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
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
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
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
- 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/
- 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.
- Winterlicious
- Dates: January 31 – February 13
- Location: Various restaurants across Toronto
- Details: Savor three-course prix fixe menus at over 230 participating restaurants, offering a range of cuisines to delight every palate.
- https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/winterlicious/
- 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/
- 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.
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
