Blog

  • Will Surrey Hit Its 5-Year Housing Target?

    Will Surrey Hit Its 5-Year Housing Target?

    Surrey exceeded its 2025 housing target by 53%, delivering 6,488 net new units.
    The provincial five-year target is 27,256 units; Surrey is ahead after year one.
    Over 13,100 units have permits issued and are progressing through construction stages.
    More than 45,100 rezoned units await construction, showing strong future development potential.
    Surrey implemented 30+ process improvements to fast-track approvals and support housing delivery.

  • 7 ways to get onto the property ladder in 2025

    First-time buyers face affordability challenges, especially in London and the South East, but various schemes can help. Options include low deposits from £5,000, Lifetime Isa bonuses, high loan-to-income mortgages, First Homes discounts, rent history-based loans, Rate Reducer deals on new builds, and shared ownership. 0% deposit mortgages exist but carry higher costs. Waiting for potential base rate cuts may improve affordability.

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  • Edmonton in Mid-Summer: Increased Home Choices for Buyers

    Edmonton in Mid-Summer: Increased Home Choices for Buyers

    Nearly **4,400** homes listed in July
    Listings ↓ **7.8%** year-over-year
    Home sales dipped ~0.5% MoM
    Buyers gain more market power
    Avg. price: ~$460K, ↑5% YoY

  • Happy Labour Day

    Happy Labour Day

    Happy Labour Day!
    Labour Day is a chance to honor and appreciate the hard work and contributions of workers in various industries.
    It's a chance to look back at workers' rights achievements and labor rights progress over time.
    Sending warm wishes on Labour Day to honor the dedication and contributions of workers everywhere.
    May your Labour Day be filled with rest, rejuvenation, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

  • Tariffs Rising, Rates Holding: BoC Plays the Waiting Game

    Tariffs Rising, Rates Holding: BoC Plays the Waiting Game

    Central bank held rates for the third straight time, keeping the overnight rate at 2.75%.

    Decision follows rising inflation (1.9%) and a strong job report (+83,800 jobs), reducing the likelihood of a cut.

    Ongoing U.S.–Canada trade tensions under Trump’s tariffs are creating uncertainty and upward inflation risks.

    Scotiabank and RBC predict no more cuts in 2025, while others still expect easing later this year.

    Next policy meeting is Sept 17 – eyes now on whether the economy slows or trade chaos worsens.

  • Why Bond Yields Matter to Your Mortgage

    Why Bond Yields Matter to Your Mortgage

    Bond yields guide mortgage rates—understanding them helps borrowers make smarter decisions.
    A bond yield shows how much return investors earn—like interest—for holding a bond.

  • How Will the Neutral Rate Affect 2026 Housing?

    How Will the Neutral Rate Affect 2026 Housing?

    BoC’s neutral rate is 2.75%, aiming to balance growth without overheating or stalling.

    Scotiabank sees rates holding at 2.75% through 2025, then easing to 2.0% in 2026.
    Home sales expected to rise 6.3% in 2026, reaching nearly 500,000 across Canada.

    Average home prices likely to climb to $697,929 in 2026—up 3% from this year.
    CREA says pent-up demand is fueling sales, but uncertainty still holds things back.

  • Surrey’s Housing Action Plan delivers over 9,500 net new homes so far

    Surrey has made significant progress in its Housing Action Plan, issuing permits for over 9,500 new housing units and implementing 30+ process improvements to reduce timelines and streamline approvals. Upcoming initiatives include updating policies, creating new zoning for mid-rise and mixed-use buildings, and enhancing the Official Community Plan. The city received $101.6 million in federal funding to support affordable housing projects.

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  • First-time homebuyer? Here’s what you need to know

    Buying a first home involves deciding the type of property, assessing affordability, and understanding the local market. Consider your readiness to settle, budget for down payment and monthly costs, and factor in credit score and closing costs. Evaluate whether to rent or buy based on your situation. If your ideal home exceeds your budget, a starter home can help build equity until you're ready to upgrade.

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  • Why Appreciation Rate Matters in Real Estate

    Why Appreciation Rate Matters in Real Estate

    Appreciation rate is the annual percentage increase in a property’s value over a specific time period.
    It’s a critical metric for Canadian homebuyers and investors evaluating long-term property performance.
    Key drivers include location, infrastructure, economic trends, interest rates, and housing market supply and demand.
    Appreciation may be market-driven or forced through property upgrades like renovations and improvements.
    A consistent appreciation rate helps grow equity, improves refinancing terms, and supports long-term financial planning.