Housing Market Sees Continued Growth in January Despite Slight Price Decrease

General

Posted by: James L James

In the latest update from the Canadian Real Estate Association, the housing market continues its path to recovery, with a notable surge in home sales between December 2023 and January 2024. This upward trend, amounting to a 3.7% increase nationwide, reflects a growing confidence among buyers despite lingering uncertainties. However, it’s important to note that […]

Read More
2 Jan

2024 Canadian Housing Outlook: Resilience, Renewals, and Rate Relief

General

Posted by: James L James

In 2023, Canadian mortgage holders faced challenges with a series of interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada, impacting variable-rate borrowers and those renewing mortgages. While mortgage delinquency rates increased slightly, borrowers remained resilient. Looking ahead to 2024, about $251 billion in mortgages are set to renew, with an additional $352 billion in 2025. […]

Read More
12 Dec

Exciting News for Mortgage Shoppers: Fixed Rates Drop Below 5%

General

Posted by: James L James

Mortgage rates in Canada are experiencing a notable drop, with fixed rates below 5% for the first time since spring. The decline follows a substantial drop in bond yields, prompting mortgage providers to cut rates by 20-30 basis points. For instance, Butler Mortgage now offers a market-leading insured 5-year fixed rate at 4.99%, specifically for […]

Read More
5 Dec

Encouraging News on Canadian Inflation Front: Signs Point to Policy Rates Peaking, Paving the Way for Positive Economic Outlook

General

Posted by: James L James

The latest inflation report reveals positive developments, with the October Consumer Price Index (CPI) showing a decrease in year-over-year inflation to 3.1%, attributed to a decline in gasoline prices. Notably, rent prices accelerated, particularly in Nova Scotia, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec. Property taxes also rose, marking the highest national increase since October 1992. Despite […]

Read More
14 Nov

Bank of Canada Signals Extended Duration of Higher Interest Rates

General

Posted by: James L James

Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Rogers of the Bank of Canada has advised Canadians to brace for the likelihood of prolonged higher interest rates, attributing the shift to global adjustments and the diminishing factors that kept rates low during the pandemic. Rogers stressed the importance of proactive adjustments to safeguard the financial system’s resilience, noting a […]

Read More
12