TRREB Market Watch – February 2021 Stats
Record home sales in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) continued in February as buyers remained confident in their employment situations and took advantage of ultra-low borrowing costs. With multiple buyers continuing to compete for many available listings, double-digit annual price growth was the norm throughout the GTA, with stronger rates of growth in the suburbs surrounding the City of Toronto.
GTA REALTORS® reported 10,970 sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in February 2021 – a 52.5 per cent increase compared to 7,193 sales reported in February 2020. Looking at all areas of the GTA combined, the condominium apartment segment led the way with a 64 per cent sales increase compared to last year, with similar rates of increase in the ‘416’ and ‘905’ area codes.
“It’s clear that the historic demand for housing experienced in the second half of last year has carried forward into the first quarter of this year with some similar themes, including the continued popularity of suburban low-rise properties. It’s also evident that the supply of listings is not keeping up with demand, which could present an even larger problem once population growth picks up following widespread vaccinations later this year and into 2022,” said TRREB President Lisa Patel.
The MLS® Home Price Index Composite Benchmark was up by 14.8 per cent year-over-year in February 2021. Over the same period, the average selling price was up by 14.9 per cent to $1,045,488. While market conditions were tight throughout the GTA region in February, the detached, semi-detached and townhouse market segments in suburban areas were the drivers of average price growth, with annual rates of increase above 20 per cent in all three cases.
“In the absence of a marked uptick in inventory, the current relationship between demand and supply supports continued double-digit average home price growth this year. In addition, if we continue to see growth in condo sales outstrip growth in new condo listings in Toronto, renewed price growth in this market segment is a distinct possibility in the second half of the year,” said TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer.
How to Be a Good Neighbour While Social Distancing
As Covid-19 sweeps its way through our cities and neighbourhoods, we’ve also seen acts of kindness emerge in its wake. From cities and countries pulling together to weather the economic storms ahead, to online communities offering support for individuals, families, students, homeowners, renters, business owners, employees, those looking for work, and those trying to manage their day to day in this new environment. Staying connected to your community while respecting the rules of social distancing is totally possible. Here are some ideas for being a good neighbour while social distancing.
Check in. This could be especially impactful for your elderly or otherwise vulnerable neighbours. They may not be able to run important errands such as getting groceries and medications, or they may be emotionally fragile and might benefit from a friendly check-in from time to time. Reach out to your soon-to-be “next-ies” by leaving a note that includes your phone number, email address and an offer to drop some groceries off on their porch steps.
Join an online group. Apps like Facebook, Slack, WhatsApp and Zoom are simple to use and can help fill the void left by social distancing. Join an online community of neighbours, a local parents’ group, or like-minded hobbyists. Meet at regularly scheduled days/times, much like you might in person, to connect and “chat” with folks who are facing similar worries and wins.
Don’t hoard. Social distancing dictates that people should only leave home for essential errands. While out on your limited outings, stock up on enough groceries that you won’t have to go shopping again in a couple of days, but be mindful of other people’s needs. Canada is not currently experiencing a shortage of toilet paper, canned good or anti-bacterial hand soap – aside from the scarcities caused by hoarders.
Shop online, shop local. Many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat. When ordering your groceries, food delivery or other items online, consider buying from a local business.
Give what you can. Many local homeless shelters, food banks, animal shelters and other non-profits are still operating, so consider donating extra supplies or money if you can spare it. If you’ve already paid in advance for piano lessons, dance classes or a child’s school excursion, rather than requesting a refund, consider leaving that money with the organization/service provider as a donation instead.
Stay informed. Don’t get swallowed up by all the doom and gloom, and ensure you’re getting your news from credible sources.
Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve. Tissues are a single-use item. And for the love of Pete, don’t touch your face! This is all fairly basic stuff that we’ve all heard from Mom every time cold and flu season rolls around. Furthermore, clean frequently touches surfaces and of course, maintain a safe distance if you must be in contact with anyone.
And last but certainly not least…
Stay home! In order to flatten the curve, government and public health agencies are strongly urging the public to stay home. Have a hankering to go shoot some hoops at the park? Stay home. Feel like stopping by a friend’s place, just to say “hi”? Stay home. Need to quickly drop off a gift for Grandma’s birthday? Stay home. Not feeling well or have you recently travelled? Stay home. Have you been in close contact with someone who has recently travelled or isn’t feeling well? Stay home. The longer we ignore the rules of social distancing, the longer we’ll have to do it.
It’s possible to be a good neighbour while social distancing. In fact, staying away from your neighbours is the best thing you can do right now. Technology has come a long way, allowing us to stay connected with those near and far without ever leaving the safety of home.
Source: blog.remax.ca
How To Furnish Your First Home On A Tight Budget
You’ve just bought your first home, or you’re planning to purchase in the near future. You’re likely on a tight budget, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit on milk crates or sleep on a mattress on the floor. It just means you have to get creative about where to shop for your fashionable finds. Here are seven great places to find fab furniture on the cheap, leaving some money in the bank for those mortgage payments.
SOURCE: blog.remax.ca
10 Of The Best Outdoor Skating Rinks In Toronto
Lace up everyone, it’s time to skate.
This winter, there will be 53 outdoor skating rinks open in the Greater Toronto Area, so regardless of where you live, there’s a rink (or two) nearby.
A number of rinks are already open with more opening their gates soon, offering Torontonians plenty of spots to get their glide on.
Here are 10 of the best outdoor skating rinks to check out this winter:
Nathan Phillips Square
Skating at Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto is a quintessential winter activity for anyone who lives or is visiting the city. The crowd, the view of city hall, and the fact it’s located in the heart of the city are just a few of the reasons this rink is one of our favourites. Throw in change rooms, washrooms, a snack shop, and skate rentals and you’ve got everything you need for the perfect winter afternoon.
Status: Now open
Where: 100 Queen Street West
Harbourfront Centre’s Natrel Rink
Queen’s Quay is easily one of the most beautiful parts of the city, and skating with a view of the lake and the city skyline is a great way to spend a winter day. Harbourfront Centre’s Natrel Rink offers DJ Skate Nights on Saturdays, and admission is free.
Status: Now open
Where: 235 Queens Quay West
Greenwood Park
For those interested in playing a game of shinny, look no further than Greenwood Park. This large rink is actually the city’s first covered outdoor ice rink. There is also an ice skating trail located beside the ice for those who want to skate at their own pace.
Status: Now open
Where: 150 Greenwood Park
High Park Skating Rink
Nestled into the heart of High Park, this rink offers a skating experience that feels deeply Canadian. Scrimmage under the sky, surrounded by tall evergreens and snow-covered branches of big maple trees.
Status: Now open
Where: 1873 Bloor Street West
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Toronto’s favourite park is still a hotspot, even during the winter months. The park’s outdoor rink is great for a game of pick-up puck or for those looking to unwind with an evening skate. Just make sure to check the rink’s info page to see what days feature public skating or hockey.
Status: Now open
Where: 790 Queen Street West
Hodgson Public School Grounds
There are two skating pads at this spot; one for shinny and one for leisurely skating. A neighbourhood favourite, this is a winter-hub for the community.
Status: Now open
Where: 276 Davisville Avenue
Regent Park South
This Corktown rink is equipped with great overhead lights for those looking to end their day with an evening skate. There’s both public skating and pickup for all skill levels with skate times available for beginners, youth, and adults.
Status: Now open
Where: 480 Shuter Street
Mel Lastman Square
For those living in the North York area who don’t want to trek all the way downtown to get their skate on, Mel Lastman Square is the perfect outdoor alternative. Keep in mind that the rink is unsupervised so skaters will need to bring their own skates.
Status: Now open
Where: 5100 Yonge Street
Ryerson Community Rink
The outdoor Ryerson Rink is tucked away from the hustle of the city and is the perfect place to play a late night game of shinny or go for a leisure skate with friends. Note that the rink is unsupervised so you’ll be skating at your own risk.
Status: Set to open December 1
Where: 50 Gould Street
Ontario Place Skating Rink
Ontario Place is home to a synthetic skating rink. Just imagine getting to skate along the iconic Cinesphere as you take in the picturesque lake and city skyline views.
Status: Now open
Where: 955 Lake Shore Blvd West
SOURCE: DailyHive.com
