July 2025 Market Report

July 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

If you know the TO Group, you know we live for summer in the city, especially when the patios are packed, the skyline’s glowing, and the Blue Jays are leading the division and knocking it out of the park! ??

July in Toronto hits differently. The days are long, cottage chat is in full swing, and the real estate market hums along with a steady buzz. While the spring market tends to steal the spotlight, July is when savvy buyers and sellers make strategic moves – without all the frenzy.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun and casually house-hunting, thinking about making a move before fall, or just curious about what’s happening out there, we’ve got your back.

Here’s your July 2025 Market Update, packed with fresh stats, expert insights, and everything you need to stay in the know.

What We Are Seeing From the Field

June Market Snapshot: More Listings, Better Deals, and Signs of Recovery

The GTA real estate market is continuing its gradual comeback. In June, we saw more listings hit the market, giving buyers more options and more negotiating power. With borrowing costs still lower than last year, many buyers are cautiously stepping back in, looking for value and striking deals when the price is right.

Home sales were up slightly compared to last June and activity also ticked up month-over-month, showing some quiet momentum building beneath the surface. The average sale price came in at just over $1.1M – about 3.5% lower than last year, which reflects what we’re seeing on the ground: smart pricing and great presentation are key to standing out in a competitive market.

Bottom line? If you’re thinking about buying or selling, there’s opportunity out there, but strategy matters more than ever. In a fickle market, it’s never been more important to work with a full-time, savvy, experienced team to help you with your real estate moves (that’s us)

Check out the June year-over-year stats below for more information on the current market.

If you would like statistics specific to your neighbourhood, an updated Comparative Market Analysis for your home, or help deciphering what the numbers could mean for you, please let us know and we would be happy to provide that for you.

Should You Keep the Cameras Rolling During a Sale?

With video doorbells and home security cameras becoming more common, many sellers leave them running while their home is on the market. But is that a good idea?

For Sellers:
Pro: Cameras can offer peace of mind by monitoring traffic in and out of the home during showings.
Con: It could also make buyers feel uncomfortable and less inclined to speak freely during their visit. Depending on the buyer, it could distract them from noticing all of the amazing details of a home, leaving yours overlooked.

For Buyers:
Heads up: You may be on camera during a showing. Best to save price opinions, dislikes, or renovation plans for after you’re out the door, just in case anyone’s listening.
Pro: If you’re worried about security, seeing a property with a solid camera setup might be a bonus.

The Bottom Line?
Cameras can be useful, but privacy and comfort can be key when selling your home. If you’re unsure, talk to us about the best strategy for your space.

The Best Things to Do in the Toronto Beach(es) This Summer

Mark your calendars!

Because nothing says summer in the city like sandy toes and soft-serve!

Ahh, the Toronto Beaches. Where city living meets laid-back lake life, and where locals trade concrete for boardwalks, flip-flops, and sunshine. If you’re lucky enough to call the East End home (or you’re just visiting for the day), here are some of the best ways to soak up summer in The Beaches:

1. Hit the Beach (Obviously!)
Whether you’re tossing a frisbee at Woodbine, building sandcastles at Kew, or just lounging like a pro at Balmy Beach, there’s a stretch of sand for every mood. The water’s clean, the vibe’s relaxed, and the sunrises? Worth waking up for. ?

2. Stroll the Boardwalk
The iconic 3-kilometre wooden boardwalk is perfect for a morning coffee walk, people-watching, or grabbing an ice-cream. Bonus points if you bring your dog, they’ll love it too.

3. Explore Kew Gardens & Ashbridges Bay
Pack a picnic and hit the shade at Kew Gardens, or head down to Ashbridges Bay for volleyball (you may even see us there playing), fireworks, and one of the best lakefront parks in the city.

4. Catch Live Music or a Festival
There’s always something going on – Check out the beloved Beaches International Jazz Festival in July. (Yes, it’s worth braving the crowds!)

5. Paddle, Bike, or Blade
Rent a kayak, hop on your bike, or dust off your rollerblades and cruise the Martin Goodman Trail.

Pro Tip: Thinking of making the Beaches your forever summer spot? Let’s chat, because homes by the lake don’t last long, and we know the neighbourhood like the back of our sandy hand. Fun Fact: We also grew up there, so we have all of the inside info!

We’re Here To Help!

As always, we would be happy to help you and any of your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours with real estate services or advice. If you can think of anyone who could use our help, feel free to make an introduction! We promise we’ll make you look good.

Cheers!

Chris and Ford

July 8th, 2025|

June 2025 Market Report

June 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

Summer weather is finally here, and Toronto is putting on a show – outdoor concerts, beach days, school fun fairs, and the sweet smell of sunscreen in the air.

Whether you’re catching rays on your favourite patio, dodging water balloons in the backyard, or planning your next move (literally), June is the month where we forget about the cold and dark winters and remind ourselves why we live in this amazing city.

So grab a cold drink, find some shade, and dive into your June 2025 Market Update – we’ve got all the latest insights, numbers, and strategies to help you stay cool and in-the-know.

Let’s get into it!

What We Are Seeing From the Field

In May, Toronto home sales were down 14.3% year-over-year, with 2,315 properties sold through TRREB’s MLS® system. Some buyers remain on the sidelines, waiting for more interest rate relief and economic certainty.

New listings were up 7.2%, giving buyers more options and in some cases, added leverage.

The average selling price across all property types in Toronto was $1,155,616 in May – down 3.2% from May 2024.

What does this mean for you?

Buyers are seeing a rare mix of choice and softer prices – a potential window of opportunity.

For sellers, standing out in a more competitive market means getting the pricing, presentation, and marketing just right – and having the right real estate team in your corner makes all the difference (that’s us!). We are still seeing turnkey homes in prime locations selling quickly and often receiving multiple offers.

Check out the May year-over-year stats below for more information on the current market. If you would like statistics specific to your neighbourhood, an updated Comparative Market Analysis for your home, or help deciphering what the numbers could mean for you, please let us know and we would be happy to provide that for you.

60 Maybourne Ave! $849,000


We have a fantastic listing on the market that is a great opportunity for buyers who are looking for amazing value!

Tucked away on a quiet, family-friendly street, 60 Maybourne Ave is the kind of home that checks the boxes. With charming curb appeal, a bright open layout, and a dreamy backyard – this detached beauty is move-in ready and waiting for its next happy chapter.

Key Features:
Fantastic East-End Location – Peaceful street in a welcoming neighbourhood close to schools, Warden Woods and Taylor Creek Park, and easy access to transit and shopping.
Fresh Curb Appeal – Recently painted exterior, cozy covered front patio, and a private drive with 2 car parking.
Bright & Open Main Floor – Hardwood floors, plenty of windows, and a spacious open-concept living and dining area filled with natural light.
Spacious Kitchen & Family Room – Ample storage, a centre island for casual dining, and an impressive family room, complete with a woodburning fireplace.
3+1 Bedrooms – Three good-sized bedrooms upstairs, including a roomy primary, plus a bonus lower-level bedroom for guests or a home office.
2 Bathrooms – A 4-piece upstairs and a convenient 3-piece on the lower level.
Big Backyard Dreams – Fully fenced with a large deck, lush lawn, garden space, and a shed — perfect for summer BBQs and space for the kids or pets to roam.

Know someone who’s on the hunt for their dream home? Feel free to forward this email or share the listing with your friends and family. You never know who might fall in love with this gem!

We’re Proud to Sponsor the Leslieville Junior PS Fun Fair!

Mark your calendars!

The Leslieville Junior PS Fun Fair is back on Saturday, June 14th from 11am to 3pm.

This isn’t your average school fair, get ready for non-stop fun:
Bouncy castles
Double obstacle courses and slides
Inflatable sports games
A FREE art table and kids game zone
Face painting
Live music
Robotics games
Bake sale, food vendors, silent auction—and so much more!

It’s a day for the whole family!

We’re proud to support the school and all the incredible people who make this neighbourhood feel like home. So swing by and make some amazing memories!

For more info and tickets, please check out the event page HERE

We’re Here To Help!

As always, we would be happy to help you and any of your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours with real estate services or advice. If you can think of anyone who could use our help, feel free to make an introduction! We promise we’ll make you look good.

Cheers!

Chris and Ford

June 6th, 2025|ThurstonOlsen|

May 2025 Market Report

May 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

If you know the TO Group, you know we live for this time of year – not just because patios are buzzing and the Blue Jays are swinging for the fences – but because the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the playoffs and the spring real estate market is in full stride!

There’s just something electric about May in Toronto. The city comes alive – flags on porches, jerseys on backs, and Sold signs popping up on front lawns like spring tulips. Buyers are out, listings are blooming, and for many families, it’s game time.

Whether you’re looking to score your next dream home, weighing a move, or just keeping an eye on the market (while nervously watching OT), we’ve got you covered.

Here’s your May 2025 Market Update – complete with all the latest stats, insights, and opportunities to help you stay ahead of the play.

Let’s drop the puck and get into it!

What We Are Seeing From the Field

April brought a typical seasonal increase in real estate activity compared to March, but total home sales across Toronto were still down compared to this time last year. In fact, Toronto REALTORS® reported 2,129 sales through TRREB’s MLS® system – a 17.5% drop year-over-year. Why? Many buyers are still sitting on the sidelines, waiting for lower borrowing costs and more economic certainty before jumping in.

With that said, new listings were up 6.8%, giving buyers more choice and leverage. With inventory at elevated levels, buyers had more room to negotiate, which put downward pressure on prices across some segments of the market.

Taking into account all market segments in Toronto, the average selling price in April was $1,144,977, down 0.6% compared to April 2024.

What does that mean for you? If you’re a buyer, it’s a rare moment of increased supply and softer prices – a window of opportunity in a market that usually moves fast. If you’re a seller, pricing strategy and presentation are key, especially as more inventory means more competition.

Looking ahead, we expect that many households are keeping a close eye on how the new federal government handles trade relations, particularly with the U.S.

A more optimistic economic outlook could restore consumer confidence and bring more buyers back into the market.

Check out the April year-over-year stats below for more information on the current market. If you would like statistics specific to your neighbourhood, an updated Comparative Market Analysis for your home, or help deciphering what the numbers could mean for you, please let us know and we would be happy to provide that for you.

What to Expect for Housing & Mortgages After the Election

Well – that all happened quickly! With the Liberals re-elected under new leader Mark Carney, and another minority government in place, housing remains front and centre in Canadian policy conversations.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what the election outcome could mean for buyers, sellers, and homeowners:

Help for First-Time Buyers
One of the biggest promises? Removing GST on new homes under $1 million for first-time buyers. That’s a potential savings of up to $50,000. The policy hasn’t been passed yet, but it’s expected to be outlined in the federal budget next month.

Big Push for New Builds
Over $25 billion has been pledged to speed up housing construction – especially affordable and rental units where Canadians want to live – with support for municipalities, non-profits, and developers through low-cost financing.

Infrastructure & Zoning Support
Expect continued investment in transit, utilities, and municipal partnerships to support higher-density development, especially around transit stations — something Toronto has already been moving toward.

Rates Could Dip Further
Economists are predicting that The Bank of Canada may cut rates once or twice more this year, depending on economic conditions. That’s welcome news for variable-rate borrowers and anyone with a renewal coming up. Still, with global uncertainty, the path forward isn’t set in stone.

We’ll have more clarity once the federal budget is released – likely in June. In the meantime, it’s a great opportunity to review your plans and chat through any moves you’re thinking of making this year.

It’s Patio Season! (And we couldn’t be happier)

It’s always an exciting time of year when you can trade winter boots for sunglasses and hit some of your favourite patios! Here are some of our faves:

When we’re feeling laid-back after some tough negotiations, you’ll find us at Betty’s East soaking up the sun with a pint, or enjoying the family-friendly vibes and strong espresso game at Black Pony on Gerrard St E.

CafeTO’s patio setups make the city feel a bit like a Euro vacation (minus the airfare), while Lion on the Beach is perfect for casual hangs and people-watching on Queen St E in the Beach(es).

For tacos and tequila under the stars, it’s hard to beat the back patios at Chula or Tinga Kim in Leslieville. Bonus points to Nodo for pasta, wine, and a great vibe.

Do you have any favourites that we missed? Let us know – our research is always ongoing!

We’re Here To Help!

As always, we would be happy to help you and any of your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours with real estate services or advice. If you can think of anyone who could use our help, feel free to make an introduction! We promise we’ll make you look good.

Cheers!

Chris and Ford

May 11th, 2025|ThurstonOlsen|

April 2025 Market Report

April 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

If you know the TO Group, you know we live for this time of year—not just because Blue Jays baseball is back, but because the Spring Market is heating up!

There’s something about that first crack of the bat that signals the start of a fresh season… and in real estate, it’s no different.

Spring is when the market shakes off the winter frost and comes alive—more listings, more buyers, and more opportunities for families to hit a real estate home run (if one of us is a Dad, does that give us permission to make jokes like that?)

Whether you’re scouting the field for your next place, considering a sale, or just like staying in the know, we’ve rounded up all the key stats and insights to help you make smart moves this spring.

Let’s dive into your April 2025 Real Estate Update—Play Ball!

What We Are Seeing From the Field

We’ve seen some encouraging shifts in the Toronto real estate market this March despite the constant news reports of tariffs, struggling economies, political instability, etc.

But let’s take a closer look at the numbers

Compared to last year, homeownership is becoming more accessible—great news for buyers who’ve been sitting on the sidelines. But for sellers? The sky is not falling. In fact, average prices in the City of Toronto are actually up 2.2% year-over-year—a sign that demand for urban living is still going strong.

Toronto March 2025 Highlights:

  • Home sales: down 17.3%

  • New listings: up 30.6%

  • Average price: up 2.2%

More listings means more choice for buyers, which naturally cools competition a little—but it also brings serious buyers into the market who now feel they can shop around and make confident decisions. If your home is priced well and shows beautifully, you’re still in a solid position to attract attention.

GTA-Wide Trends (for comparison):

  • Home sales: down 23.1%

  • New listings: up 28.6%

  • Average price: down 2.5%

Compared to the GTA as a whole, Toronto is holding its value better and proving that location still matters. We’re also keeping a close eye on interest rate movements—expected cuts this spring could spark renewed activity and bump demand.

Bottom line? Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, this market has opportunities—you just need the right game plan. And hey, that’s where we come in

Check out the March year-over-year stats below for more information on the current market. If you would like statistics specific to your neighbourhood, an updated Comparative Market Analysis for your home, or help deciphering what the numbers could mean for you, please let us know and we would be happy to provide that for you.

In the News

We always get a kick out of some of the headlines we see about Toronto real estate.

We get it—journalists need to grab attention, and a dramatic headline is a great way to get people clicking and reading.

The problem? Sometimes those catchy titles can lead to a misunderstanding of the facts, which can stir confusion and even impact the market itself.

So, we thought we’d share a couple of recent headlines and offer some context. We’d love to hear your take, too! Feel free to reply to this email or give us a call. It’s always refreshing to hear perspectives from outside the Toronto real estate bubble we live in every day.

Headline: “Buyers offering way under asking price for homes in most parts of Toronto Area”

You might assume that prices have dropped significantly—but is that really the case? The truth is, listing strategies are always changing.

When a home sells “over asking,” it’s often just selling for market value. In many neighbourhoods, sellers will price a home below its true value to attract more buyers and spark competition. The goal? Drive the price up and sell “over asking.”

But that doesn’t always work.

Sometimes the market doesn’t respond, and the seller re-lists at a higher price with room to negotiate downward—closer to true market value. It all depends on the neighbourhood, timing, and what strategy is working that week. If we look at the average value of a home in the City of Toronto comparing March to February of 2025, the price has actually increased by 2.2%, which would prove that prices are not tumbling.

The market is always shifting and that’s why it’s extremely important to hire a professional who works in the market 7 days a week (that’s us!).

Headline: “Canadian Mortgage Arrears Climb To The Highest Rate Since 2021”

At first glance, that headline may have you thinking Canada is in serious trouble and homeowners are dropping their keys at the bank. But let’s take a breath and look at the facts.

First, a quick reminder: a mortgage is technically in arrears if a payment is just one day late. That’s it! And while the term sounds scary, it’s one of the most misunderstood economic indicators out there.

Yes, rising costs have made it harder for many households to stay perfectly on track. And yes, sometimes a late payment happens—not always because someone can’t afford their home, but because there’s simply less wiggle room these days.

Let’s look at the actual data:
The Canadian Bankers Association recently reported that the mortgage arrears rate in Canada rose slightly to 0.22% in January. That’s a 57% increase from the record low in 2022—but still well below 1%.

So, is that really a sign of mass panic? Or just a small shift in a very large system?

If you know us, you know we’re generally glass-half-full kind of guys. Of course, we never want to see anyone default on a mortgage—but let’s not let scary headlines paint an exaggerated picture. This is more of a blip than a crisis, in our humble opinion.

Do you have any other headlines that you’d like for us to analyze and provide perspective? Feel free to send them our way!

We’re Here To Help!

As always, we would be happy to help you and any of your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours with real estate services or advice. If you can think of anyone who could use our help, feel free to make an introduction! We promise we’ll make you look good.

Cheers!

Chris and Ford

April 8th, 2025|ThurstonOlsen|
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