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
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
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
