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Is It Still Worth Buying a Rental Property in Ontario in 2026?

  Published: April 2026 | Reading time: 12 min | Category: Real Estate, Investing, Personal Finance A few years ago the answer seemed obvious. Ontario real estate only went up, rents kept climbing, and landlords looked like geniuses. Then interest rates spiked, prices corrected, rent growth slowed in some markets, and suddenly the question got a lot more complicated. So is buying a rental property in Ontario still a good investment in 2026? The honest answer is: it depends entirely on the numbers, the market, and your personal financial situation. This article gives you the full picture — the real math, the real risks, and a clear framework for deciding whether it makes sense for you. The Case For Rental Property in Ontario in 2026 Before diving into the challenges, here is why real estate remains compelling for long-term investors. Ontario's population is still growing fast Ontario added over 500,000 people in 2023 alone — one of the fastest population growth rates in ...
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How to avoid common pitfalls when claiming capital gains tax exemption for your home



If you sell your home for more than you paid for it, you may be eligible for a capital gains tax exemption on the difference. However, this exemption is not automatic and there are some rules and conditions that you need to follow. Here are some common myths and misconceptions that could cost you money or get you in trouble with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

  • Myth 1: You can claim the exemption for any property you own. Fact: The exemption only applies to your principal residence, which is the property where you and your family normally live. You can only designate one property as your principal residence per year. If you own more than one property, you need to report the sale of the non-principal residence and pay tax on any capital gain.
  • Myth 2: You can claim the exemption for the entire period you owned the property. Fact: The exemption is based on the number of years you designated the property as your principal residence, plus one. This means that if you rented out your property for part of the time you owned it, you may not be able to claim the full exemption. You also need to report the change in use of the property to the CRA and calculate the deemed disposition and acquisition of the property at fair market value.
  • Myth 3: You don’t need to report the sale of your principal residence to the CRA. Fact: Since 2016, you are required to report the sale of your principal residence on your income tax return, even if you are claiming the full exemption. You need to provide the date of acquisition, the proceeds of disposition, and the description of the property. If you fail to report the sale, you may lose the exemption or face penalties.
  • Myth 4: You can claim the exemption for any improvements or renovations you made to the property. Fact: The exemption only applies to the increase in the value of the property, not the cost of the improvements or renovations. However, you can use the cost of the improvements or renovations to increase the adjusted cost base of the property, which will reduce your capital gain when you sell the property. You need to keep receipts and records of the expenses to support your claim.
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