Skip to main content

Featured

Renting vs. Buying in Canada Right Now: The Real Math

With home prices softening and rents still stubbornly high, Canadians are asking the same question louder than ever. We ran the actual numbers — and the answer may surprise you. BY MONEYSAVINGS.CA  |  MAY 2026  |  8 MIN READ If you've Googled "should I rent or buy in Canada" recently, you've likely been greeted by a chorus of conflicting opinions. Realtors tell you now's a great time to buy. Your landlord just raised your rent — again. Your parents swear homeownership is the only real investment. And your bank account is sweating at the thought of a down payment. So let's cut through the noise and do what we do best here at MoneySavings.ca: run the actual math. 📊 The Canadian Market Snapshot: Where We Stand in 2026 After years of dizzying highs, Canada's housing market has finally exhaled. Here's the current lay of the land, by the numbers: $660K Avg. Canadian Home Price (down 15% from 2022 peak) $2,125 Avg. Monthly Rent 2BR in major cities 3.9% Lowes...

article

Toronto’s Condo Crisis: A Dire Signal for Housing Affordability and Rental Market

 

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is facing a condo crisis that has significant implications for housing affordability and rental supply. According to a recent report by CIBC and Urbanation, the GTA’s condo market is “clearly in recessionary territory,” and the nationwide housing crisis is at a level not seen in over 30 years. Here are the key points:

  1. Condo Pre-Sales at a 20-Year Low: Toronto-area condo pre-sales are below 50%, marking a more than 20-year low. High costs, high interest rates, and poor investment prospects have left the market in a challenging situation.

  2. Investor Dilemma: Condo investors play a crucial role in rental supply and overall housing affordability. However, recent investors are mostly losing money, and prospective investors are avoiding new projects due to uncertainty.

  3. Developers Struggle: Developers face rising construction costs due to inflation, coupled with dwindling interest in future projects. This slowdown in future supply exacerbates the crisis.

  4. Limited Relief: Falling interest rates, projected population growth slowdown, and stabilized construction costs provide some relief. However, it’s not a magic solution, and a more comprehensive policy response is needed.

  5. Record-High Inventory: Unsold condo inventory in the second quarter of 2024 reached a record high of 25,893 units, more than 60% higher than the 10- and 20-year averages. Sales were the lowest in 20 years outside of the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In summary, Toronto’s condo market woes underscore the urgent need for housing policy reforms and creative solutions to address affordability and rental challenges.


Comments