Author: Corinne Turansky

As someone who’s spent years helping clients navigate Eastern Ontario’s housing market, I know how much a shift in numbers can change your outlook. Right now, we’re seeing a 1.3% dip in sales and a notable 10.8% drop in new listings across Ontario. Prices have adjusted, falling between 3.6% and 6.9%—a welcome change for many looking for better affordability. With inventory sitting at a balanced 4.5 months and rents down 4.5%, buyers are finding themselves with more room to negotiate. My focus has always been on reducing the stress of the home buying journey, and these changes could mean fresh opportunities for those considering their next step. If you’re thinking about making a move, having honest advice and experience on your side can make all the difference.

This summer has brought a remarkable shift in Ottawa’s new home market—a 50% surge in sales compared to last year. In July alone, 420 new homes found their owners, up from 274 in 2022. Much of this momentum comes from the one-year HST rebate, which offers up to $130,000 in savings on new construction. It’s no surprise that over half of these buyers chose townhouses, making up 52% of July’s sales. As someone who’s dedicated to guiding clients through these decisions with honesty and clarity, I always keep their best interests at heart. This changing landscape is another reminder of how the right advice—and a bit of timely opportunity—can make the home buying journey a little less stressful.

It’s encouraging to see how the HST rebate is continuing to fuel momentum in the GTA’s single-family new home market. July saw sales of new single-family homes triple to 781 units—a significant boost for buyers weighing their options. Alongside this, prices for these homes slipped by 8.5%, now averaging $1.36M, creating a little more opportunity for those eager to make a move. Condo sales edged up as well, though they remain modest, with the average price rising to $1.05M (up 2.5%). Currently, there are 18,546 units on the market. I always aim to share these insights so you can feel informed and confident—reducing the stress that often comes with big decisions. My advice comes from a place of experience and honesty, always putting your best interests first.

New home sales in Ontario surged 130% year-over-year in Q2 2026 after the provincial government cut the 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on new homes. Sales rose from 3,645 to 8,410, mainly driven by single-family homes. Condo sales increased slightly but lagged due to strict rebate eligibility timelines. The HST rebate, offering up to $130,000 off homes under $1.5 million, aims to boost housing starts, jobs, and economic growth before ending in March 2027.

I’ve seen firsthand how Ontario’s new home sales have surged—up 130% in the second quarter. This remarkable growth was fueled by the federal HST rebate, which slashed prices by as much as $130,000. For many families, that’s made the dream of owning a single-family or detached home much more achievable. Not only did this rebate help buyers, but it also saved around 17,000 construction jobs across the province. If you’ve been considering a newly built home, keep in mind that this rebate is set to expire in March 2027. As someone who’s committed to keeping the home buying process as stress-free as possible, I’m always here to offer straightforward advice to help you make informed decisions.

Homes in Alderwood, Etobicoke, sold fastest in the GTA in July, averaging 10 days on the market, while Chaplin Estates in Old Toronto had the slowest sales at 77 days. Established, family-friendly neighborhoods with good transit and schools saw quicker sales, especially single-family homes. Other fast-selling areas included Palmer, Uptown Ajax, and Dovercourt Park. Buyer interest in the GTA declined slightly, with many first-time buyers.