Gerry’s Blog
Concerns surrounding a tax on Canadians’ home equity are back in the news. During Canada’s 2025 election campaign, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre warned voters that Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal government would eventually tap into homeowners’ equity to fund their aggressive spending plans. Poilievre, whose party will serve as the Official Opposition, pointed…
Do prices need to fall to curtail Canada’s housing affordability crisis? Not quite, says the federal government’s new housing minister. Speaking to reporters ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet meeting on May 14, new Housing Minister Gregor Robertson says the objective is to bolster supply rather than lower home prices. “I think that we…
Solid economic fundamentals continued to underpin the Ottawa commercial real estate market, despite renewed concerns of a possible recession given current trade tensions. First quarter activity was strong out of the gate in the industrial and retail asset classes, with demand continuing to outpace supply. While industrial availability rates have edged slightly higher over the…
Despite the disruption caused by U.S. tariffs, overall activity in the Halifax commercial real estate market remains steady, though off year-ago levels. Confidence exists across the board, but much of the movement is now driven by necessity. While some buyers and tenants are capitalizing on current opportunities, many others—along with landlords and sellers—have adopted a…
While economic uncertainty is causing some hesitancy in the Saskatoon commercial real estate market, year-over-year transactions were up in the first quarter of 2025, with a significant uptick noted in leasing activity. One hundred and seventy-six transactions occurred in the city, an increase of two per cent over the same period in 2024, even as…
Buoyed by ongoing population growth, multi-unit residential properties continue to be the strongest sector in the Edmonton commercial real estate market. In the absence of larger institutional players in city’s multi-family asset class, mid-size investors and private buyers are playing an increasingly important role in expansion. Private developers, in partnership with local government, are committed…
Looming trade wars continue to weigh on investment in the Greater Toronto commercial real estate market, with leasing and sales activity slowing year over year across nearly all asset classes. While formal trade talks between the U.S. and Canada have yet to begin, and a resolution remains distant, the uncertainty in the market is creating…
If you’re like most Canadians shopping for a home loan, you might be tempted to accept the first mortgage rate offer that comes your way. After all, the mortgage process can feel overwhelming, and the idea of settling quickly is appealing. But here’s something you should know: accepting the first mortgage quote you receive could…
Anxiety and buying a home can be an interesting combination. Anxiety is also a spectrum. People may experience a moment of anxiety, while others find it hard to live their daily lives due to anxiety. The latter is viewed as anxiety disorder while the former is just daily anxieties people face. It is estimated that…
Benchmark Rate holds steady at 2.75% The Bank of Canada has kept its overnight interest rate target at 2.75 per cent. It is the second straight meeting the Bank has kept rates on hold after a string of decreases amounting to 225 basis points over the last nine months. It is a guarded step amidst…
Owning a home is a keystone of wealth… both financial affluence and emotional security.