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|

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|

March 2025 Market Report

March 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

Hope you all made it through Snowmageddon in one piece—backs intact and shovels retired (for now)!

Spring is around the corner, and the real estate market is starting to heat up! Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or just love staying in the know, March is the perfect time to get ahead of the curve.

From market insights to expert tips, we’ve got everything you need to make smart real estate moves this season. Let’s dive into another Real Estate Update for March 2025!

What We Are Seeing From the Field

February was an interesting month in Toronto real estate.

Comparing year-over-year numbers, we saw an increase in inventory, a dip in the number of sales, and a slight uptick in the average price of a home. Right now, condo apartments and condo townhomes make up roughly 70% of all active listings in Toronto, while freehold homes (detached, semi-detached, row houses) are trading faster than condos.

OPPORTUNITY ALERT!

If you’ve been thinking about downsizing from a freehold home to a low-maintenance condo, this could be the perfect time to make your move. With increased inventory and shifting market dynamics, the opportunity to maximize the sale of your current home and secure a great condo deal is here.

We know there’s a lot of economic uncertainty in the air—tariffs, the stock market, elections, interest rates… the list goes on. But here’s some perspective:

Real estate has traditionally been one of the most stable long-term investments. Housing is a fundamental necessity that the general population puts at the top of their list.

Market uncertainty often presents some of the best investment opportunities. Maybe now is your time to capitalize on the market.

Check out the February 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.

Opportunity Knocks – On Multi-Unit Doors

Toronto’s multi-unit housing market is in a sweet spot, but the clock is ticking. Prices dipped when interest rates jumped, leaving investors struggling to make rental income work. But here’s the thing: rates have started to drop, more rate decreases are expected, and new lending rules have slashed down payment requirements—making NOW a prime opportunity before prices shoot back up.

How Much of a Difference Does This Make?

Let’s break it down with a real-world example on a $1.2M multi-unit home in Toronto:

Key Takeaways:

Drastically Lower Down Payment – Saving for a home has become harder with rising costs, but now you need $145K LESS upfront to get into the market. That’s nearly 5 years’ worth of savings for an average couple making $200K/year (assuming a 15% savings rate).

Waiting Could Cost You Big Time – If home prices conservatively rise just 3% per year, this same $1.2M home could be worth approximately $1.4M in five years. Why wait to pay more later?

“But What About the Monthly Mortgage Payment?”

We get it—$5,500/month isn’t pocket change. But what if a tenant helped cover a big chunk of that?

House Hack Your Way to Homeownership:
Let’s say you buy a 2-unit home (both units with 2 bedrooms), you live in one unit while renting out the other:

  • Average rent for a 2-bedroom in Toronto = $3,200/month
  • Property taxes (~$500/month) + Utilities (~$300/month)
  • Your net cost to live in a multi-unit home = just over $3K/month

(That’s not a whole lot more than renting a 1-bedroom condo at $2,500/month while paying someone else’s mortgage!)

We don’t expect this window of opportunity to last long. If you’re serious about getting into the market before prices rise again, let’s chat and put a plan in place.

Reply to this email or DM us now—we’ll guide you every step of the way!

Attention High School Grads & Proud Parents!

Did you know that as a past or current client of our brokerage, your child could be eligible for a RE/MAX Hallmark scholarship?

Since 2007, our scholarship program has helped students achieve their post-secondary dreams, awarding over $220,000 in funding!

If your child is heading into their first year of college or university this fall, this is a golden opportunity to receive financial support.

Deadline to apply: April 30, 2025
Scholarship funds will be shared among selected applicants

Let’s make those tuition bills a little lighter! If you have any questions or need an application, reach out today!

*Terms and conditions apply

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

March 7th, 2025|ThurstonOlsen|

February 2025 Market Report

February 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

February may be short, but it’s full of possibilities—especially in real estate!

Whether you’re eyeing your dream home, thinking of selling, or just curious about the market, we’ve got the latest trends and tips to keep you ahead.

Grab a warm drink and let’s dive into another Real Estate update for February 2025.

What We Are Seeing From the Field

Is that excitement in the air?

Every January, we feel a fresh wave of energy as buyers and sellers gear up for the year ahead—and 2025 is no exception!

We’ve already seen a surge in demand for freehold homes (detached, semis, and row houses), especially those that are renovated and checking all the right boxes. Many of these homes are selling quickly and in multiple offers, thanks to low inventory and eager buyers.

If you’ve been considering a move this year, let’s set up a chat to formulate a plan to help you capitalize in 2025.

Check out the January 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.

Looking For Things To Do In Toronto This Month?

Here’s just a few activities to enjoy with your loved ones

  1. Family Day Activities
  • Date: February 17
  • Location: Various locations
  • Details: Celebrate Family Day with a range of activities, including free ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square, special exhibits at the Royal Ontario Museum, and family-friendly workshops at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/family-day/

  1. Toronto Black Film Festival
  • Dates: February 12–17
  • Location: Various venues
  • Details: Celebrate Black History Month by attending screenings of films from around the world, panel discussions, and special events highlighting Black culture and talent.

https://torontoblackfilm.com/

  1. Winterlicious
  1. Canadian International AutoShow
  • Dates: February 14–23
  • Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
  • Details: Experience Canada’s largest automotive showcase featuring the latest vehicles, concept cars, and interactive exhibits.

https://www.mtccc.com/single-event/auto-show-2025-total-immersion/

  1. Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival
  • Dates: February 14–16
  • Location: Multiple venues along the Danforth
  • Details: Enjoy a weekend of live blues, roots, and folk music performances by local and international artists in cozy indoor settings.

https://www.winterfolk.com/

Vacant Home Tax – Don’t Forget To Declare!

Toronto homeowners, it’s that time of year again! The Vacant Home Tax (VHT) declaration deadline is fast approaching, and even if you live in your home, you still need to file (don’t forget any rental properties)!

Failing to make the declaration by April 30th could result in penalties or even having your home mistakenly classified as vacant, leading to an unexpected tax bill. Yikes!

The tax is now 3% of your current assessed tax value, so if your home was assessed at $800,000 you could be on the hook for $24,000 in tax!

*Keep in mind that MPAC generally uses an assessed value much lower than what your home is actually worth – this info should be on your final tax bill.

Not sure how to complete your declaration? No worries—we’ve got your back! Whether you need a quick rundown on the process or have questions about how the tax might affect you when selling, we’re here to help. Reach out anytime, and let’s make sure you avoid any unnecessary surprises.

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

February 7th, 2025|ThurstonOlsen|
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