Dear Valued Subscriber

📌 In Today’s issue:

• Why second-ring markets are setting up well in 2025

• What you can buy (typical price points right now)

• The best Ontario cities/towns to target—and why

• A quick playbook to act with confidence

📊 What the Latest Numbers Reveal (GTA, Sept 2025)

(Based on TRREB’s Market Watch, MW2509)

• Sales activity: Resale transactions in the GTA rose modestly month-to-month, indicating a seasonal rebound and buyer re-engagement after summer lag.

• Listings: New listings increased, easing pressure in certain overbought pockets—more choice for buyers.

• Prices / HPI: The MLS® Home Price Index posted a slight uptick, though average prices remain flat or marginally down in many municipalities compared to last year.

• Segment variation: Detached homes continue to outperform condos in most suburban areas; mid-town condos show mixed performance depending on building amenities and condition.

🔍 Trends & Takeaways

1. Seasonal momentum is back, but cautiously. After the summer slowdown, September is showing signs of renewed activity—but buyers remain selective.

2. Detached demand edge continues. Many buyers priced out of condo inventory are shifting toward smaller freeholds or townhomes.

3. Soft condo pricing in core zones. Older buildings and those far from transit are under more downward pressure than newer, well-amenitized properties.

4. Balanced markets emerging. In once overheated enclaves, supply gains and tempered demand are pushing some areas toward more balanced buyer/seller conditions.

🏘 Toronto vs. Surrounding Suburbs

• Central Toronto / 416 districts: Price growth is modest. Condominiums in average/older towers are inching downward unless well maintained.

• 905 suburbs & fringe areas: Commuter towns (Durham, Halton, York) show stronger relative growth and absorption, especially for freeholds and townhomes near transit or highways.

🧭 What This Means Heading Into Q4 2025

• Incentive window: September–October tends to be pivotal; many willing buyers act now before year-end tightening.

• Price resilience in quality: Well-positioned homes (good schools, transit access, low maintenance) will lead gains.

• Discounts may widen: Some sellers in less desirable pockets may begin offering more aggressive concessions.

• Rental market buffer: With ownership pressure, demand for well-managed rentals will remain a hedge, particularly for investment properties.

✔ RealEdge Moves for You (Buyers / Sellers / Investors)

Buyers:

• Revisit listings flagged earlier; increased supply and today’s rate environment improve negotiating power.

• Prioritize properties with institutional appeal—easy conversion if resale needed.

Sellers:

• List before colder weather—market traffic naturally softens post-October.

• Spotlight features that reduce buyer risk: recent upgrades, energy savings, warranty, low maintenance.

Investors:

• Watch for sub-markets where inventory hasn’t caught up. These may deliver upside as absorption picks up.

• Consider condo conversions or small multi-unit projects in growing suburban zones with improving transit links.

📢 What’s Next?

If Toronto blue-chip assets still feel out of reach, Ontario’s second-ring markets offer a compelling blend of lower buy-in, resilient rental demand, and improving connectivity. Start with Oshawa, Waterloo Region, London–St. Thomas, Hamilton–Burlington, Niagara, and Barrie/Simcoe—then get hyper-local about schools, transit, and employment nodes.

Want a 10-minute micro-brief on any of these markets (with comps and rent grids)? Book a quick strategy

See you next week