With my 16+ years of experience working as a broker in the Toronto real estate market, coupled with my background in Finance and Accounting, I’m able to look beyond the headlines and report on what the numbers really mean, and what they mean for the future of the market.

My background is in Finance – I was the Head of Finance for a large ad agency in the city for many years before Real Estate, so everything I do for my clients is rooted in numbers and analysis. I’ve been working in the Toronto real estate market for over 16 years, having personally helped clients buy and sell over $380 Million in properties.

Each month I study the reports and provide my clients with insights that go beyond the headlines.

You can read some of them here if you’re interested:

January 2025 Toronto Real Estate Market Update

So, what can we expect in 2025? What’s going to happen as interest rates are normalized? Are we going to see a sudden spike in prices and a return to bidding wars and competition? Or are buyers going to continue to have the advantage as they do now?

Like I say every year, no one has a crystal ball – but I do a deep dive based on facts, numbers and trends – I’m not simply going to say what you want to year. Let’s take a look.

It’s a very interesting and exciting time in the Toronto Real Estate market right now, and to be honest, it has been for the past few years.

We saw the most competitive, crazy market during the height of the biggest pandemic any of us will ever experience in our lifetime, which caused dramatic, overinflated pricing, bidding wars and an all-out race to purchase a home. To 2023 and 2024, where we experienced the other side of that coin – higher interest rates, a slowing market, and a wait-and-see strategy among both buyers and sellers.

But as we enter 2025, we’re starting to come out the other side, as we see falling rates, more interest in buying and selling, and increased activity already in January and February.

What did 2024 bring to the table? Interestingly enough, nearly the same market performance as 2023. Transactions were nearly flat, but one thing I do want to note is that pricing in all segments – condos, semi-detached/row homes and detached homes are up in December 2024 from where we started in January 2024.

Detached and semi-detached/rowhomes pricing is up 7% and condos are up 1%.

Did we see the spike in the market many predicted once rates fell? No. And I think many were surprised by that. Here’s my take.

I firmly believe the Bank of Canada waited way too long to cut rates. As they patiently approached the rate cuts that finally came, many people looking to buy had already dipped into their savings to simply continue living. Soaring grocery prices, the cost of living – it all took a toll for too long and this is why many buyers had to hit the brakes on jumping into the market when the cuts finally came.

This isn’t the most popular opinion, but with the countless buyers I spoke with this year, many were in this exact situation.

It’s going to take some time to get that feeling of security back but it’s coming. I think the proof is in the 2024 numbers – the same performance as the previous year means there are a lot of people out there waiting to buy.

There are some big things to look out for in 2025 when it comes to Toronto real estate:

• Will this be the year of the first-time buyer? (it should be)
• Will the market heat up in the spring as many predict? (some segments – yes, one big one, no)
• Will rates continue to drop? (nearly certain)
• Have you thought about how the election will impact the market? (I have)
• And what’s this pre-construction 2.0 that many are hearing about? (CMHC anyone?)

There are going to be some big opportunities in the market this year so if you’re thinking about buying, selling, investing or simply being in the know, I invite you to download my free 2025 Toronto Market Guide eBook. Simply fill in your details on this page and I’ll send it directly to your inbox.

I’ve included some insights on Interest Rates in 2025, my predictions for the Detached, Semi-Detached and Condo markets, plus details on pre-construction and what CMHC MLI opportunities look like. I’ve also added some advice for buyers, sellers and investors, in case you’re thinking about getting into the market this year.

If you have questions, want to set up a time to chat about buying or selling, want to discuss strategy or you’d like a free home valuation, get in touch with me right away.

Hopefully, you’ll find my insights valuable as we continue to navigate this market together.

~ Romey Halabi | Founder & Lead Broker | Toronto Realty Boutique
~ Info@TorontoRealtyBoutique.com