Blog

Author: Angie Tsai PREC*

  • Canadian Housing Affordability Remains Stable in Many Regions

    Canadian Housing Affordability Remains Stable in Many Regions

    Housing affordability in Canada saw modest improvement in the second quarter, thanks to a combination of rising incomes and stable property prices. While cities like Vancouver and Toronto experienced some positive movement, a few Prairie and Atlantic markets faced declines. Looking ahead, the prospect of higher interest rates in 2027 could present new challenges for buyers and investors. With my background in both residential and commercial real estate—as well as years of analytical experience—I keep a close watch on these market shifts to help my clients make informed decisions, whether they're searching for their next home or a promising investment opportunity.

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  • Mortgage Rates Face a New Reality

    With mortgage rates remaining high and economic uncertainty still shaping the Canadian housing landscape, borrowers and investors are navigating an environment where affordability is under real pressure. While future rate relief could offer some support, its actual impact will hinge on factors like inflation, the broader economy, and how the Bank of Canada steers its policy. I’ve seen that many buyers are proceeding with caution—understandably so—as higher borrowing costs are directly influencing purchasing decisions, refinancing strategies, and the overall demand for homes. In my work advising clients on both residential and commercial real estate, I always emphasize the importance of making informed choices based on current financing realities, rather than simply hoping for rates to drop. Sound analysis and thorough planning remain the cornerstones of success in times like these.

  • Canadian Home Sales Slide 6.9% Yearly

    We are seeing notable shifts in the Canadian real estate market: in mid-Q3, home sales across the country declined by approximately 1% month-over-month and nearly 7% compared to last year. The price index remained unchanged from the previous month, but was down about 3% year-over-year. Interestingly, new property listings have rebounded by roughly 3% after three months of decline, creating a more balanced market dynamic. The sales-to-new listings ratio has eased further, now around 49%—falling below the long-term Canadian average of 55%. These changes are being shaped by ongoing economic uncertainty, higher mortgage costs, and the impact of rising bond yields, which have pushed fixed mortgage rates up. At this point, the market had priced in around a 60% chance of a rate hike in early Q4, and over one percentage point of tightening projected by 2027.

    Drawing on my experience analyzing both residential and commercial real estate trends, I find that understanding these factors is essential for making informed decisions—whether you are buying, selling, or exploring opportunities to renovate for added value. As always, my goal is to provide you with current market insights so you can navigate these changes with clarity.

  • In Vancouver, Square Footage Isn’t the Only Kind of Space

    Living in Vancouver is a unique experience—here, 'space' isn’t just measured in square footage. Instead, many homes offer something you simply can’t replicate elsewhere: the daily presence of mountains and water, never far from your doorstep. After years of working internationally and now specializing in Vancouver’s distinct property market, I’ve seen how the city’s compact residences are balanced by extraordinary surroundings. Many of Vancouver’s neighborhoods are just minutes from the coastline or the North Shore mountains, and on a clear September day, those peaks rise above the rooftops like a natural skyline. For some buyers, a larger home outside the city means more indoor space, but it also means giving up that daily connection to Vancouver’s incredible views and lifestyle. It’s a choice between more rooms or a richer, ever-changing backdrop—one that makes living here truly special.

  • Happy Thanksgiving

    The perfect opportunity to embrace your inner "foodie" and unbutton your pants at the dinner table!In Canada, post-Thanksgiving is all about creative cranberry sauce solutions. Cranberry sauce pancakes, anyone?It's that time when multiple ovens are a blessing. Turkey, pies, casseroles – less stress!

  • Home affordability finds its footing, but rising rates could change that

    Home affordability finds its footing, but rising rates could change that

    Lately, there’s been a noticeable shift in home affordability across Canada — and it comes down to more than just mortgage rates. In August, the average five-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to 4.55%. Surprisingly, this hasn’t had a major effect on monthly payments yet. Instead, it’s the decline in home prices, particularly in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal, that’s making ownership a bit more accessible for many buyers. My background in both analytics and real estate has shown me that these nuances matter when navigating the market. As always, understanding the interplay between prices and rates is key to making confident property decisions, whether you’re buying your first home or considering a move in these dynamic cities.

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  • That Green Ideal: Emily Carr and the Idea of Nature

    That Green Ideal: Emily Carr and the Idea of Nature

    Vancouver is home to a major cultural event this year: “That Green Ideal: Emily Carr and the Idea of Nature” opens February 6, 2026, at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Running through November 8, the exhibition is the Gallery’s largest Emily Carr presentation in more than 20 years.

    Featuring over 100 works, the exhibition examines Carr’s relationship with British Columbia’s landscape and the changing ideas of nature that shaped her art. From forests and coastlines to the emotional power of the West Coast environment, her work offers a thoughtful way to look at the place we call home.

    For Vancouver residents and visitors alike, this is an opportunity to experience local history, art, and landscape in one memorable visit. Plan a downtown afternoon around the exhibition, explore nearby neighbourhoods, and invite friends or neighbours to join you.

    Save the date for February 6, 2026, and learn more about “That Green Ideal” at https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/exhibitions/that-green-ideal/.

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  • Toronto, Vancouver housing still hugely desirable despite recent challenges

    Toronto, Vancouver housing still hugely desirable despite recent challenges

    Having lived and worked across three continents, I’ve seen how international buyers still view Toronto and Vancouver as highly attractive cities to call home—even as we navigate some tough realities. Both cities now rank 20th and 24th globally, thanks largely to their robust economies. Yet, the high cost of housing continues to push down overall Quality of Life scores. Canada needs to build between 430,000 and 480,000 new homes each year to truly address affordability, but this ambitious goal is still out of reach. As someone who combines an analytical background with a passion for real estate and design, I often discuss these challenges with clients—from first-time buyers to investors—so they can make informed decisions in a competitive landscape.

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  • 94 7501 CUMBERLAND STREET, Burnaby BC V3N 4Y6

    94 7501 CUMBERLAND STREET, Burnaby BC V3N 4Y6

    Ideally positioned within Deerfield in The Crest, this meticulously maintained & updated 4 BED/3 BATH CORNER townhome enjoys extra windows, skylights, green outlooks & community amenities steps away. Peaceful greenery at the rear creates privacy, while a fenced front garden adds outdoor space. The 1,884 sqft plan has 3 bdrms up, incl. a spacious primary with WIC & updated ensuite. Below, a flexible 4th bdrm or rec room & bath suits guests, teens or WFH, with access to the side-by-side double garage with ample storage. Updates incl. a high-efficiency furnace, on-demand hot water, flooring, counters, pot lights & more. Enjoy a pool, hot tub and gym in this gated Polygon community, steps to Robert Burnaby Park trails, tennis, pickleball & schools, with easy Hwy 1 access. OPEN OCT 10/11, 2–4PM

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  • Here is a bright four bedroom corner home with gardens and great updates plus a pool gym and flexible space for everyone

    Ideally positioned within Deerfield in The Crest, this meticulously maintained & updated 4 BED/3 BATH CORNER townhome enjoys extra windows, skylights, green outlooks & community amenities steps away. Peaceful greenery at the rear creates privacy, while a fenced front garden adds outdoor space. The 1,884 sqft plan has 3 bdrms up, incl. a spacious primary with WIC & updated ensuite. Below, a flexible 4th bdrm or rec room & bath suits guests, teens or WFH, with access to the side-by-side double garage with ample storage. Updates incl. a high-efficiency furnace, on-demand hot water, flooring, counters, pot lights & more. Enjoy a pool, hot tub and gym in this gated Polygon community, steps to Robert Burnaby Park trails, tennis, pickleball & schools, with easy Hwy 1 access. OPEN OCT 10/11, 2–4PM