Home renovations in Canada have always been a significant investment, but in recent years, rising material costs and supply chain disruptions have made them even more challenging. One of the biggest culprits? Tariffs.

From lumber and steel to appliances and fixtures, ongoing trade disputes and tariff wars have driven up costs and created uncertainty in the renovation market. If you’re planning a remodel, understanding how these economic factors impact your budget—and knowing how to navigate them—can help you make smarter decisions.

Why Are Renovation Costs Rising?

Tariffs are essentially taxes imposed on imported goods, and when they affect key building materials, those costs eventually get passed down to homeowners. Here’s how tariffs are…

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As we move deeper into 2025, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region real estate markets continue to evolve. February saw a significant rise in available inventory, while home sales softened compared to last year, creating a favorable environment for buyers. Let’s dive into the latest trends and key statistics from February 2025.

GTA Market Insights The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reports that 4,037 home sales occurred in February 2025, representing a 27.4% decline from the same period last year. Meanwhile, new listings increased by 5.4% year-over-year, offering buyers more choices. The average selling price across all home types was $1,084,547, marking a 2.2% decrease compared to February 2024.

Experts anticipate a…

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JANUARY 2025 UPDATE: THE GTA & DURHAM REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET

Welcome to our first market update of 2025! As we step into the new year, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region are seeing shifts driven by increasing inventory, moderate price adjustments, and growing buyer activity. Let’s dive into the highlights from January 2025.

GTA Market Insights

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reports that 3,847 home sales took place in January 2025, marking a 7.9% decline from the same period last year. However, new listings surged by 48.6% year-over-year, providing more options for buyers. The average selling price for all home types in the GTA was $1,040,994, up 1.5% from January 2024.

Looking ahead, TRREB forecasts a 12.4%…

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Make the Most of March Break in Durham Region!

March Break in Durham Region is packed with family-friendly activities, thrilling adventures, and seasonal treats. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, sweet maple syrup experiences, or high-energy indoor fun, there's something for everyone. Plan your ultimate March Break itinerary with these top activities in Durham Region!

Maple Syrup Festivals

March is maple syrup season in Durham Region, and these festivals are perfect for indulging in fresh maple syrup, maple taffy, and delicious pancakes.

Pefferlaw Creek Farms Maple Syrup Festival

Address: 12300 Concession Road 6, Uxbridge
When: Saturdays & Sundays from March 8 to April 19
Enjoy a guided tapping tour, a sugar shack visit,…

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Family Day is the perfect time to celebrate togetherness, and Durham Region is offering a variety of fun, family-friendly events—many of them free! From outdoor adventures to interactive exhibits and even puppy yoga, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s your ultimate guide to Family Day events happening across Durham Region and beyond.

Winterfest - Ajax

Where: McLean Community Centre, 95 Magill Dr, Ajax
When: Monday, February 17, 2025 | 11 AM - 4 PM
Link to event: Click Here for More info

What’s happening?

  • Arts and crafts

  • Ajax Library Makerspace

  • Games and activities

  • Horse and wagon rides

  • FREE hot chocolate & s’mores giveaway

  • FREE public swims (11 AM - 1 PM & 2 - 4 PM)

  • …

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Welcome to our final market update of 2024! As the year wrapped up, both the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region showed clear signs of stabilization in the housing market, with some segments performing stronger than others. Let’s dive into the highlights from December 2024.

GTA Market Insights

(Overview of the GTA stats you provided, focusing on key trends like annual sales increases, buyer negotiating power, and average selling prices.)

Durham Region Market Highlights

Durham Region ended the year on a strong note, with average sale prices increasing month-over-month, despite a sharp drop in sales and new listings compared to November.

Key Metrics

  • Average Sale Price: $930,207
  • Days on Market: 30 (up from 24 in November)
  • …

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Welcome to the November edition of our real estate market update! Both the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region continued to show signs of recovery, fueled by lower borrowing costs and improving buyer confidence. Let’s dive into the key trends shaping the market this month.

GTA Market Insights

November 2024 was a strong month for the GTA housing market, with notable year-over-year increases in both sales activity and average home prices.

Sales Activity:

  • 5,875 homes sold, marking a 40.1% year-over-year increase compared to 4,194 in November 2023.
  • Sales grew not only on an annual basis but also month-over-month compared to October, reflecting growing buyer demand.

Average Sale Price:

  • The average sale price rose to …

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As the holiday season approaches, many of us are busy crafting wish lists for Santa. But instead of gadgets or trendy items, why not consider asking for something that truly gives back—home renovations? Thoughtful updates to your home not only enhance your daily living experience but can also increase your property’s value, setting you up for success in the new year. Here are some renovation ideas that could make 2024 your home's best year yet.

1. Upgrade Your Kitchen – The Heart of the Home

A modern, functional kitchen is a top priority for homebuyers and an excellent investment. Consider upgrades like:

  • Quartz or granite countertops for durability and style.
  • Energy-efficient appliances to save on utility bills.
  • Modern…

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Welcome back to our monthly real estate market update, where we cover the latest insights for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region. In October 2024, the market saw a noticeable increase in sales activity, supported by ongoing interest rate cuts and improving affordability. Here’s a breakdown of the key trends in both the GTA and Durham Region.

GTA Market Insights:

Sales Activity: GTA home sales rose by 44.4% year-over-year, reaching 6,658 transactions compared to 4,611 in October 2023. New listings saw a modest 4.3% increase year-over-year, totaling 15,328 properties. The higher sales volume compared to new listings indicates a tightening market.

Home Prices: The average selling price across the GTA increased slightly by 1.1%…

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Discover the joy of the holiday season in Durham Region! From vibrant Christmas markets to unique holiday events, these gatherings offer something special for everyone. Here’s your guide to the top Christmas markets in Durham Region for 2024.

November Christmas Markets

1. Uxbridge Farmers’ Christmas Market

  • Dates: Sundays, November 3 to December 8, 2024
  • Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Location: Uxbridge Arena Hall, 291 Brock Street West, Uxbridge
  • Highlights: Find unique gifts from local artisans, including candles, soaps, teas, honey, and jewelry. This market is free to enter and perfect for early holiday shopping.

2. Bright & Merry Market in Oshawa

  • Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
  • Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Location: From City…

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