In this video, I walk you through the essentials of evaluating and buying a 15-unit apartment building in Guelph. From assessing building systems and financing options to spotting red flags during due diligence, this tour is packed with practical advice for both new and experienced investors. If you're serious about scaling your real estate portfolio, this is a must-watch.

In this video, I walk you through the essentials of evaluating and buying an 8-unit apartment building in Ontario. From assessing building systems and financing options to spotting red flags during due diligence, this tour is packed with practical advice for both new and experienced investors. If you're serious about scaling your real estate portfolio, this is a must-watch.

As we move into spring, the Guelph real estate market continues to demonstrate stability amid a backdrop of national headlines, including the federal budget release, ongoing tariff discussions, and anticipation around the upcoming Canadian election.

In this third video, I walk through a recent purchase, breaking down the price, rental income, expenses, and return on investment. If you’re thinking about investing, this is a great way to see what’s working in today’s market!

In this second video, I walk through a recent purchase, breaking down the price, rental income, expenses, and return on investment. If you’re thinking about investing, this is a great way to see what’s working in today’s market!

In this first video, I walk through a recent purchase, breaking down the price, rental income, expenses, and return on investment. If you’re thinking about investing, this is a great way to see what’s working in today’s market!

As housing needs evolve, many homeowners in Guelph are exploring Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a way to maximize their property’s potential. Whether you're considering adding a basement apartment, an in-law suite, or a separate accessory dwelling, it’s important to understand the zoning bylaws and registration requirements.

Market Conditions: Where Are We Headed? The Evolving Role of Interest Rates in Home Affordability Interest rates have played a pivotal role in housing affordability over the past few years. Following a period of elevated rates designed to curb inflation, experts anticipate a gradual decline beginning in 2025. Should mortgage rates ease to approximately 3.5% for a five-year fixed term—with variable rates trending slightly lower—monthly payments will become more manageable, enhancing both affordability and buyer demand. As history has shown, declining rates typically fuel price appreciation—a dynamic that has repeated itself time and again in the housing market. Market Outlook: Price Trends & Inventory Home prices in Guelph and surrounding areas have remained resilient, with moderate single-digit growth projected for 2025. While certain markets, such as parts of Hamilton, may experience price corrections, areas with strong job markets and limited housing supply are expected to see continued appreciation, with year-over-year gains in the range of 4-6%. On the supply side, historically low inventory levels have challenged buyers, but an increase in new construction and seller activity could provide more options in the coming months. If more homes enter the market, buyers in Guelph and nearby areas may face less competition than in previous years—an advantage that may not persist in the long term. However, high-quality properties with superior square footage, larger lot sizes, and prime locations continue to attract strong demand, often receiving multiple offers, including cash bids. For buyers, securing the right property now could prove to be a strategic move before market conditions shift again. Is It the Right Time for You? Your Financial Readiness Before jumping into the market, assess your financial health: Do you have a solid down payment saved? Is your credit score strong enough for a favorable mortgage rate? Can you comfortably afford monthly payments, property taxes, and maintenance? The New First Home Savings Account is a great tool for saving for that first property be it investment or principle residence. If your financial foundation is strong, buying in 2025 could be a smart move, especially if rates decline and home prices continue to appreciate. Navigating Market Shifts: Federal Programs & Long-Term Strategies for Home Buyers New federal initiatives, such as the First Home Savings Account and updated Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) regulations allowing for minimum down payments on homes up to $1,500,000, aim to address affordability challenges in today’s market. These programs provide much-needed support for buyers looking to enter the market or move up the property ladder—especially in a landscape where elevated home prices have sidelined many prospective purchasers. Tom’s Final Thoughts: Should You Buy in 2025? While market fluctuations can create uncertainty, history has shown that time in the market consistently outperforms attempts to time the market. By prioritizing affordability and ensuring your purchase aligns with a sustainable, long-term strategy—whether as a primary residence or part of a broader investment plan—you position yourself for lasting success, regardless of short-term conditions. The decision to buy a home in 2025 will depend on a combination of market conditions and personal circumstances. If interest rates drop, inventory increases, and your financial situation is stable, buying could be a smart move. Thinking about buying in Guelph and surrounding area in 2025? Reach out to discuss your options and develop a strategy that fits your goals! POLICY INTEREST RATE The Bank of Canada (BoC) lowered the Policy Interest Rate on January 29th, 2025, balancing the need to contain inflation with supporting economic growth. The next Interest Rate Announcement is set for Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The BoC’s Policy Interest Rate is currently set at 3.00%.

This analysis focuses on student rental properties categorized by the number of bedrooms, price ranges, and parking considerations, providing insights into expected cash flow, appreciation potential, and additional factors for each type.

On January 29, 2025, the Bank of Canada announced a 25 basis point reduction in its policy interest rate, bringing it to 3.0%. This decision marks the sixth consecutive rate cut since June 2024, reflecting the central bank's ongoing response to evolving economic conditions.

First-time buyers and investors are particularly active, drawn by Guelph's strong local economy, proximity to major urban centers, and excellent quality of life. Detached homes and townhouses are seeing the most interest, while the condo market remains healthy with stable prices. As we approach the fall season, market conditions are expected to remain favorable for both buyers and sellers, though potential interest rate adjustments could influence future activity. Overall, Guelph's real estate market continues to be a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth. Key Insights Understanding the real estate market goes beyond a surface-level view, requiring a close examination of key metrics like Average Days on Market, Average Sales Price, Average Sales Volume, and Monthly Supply of Homes. These insights are essential for identifying market trends, gauging buyer and seller behavior, predicting future shifts, and making informed decisions. Sales Volume: The sales volume in Guelph has remained relatively stable throughout 2024, with a slight uptick in activity during the spring and summer months. However, overall transactions have seen a modest decline compared to previous years, reflecting a cautious buyer market. Sales Price: Home prices in Guelph have continued to show resilience despite fluctuating market conditions. The average sale price has seen a gradual increase, driven by strong demand for detached homes and a limited supply of new listings. Price growth has been particularly notable in sought-after neighborhoods and for properties with unique features. Average Days on Market: Properties in Guelph have generally been selling faster in 2024, with the average days on market decreasing. Well-priced and desirable homes have been moving quickly, often within a few weeks, as buyers aim to secure their preferred properties before interest rates or other economic factors shift. Monthly Supply of Homes: The monthly supply of homes in Guelph has remained tight throughout 2024, contributing to the competitive market environment. The supply has struggled to keep up with demand, leading to a seller’s market in many segments. Limited new construction and fewer new listings have further constrained the inventory Advice for Tenants: For tenants in Guelph, it's crucial to stay informed about the rental market trends and manage expectations in light of the evolving real estate landscape. Given the tight housing supply and increasing home prices, rental demand is likely to remain high. Tenants should consider securing leases sooner rather than later to avoid potential rent increases or shortages. Additionally, exploring different neighborhoods and rental options may help find more favorable terms. Staying aware of local tenant rights and potential rent control measures can also provide leverage in negotiations with landlords. Policy Interest Rate The Bank of Canada (BoC) has lowered the Policy Interest Rate by 25 basis points on September 4, 2024, balancing the need to contain inflation with supporting economic growth. The BoC’s Policy Interest Rate is currently set at 4.25%.