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
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
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
January 2025 Market Report
January 2025 Newsletter
Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group
Do you remember when you were younger, you may have calculated how old you would be when we hit the year 2000? Well, that somehow happened a quarter century ago!
The great thing about a new year is the endless possibilities that it presents to us. A fresh start to think on what we want to accomplish and an opportunity to “reset”
Now, let’s take a few minutes to give you another Real Estate update for January 2025.
What Are Your 2025 Real Estate Resolutions?
Let the TO Group help you check them off your list!
The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on the year prior as well as an opportunity to think ahead and plan for your future.
Some of us love goal setting and others can find it intimidating. Don’t sweat it! If your 2025 goals are real estate related, let us help you complete them!
Maybe your family is growing and it’s time for an upgrade?
We can help make that transition to your next home as smooth as possible for you and your family.
Maybe the kids have left the nest and you are ready to “right-size”?
We are here to help you decide what type of property best fits the next stage of your life and to make transitioning a breeze.
Maybe you are tired of paying rent to your landlord so that they can pay off their mortgage with your hard earned dollars?
Let’s help you buy that first home so that you can start building your own equity for YOUR future.
Maybe you’d like to build equity and earn passive income through real estate investing?
We have a ton of experience with income properties and can help you understand the benefits and responsibilities involved in owning one.
Just reach out for a casual, no obligation chat at any time. Even if your goals are for 2028 and beyond, we are always happy to start the conversation so that you can be set up for success when the time comes.
Utilize Us!
A friendly reminder that we are here to support you in all aspects of being a homeowner, not just to help you buy or sell homes.
We are consistently fine-tuning our rolodex of house related professionals so that we can provide you with trusted names for when you need them the most.
We have painters, landscapers, handy people, furnace and A/C specialists, roofers, contractors, plumbers, electricians, mortgage brokers, lawyers, just to name a few…
So if ever you are in need of a local professional, you can start with us! There is a good chance that we have just the right person to help you out
Call or email us anytime
2024 Is In The Rearview Mirror, So Now What?
The Toronto housing market experienced another shift in 2024. The number of sales were down and new listings were up, while we saw an increased condo inventory that we haven’t seen in recent history. Prices overall, were down by a modest 2.7% for the average home in the city of Toronto. The market for freehold homes held fairly steady as the demand for those (especially renovated ones) remained strong.
High borrowing costs weighed heavily on affordability throughout 2024, however the Bank of Canada’s rate cuts in the second half of the year offered some much needed relief.
Looking ahead, further rate reductions and stabilized home prices could signal improved conditions in 2025.
We are cautiously optimistic on what 2025 holds for our market given the instability of our Government and with a new President of the US coming into power.
With that being said, we are expecting the number of sales to rebound back to the levels we are used to, as well as a modest increase in the average price of a home in our amazing city. The condo inventory should start to shrink now that interest rates have improved affordability for first time buyers while our city continues to grow in population.
Check out the December 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.
Help Us Reach Our 2025 Real Estate Goals!
Like many of you, The TO Group also has real estate goals for 2025.
This year, we are determined to help as many of you, your family members, your friends, or your neighbours with their real estate needs. The more the merrier!
We would be forever grateful for the opportunity to help anyone you can think of that could use our expertise.
So feel free to introduce us! We promise we’ll make you look good.
We are so excited for 2025 and can’t wait to be of service to you and your people. Thank you for an amazing 2024!
Cheers! Chris and Ford
