November 2025 Market Report

November 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

November’s here, and what a month October was!

Between the changing leaves, cozy fall vibes, and the incredible World Series run by our Toronto Blue Jays, it’s hard not to feel inspired. Sure, they didn’t take home the title this year, but the heart, hustle, and camaraderie they showed? That’s what being part of this city is all about. We were beyond thankful to make it to some playoff games, including game 1 of the World Series!

And speaking of excitement, the Toronto real estate market is showing its own kind of energy right now. Buyers are still active, sellers are adjusting strategically, and opportunities continue to pop up across the city.

For those looking to make a move before the end of the year, there is still time to get into your new home before the Holidays!

Planning a move in 2026? Let’s chat now. A little prep this fall goes a long way toward making your home shine when the market heats up again in the new year.

Here’s your November 2025 Market Update!

Thinking About Moving Up? Now Might Be Your Moment

If you bought at the height of the market, you might be wondering if it still makes sense to move. Here’s the surprising truth, it could actually be the perfect time to move up into your next home.

Here’s why:
Even though prices have come down (roughly 12.3% since the peak), that drop also applies to the higher-end homes. So while your current property may have dipped in value a bit, the home you’re moving into has likely dropped by even more in dollar terms.

That means your next move might cost you less than it would have when prices were at their highest, even if your current home has softened a little.

For Example: Let’s say you bought a home for $1 million that’s now worth around $875K. That’s a $125K drop. But that $1.5 million home you’ve been eyeing? It’s also down 12.3%, which means you’re now paying around $1.3 million instead of $1.5. So yeah, on paper you ‘lost’ $125K, but you’re saving $200K on the upgrade. That’s a net win all day long.

So if you’ve been dreaming about a bigger backyard, an extra bedroom, that quiet home office, or that perfect neighbourhood, this could be your window to make it happen.

Curious what the numbers look like for your specific situation?* Let’s crunch them together. You might be surprised at what’s possible in today’s market.

*Numbers will vary depending on type of home and neighbourhood.

What We Are Seeing From the Field

October brought a cooler pace to the Toronto housing market, a trend that’s giving buyers a bit more breathing room. Sales in the city of Toronto were down 6.3% year-over-year, while new listings were relatively flat, meaning there are more homes to choose from and sellers are slowly adjusting to today’s realities.

The average selling price in October came in at $1,069,807, down 8.2% from last October, with the largest decreases seen in Detached and Rowhouse segments. On the flip side, mortgage rates have ticked down slightly, easing monthly payments for those ready to buy.

For confident buyers (especially those secure in their jobs and finances) this market offers an opportunity we haven’t seen in a few years: less competition and more negotiating power. Lower borrowing costs and softer prices mean you can often move up into a home that might have been out of reach during the peak years.

TRREB’s outlook suggests activity will strengthen once there’s more economic certainty, but in the meantime, motivated buyers are quietly taking advantage of these conditions.

In short: while some are sitting on the sidelines, smart buyers are finding value right now, and setting themselves up for long-term wins.

Giving Back!

A huge thank-you to everyone who came out to our first annual Pumpkin Pie Giveaway in the Park! ? We went through 100 pies in just 18 minutes! Clearly, our neighbours have a sweet tooth! It was amazing to see so many familiar faces (and meet some new ones) out enjoying a perfect fall day together. We’re already planning to do it again next year… with even more pies next time around!

And on the topic of community initiatives….please SAVE THE DATE: December 11th for our East Side Food Drive – Holiday Season Edition!

This annual event supports the Daily Bread Food Bank, and it’s one of our favourite ways to give back. We can’t wait to spread some holiday cheer (and pick up a lot of food) across the East End again this season.

Protect Your Largest Investment: Your Home

For most of us, our home is our biggest investment. So it’s important to protect it, especially from the challenges of Canadian winters. A well-maintained home not only ensures comfort and peace of mind but also helps preserve and even increase its value.

By keeping your home in top condition, you’re setting yourself up for a better return when you decide to sell.

Ready to get started? Click below for your complimentary Fall Home Maintenance Checklist to ensure your home stays in prime condition year-round.

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

November 7th, 2025|

October 2025 Market Report

October 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

October is here! The leaves are changing, the air’s crisp, and Toronto is settling into fall routines, and pumpkin spice is officially out of hiding. Let’s not forget our beloved Blue Jays return to October Baseball – LET’S GO JAYS!

The real estate market is in full swing too!

Fall is traditionally one of the busiest seasons. Buyers are focused, sellers are motivated, and fresh listings are hitting the market.

It’s a great time to take stock:

Thinking of selling? This is one of the prime windows before the holiday slowdown.

Buying? Inventory typically expands this time of year, giving you more choice.

Just curious? Keeping tabs on your neighbourhood’s market activity can give you a sharper edge when you do decide to move.

And because fall wouldn’t be complete without a little sweetness… let’s just say there may be some pumpkin pie in your future (see below for details!)

Here’s your October 2025 Market Update!

 

What We Are Seeing From the Field

 

September gave the Toronto market a bit of a boost. With the Bank of Canada’s recent rate cut, monthly mortgage payments became a little more manageable, and that helped to bring more buyers off the sidelines. Compared to last September, sales jumped 14.1%, even though prices were down about 2.1% year-over-year. Buyers are still enjoying a lot of choice, which means they’ve been able to negotiate in many cases and keep prices in check.

But here’s the twist: not every part of the market feels the same. While condos are moving at a slower pace, in-demand freehold properties are still drawing crowds, and yes, multiple offers are very much still happening in some pockets. Month-to-month, sales ticked up from August while new listings remained steady, which could add a little extra pressure to certain neighbourhoods as we head deeper into the fall market.

The big picture? Buyers are cautiously stepping back in, sellers who price strategically and present well are finding success, and the market continues to be a mix of opportunities and challenges depending on the property type and location. It’s shaping up to be a lively (and competitive) fall season.

Check out the September 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.

 

FREE PUMPKIN PIE!

Join Us At Our First Annual Pie Giveaway

We love our amazing clients and our neighbourhood, so we’re saying THANK YOU the sweetest way we know how… with FREE pie!

On Saturday, October 11 at 10am, we’ll be at Greenwood Park giving away *100 free pumpkin pies.

Come by, grab one, and let’s kick off Thanksgiving weekend together!

*first come, first served. Limit 1 pie per family.

 

Fixed vs. Variable: What’s the Right Mortgage for You?

One of the most common questions we hear is: should I go with a fixed or variable rate mortgage? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really comes down to your comfort level and long-term goals.

A fixed rate gives you stability: you’ll know exactly what your payments are for the entire term. That peace of mind is great for budgeting (especially for first-time buyers), and it protects you if rates rise. The trade-off? Fixed rates usually start a bit higher, and if you need to break your mortgage early, penalties can sting.

A variable rate, on the other hand, often starts lower and has historically cost less over the long run. Penalties for breaking early are typically smaller too. But there’s more uncertainty: your payments can change if rates move, and that can be stressful if you’re tight on cash flow.

Right now, fixed rates are sitting close to long-term averages and look pretty attractive, especially 5-year terms for those who want stability. With that said, with the Bank of Canada expected to cut rates again, variable borrowers could see more savings if they’re comfortable riding out short-term bumps.

At the end of the day, it’s about what helps you sleep at night: the predictability of fixed, or the potential savings of variable. If you’re not sure, we can connect you with one of our trusted mortgage brokers to run the numbers for your situation.

 

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

October 7th, 2025|ThurstonOlsen|

September 2025 Market Report

September 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

September already? The CNE’s packed up, the kids are back to school, and pumpkin spice is quietly plotting its comeback.

Toronto is shifting gears, from summer patios to fall routines, and the real estate market is doing the same.

The Fall Market is traditionally one of the busiest seasons in Toronto real estate. With buyers focused, sellers motivated, and a fresh wave of listings hitting the market after Labour Day, it’s a prime time to make a move.

Whether you’re settling back into city life, keeping an eye on your neighbourhood’s activity, or thinking about a fall sale, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s your September 2025 Market Update. Your go-to for the latest stats, insights, and trends to help you stay ahead.

What We Are Seeing From the Field

Out in the field this past month, the story has been about choice. August sales were up compared to last year, but new listings climbed even higher, giving buyers the upper hand in negotiations. With average prices sitting 3.6% lower year-over-year, many buyers are taking their time, shopping around, and some securing homes below asking. With that said, the right houses are still attracting eager buyers, and in many cases, multiple offers!

For sellers, this means strategy is key, homes that are well-priced and well-presented are the ones that stand out and sell.

While activity dipped slightly from July, the market is still well-supplied heading into fall. With interest rates holding steady, and whispers of future cuts (possibly even a .25% cut this month), there’s a sense that more buyers could step back in as affordability improves.

In short, it’s a balanced market with opportunities on both sides, and the next few months could be an important window for making a move. The key is knowing how to navigate the market (we can help with that ).

Check out the August 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 Is Bridge Financing (And Why Might You Need It)?

Buying your next home before your current one closes is a common occurrence in real estate, and it’s crucial that you have your ducks in a row, before you pull the trigger.

That’s where bridge financing comes in. It’s a short-term loan that lets you tap into the equity from your existing home so you can put a down payment on your next one, without waiting for the sale to officially close.

Why it matters:

– You can secure your dream home without stressing over matching closing dates (super important if competing for your new home).

– It gives you breathing room to accept the best offer on your current place, even if the dates don’t line up.

– Extra flexibility: move in gradually, do a few renos, or skip the hassle of temporary housing and storage.

How it works:
Once your current home is sold (firm deal in place), your lender can set up a bridge loan that gets paid back when your sale closes. Most lenders offer them, but the key is that your mortgage is usually with the same lender.

A pro tip:
If possible, negotiate a longer closing date on your purchase. Lenders often need at least 15 business days between your sale and purchase closing dates to make the bridge financing process smooth and stress-free.

What does it cost?
Bridge loans are short-term (usually 30–90 days), with interest rates a bit higher than your mortgage (typically 2–4% above prime) and sometimes a flat admin fee ($200–$500). The good news? Since they’re short-lived, costs usually stay manageable.

Part of our job is making sure you’re set up for success. It’s the little details that can easily get missed without the right guidance, and that’s where we come in. With our experience and network of trusted professionals, we’ll help make your next move as smooth as possible. Have questions? Just reach out, we’re here to help!

COMING SOON!

The Fall market is starting off with a bang and we’re very excited to share that we’ve got three awesome new listings hitting the market this month!

A super-cool loft in the heart of King West with a huge private terrace and CN tower views, a wide and character-filled Beaches semi with tons of potential, and a Leslieville detached beauty, steps to Greenwood Park that checks all the boxes.

If one of these sounds like it could be your next move (or you know someone who’s looking), let’s chat! These gems won’t last long!

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

September 9th, 2025|ThurstonOlsen|

August 2025 Market Report

August 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

Hard to believe it’s already August! The CNE is around the corner, sunset patios are hitting golden hour perfection, and those last few summer Fridays are calling our name!

Real estate-wise, things may feel a little quieter this month – but make no mistake, the Toronto market never truly sleeps. With interest rates holding steady and more inventory to choose from, smart buyers are poking around, and savvy sellers are prepping for an optimistic fall market.

Whether you’re planning a September sale, or just curious how things are shaping up in your neighbourhood, we’re always here to help.

Here’s your August 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

The Toronto real estate market just posted its strongest July sales performance since 2021, with home sales up 11% year-over-year. Buyer activity outpaced supply, leading to a tightening in market conditions compared to July of last year.

What’s driving the action?
Improved affordability is starting to bring more buyers off the sidelines. With home prices and borrowing costs down from last year, more households are finally seeing homeownership as an achievable goal again. It’s still a work in progress – especially on the interest rate side, but the momentum feels real.

The Outlook?
If we continue to see rate relief and stable pricing, buyer confidence could continue to build. At the moment, we are seeing some fantastic opportunities for buyers in the current market – homes that don’t check every box equals a chance to potentially acquire a home for a great deal.

For sellers, it’s more important than ever to ensure your listing shows at a 10/10 (we can help with this ?) – we are still seeing multiple offers for some well promoted and priced homes.

As always, we’re keeping a close eye on the numbers so you don’t have to. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just staying in the loop, we’re here to help you navigate it all.

Check out the July 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.

List Later, Shoot Now: Why Summer Photos Are A Fall & Winter Listing Game-Changer

Planning to sell this fall or winter? Here’s a pro tip: take your listing photos now while the sun is shining and the landscaping is lush.

Homes almost always show better when the grass is green, flowers are blooming, and the light is golden. If you wait until November, your beautiful home could be hidden under bare trees, cloudy skies, or a foot of snow.

That’s why we’re offering a limited-time summer photo promo* for anyone thinking ahead.

We’ll arrange to capture gorgeous professional exterior shots now – so when you’re ready to list later, your property stands above the crowd!

Click below to book your complimentary summer shoot and beat the seasonal blues before they even arrive.

Your future listing (and your future self) will thank you!

*Limited time offer. Terms and conditions apply

Thank You For Joining Us At Our “Summer Scoops With The TO Group” Appreciation Event!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by Greenwood Park last Saturday for our “Summer Scoops with the TO Group” appreciation event!

It was such a blast seeing so many familiar faces (and meeting some new ones) over cool treats, sunshine, and a few competitive rounds of cornhole!

We’re grateful to be part of such a warm, fun-loving community – and we can’t wait to do it again next year.

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

August 12th, 2025|ThurstonOlsen|
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