Ontario’s Bill 60 (Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025) introduces several major changes designed to reduce backlogs at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) and speed up housing-related decisions.

🔑 Major Landlord–Tenant Changes Under Bill 60

1. Faster LTB Processing & Case Management

• New case-management tools intended to reduce hearing delays.

• Streamlined procedures to move cases through the system quicker.

• More digital options for document submission and scheduling.

• Goal: reduce months-long wait times for both landlords and tenants.

2. Revised Eviction & Notice Procedures

• Certain eviction notice timelines may be adjusted to support faster resolution.

• More standardized formatting and documentation to reduce errors that cause delays.

• Emphasis on earlier case screening to prevent unnecessary full hearings.

3. Stronger Enforcement Powers

• Enhanced authority for the LTB to enforce orders.

• Faster issuance of orders after hearings.

• Potential for quicker compliance timelines in cases of non-payment or repair issues.

4. Increased Penalties for Bad-Faith Evictions

Even though Bill 60 aims to streamline processes, it reinforces penalties for:

• Bad-faith renovictions

• Misuse of personal-use evictions

• Harassment or pressure tactics

Landlords must continue to provide complete and accurate evidence when issuing N12 or N13 notices.

5. More Clarity Around Repairs and Maintenance

• Simplified dispute resolution for repair and habitability issues.

• Stronger expectations for timely maintenance responses.

• Tools to address landlords or tenants who delay required repairs.

6. Better Support for “Frequent Filers”

• Large landlords (with many units) may receive faster administrative processing for routine applications.

• Reduces backlog for high-volume filings such as non-payment applications.

• Aims to free capacity in the system for complex disputes.

🟦 What This Means for Landlords

• Faster eviction decisions in qualifying cases.

• More predictable timelines for non-payment matters.

• Clearer documentation requirements that reduce rejected applications.

• Higher penalties if notices are misused — making proper process even more important.

🟩 What This Means for Tenants

• Faster access to hearings for repair, safety, and maintenance complaints.

• Stronger protection from improper or bad-faith evictions.

• Clearer rules around landlord obligations and evidence standards.

• Reduced wait times for urgent matters like heat, water, and essential repairs.

Are you a first-time home buyer in Ottawa? Ontario has expanded its HST rebate program, making it easier than ever to afford a newly built or substantially renovated home. This is one of the biggest financial boosts for first-time buyers in recent years.

🚀 Key Benefits for First-Time Buyers in Ontario

• Existing provincial HST rebate: Up to $24,000 for first-time buyers purchasing a new home.

• New 2025 measure: The 8% provincial HST is fully eliminated for homes priced up to $1 million.

• Combined savings: When added to the federal GST/HST rebate, buyers could save up to $80,000.

• Eligible homes: Newly built or substantially renovated homes (resale homes are not eligible).

This means more money for your down payment, renovations, or moving costs, helping you step into homeownership faster.

🏘 Who Qualifies?

• First-time buyers who have not owned a home in the last four years

• Purchasing a new or substantially renovated home

• Homes priced up to $1 million for full savings; partial relief may apply for homes $1–1.5 million

• Homes above $1.5 million are not eligible

💡 Ottawa-Area Example Savings

Here’s what first-time buyers in Ottawa could save under the expanded HST rebate program:

Estimates combine provincial and federal HST rebates.

❓ First-Time Buyer FAQ

Q: What counts as a “new” home?
A: Homes purchased directly from a builder or substantially renovated homes sold as new.

Q: Does this apply to resale homes?
A: No. Only new or substantially renovated homes qualify.

Q: How do I claim the rebate?
A: Builders often apply the rebate at closing, or buyers can apply through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Q: Is there a price cap?
A: Full provincial rebate applies to homes up to $1 million. Partial relief may apply up to $1.5 million.

✨ Why This Matters for Ottawa Buyers

With rising home prices, affordability is a top concern. Ontario’s expanded HST rebate helps first-time buyers in Ottawa reduce upfront costs, lower mortgage amounts, and invest more into their new home.

📞 Ready to Buy in Ottawa?

If you’re searching for new homes in Ottawa or Nepean, our expert real estate team can help you find homes that qualify for the full HST rebate — maximizing your savings and making your first home purchase easier. Contact us today to get started!

• 📈 Home Sales:

  • 1,177 homes sold in October

  • 🔼 Up 8.1% from September

  • 🔽 Down 1.2% from October 2024

  • ➤ Sales improving month to month — buyers are active again.

• 💰 Average Price:

  • $709,002 average sale price

  • 🔼 Up 2.7% month-over-month

  • 🔼 Up 5.7% year-over-year

  • ➤ Prices holding steady with healthy, moderate growth.

• 📋 New Listings:

  • 2,405 new listings in October

  • 🔽 Down 15.1% from September

  • 🔼 Up 13.4% compared to last year

  • ➤ Typical fall slowdown, but still more choice than in 2024.

• 🏠 Active Listings:

  • 4,232 homes currently on the market

  • 🔽 Down 3.6% from last month

  • 🔼 About 21% higher than a year ago

  • ➤ Plenty of options for buyers, but inventory is slowly tightening.

• 📦 Inventory Levels:

  • 3.6 months of supply (down from 4.0)

  • ➤ Slight shift toward sellers, yet still a balanced market.

• 📅 Year-to-Date Totals:

  • 12,197 homes sold (+3.3%)

  • 💵 Total sales volume: $8.55 billion (+6.5%)

  • 📊 Average YTD price: $700,869 (+3%)

  • ➤ Steady growth continues in 2025.

• 🏡 MLS® HPI Benchmark:

  • $622,700 in October

  • 🔽 Down 0.7% month-over-month

  • 🔼 Up 0.7% year-over-year

  • ➤ Slight monthly dip, long-term values stable.

✅ Bottom Line

Ottawa’s real estate market remains stable, balanced, and resilient — prices are steady, demand is solid, and supply is tightening slightly as we move into winter.

🤝 Thinking of Buying or Selling in Ottawa?

If you're looking for a home in Stittsville, Kanata, Barrhaven, Nepean, Riverside south or Orleans.
📞 Reach me - Jai Patel, Realtor® — your local expert in Ottawa’s diverse communities.
📧 jaipatelrealtor.ca | ☎️ 613-404-8706

Ontario government has announced plans to offer a full 8% HST rebate on new homes priced up to $1 million, complementing the federal government’s 5% HST removal already in place.

These measures would completely eliminate the 13% HST on new builds — meaning no HST upto 1 Million $ for FTHB.  This could translate to savings of up to $130,000 on a newly built home, making homeownership more affordable for thousands of first-time buyers across the province.

🏘 Who Qualifies?

• First-time buyers who have not owned a home in the last four years

• Purchasing a new or substantially renovated home

• Homes priced up to $1 million for full savings; partial relief may apply for homes $1–1.5 million

• Homes above $1.5 million are not eligible

🏛️ Federal Alignment and Eligibility for Ontario HST Rebate

• The new Ontario rebate is based on the federal government’s May 27, 2025 proposal to eliminate the full federal portion of HST.

• Implementation depends on federal legislation and regulatory changes.

• To qualify, the agreement of purchase and sale must be signed on or after May 27, 2025.

• Buyers must acquire the home for use as their primary residence, following federal eligibility rules.

❓ First-Time Buyer FAQ

Q: What counts as a “new” home?
A: Homes purchased directly from a builder or substantially renovated homes sold as new.

Q: Does this apply to resale homes?
A: No. Only new or substantially renovated homes qualify.

Q: How do I claim the rebate?
A: Builders often apply the rebate at closing. Buyers may also apply through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Q: Is there a price cap?
A: Full rebate for homes up to $1 million, phased reduction for $1–1.5 million homes. Homes above $1.5 million are not eligible.

📞 Ready to Buy in Ottawa?

If you’re looking for new home anywhere in Ottawa or surrounding area, I can help you find options that qualify for the full HST rebate, maximizing your savings and simplifying your first home purchase.

Contact Me today 613.404.8706 to start your journey into homeownership!

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Canada’s housing market is shifting gears after years of rapid change. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2025 will be a year of modest cooling and stabilization, followed by a stronger rebound in 2026 as market conditions normalize.

Key Highlights

• 🏠 Home sales are forecast to reach about 469,500 units in 2025, a 3% decline from 2024.

• 💰 The average national home price is expected to dip 1.4% to roughly $676,700.

• 🌎 Market performance will vary by region — while Ontario and British Columbia may experience further price and sales declines, many other provinces are projected to see 4%–8% price growth in 2025.

• 📈 By 2026, CREA anticipates a rebound, with sales rising 7.7% to about 509,500 units and average prices climbing 3.2% to approximately $698,600.

• ⚠️ CREA notes there’s higher-than-usual uncertainty due to fluctuating interest rates, economic headwinds, and regional supply-demand imbalances.

What This Means for Buyers, Sellers & Investors

• Buyers: 2025 could offer more choice and negotiating power, particularly outside major urban markets. However, affordability will remain challenging until interest rates ease further.

• Sellers: In Ontario and B.C., expect longer listing times and softer prices. In contrast, sellers in regions with limited inventory — such as parts of the Prairies or Atlantic Canada — may still see steady demand.

• Investors: Patience may pay off. 2026’s projected rebound suggests renewed opportunity for capital growth as economic stability returns.

Regional Nuance Matters

CREA emphasizes that national figures tell only part of the story. Local market conditions — such as job growth, housing supply, and migration patterns — will drive performance. Detached homes in expensive markets may cool faster, while affordable segments and smaller cities could stay resilient.

Looking Ahead

2025 appears to be a transition year for Canadian real estate — a period of recalibration before renewed growth. With borrowing costs expected to gradually ease, and population growth continuing to support long-term demand, the outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic.

If you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest, this is a good time to watch local data closely and prepare for shifting opportunities as the market regains momentum. Contact me to find discuss opportunities for you  @ 6134048706

Source: CREA

As fall begins, Ottawa’s housing market remains resilient, with growing inventory, steady demand, and stable prices, fueled by the Bank of Canada’s rate cut 📉 to 2.5%.

Ottawa Key Market Highlights for September 2025:

• Sales: 1,089 homes sold,  +2.4% from Sept 2024

• Inventory: 4,388 listings

• New Listings: 2,832  

• Prices: Avg. $690,397,  +0.3% YoY

Tips for Clients: 

• Sellers: Price smart, stage for fall appeal.

• Buyers: Push pre-approvals, explore diverse options.

• Stay Sharp: Watch October data for rate-cut impacts.

Let’s ConnectReady to navigate this balanced market?  DM me for comps or strategies.

#OttawaRealEstate Data: OREB September 2025 Report

City has launched the Housing Acceleration Plan (HAP), backed by $176.3 million in federal funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund.

The plan is designed to fast-track housing construction, modernize zoning, and support affordable housing providers.

Core Targets and Goals

• 37,500 new homes by 2026, including over 2,000 affordable units.

• 90% of federal funding is directed to non-profit and co-op housing providers.

• 10% of funding supports enabling projects like land preparation, office-to-residential conversions, and zoning updates.

• Special emphasis on family-sized rental units, supportive housing, and mixed-income neighbourhoods.

Key Initiatives

1. Faster Development Approvals

• Streamlined planning and permit processes to reduce delays.

• Simplified site plan rules and digital tools to track applications.

• Faster release and preparation of city-owned land for housing projects.

2. Zoning Reform

• Updating Ottawa’s zoning by-law to allow more “missing middle” housing (duplexes, triplexes, low-rise apartments).

• Expanding permissions for higher density near major transit hubs.

• New inclusionary zoning requiring private developers to include affordable units in larger projects.

3. Strengthening Non-Profit Housing

• Direct investment into shovel-ready projects led by non-profits and co-ops.

• Grants for early-stage development and land acquisition.

• Ensuring that community-based housing providers have stable funding to deliver affordable units faster.

4. Incentives for Builders

• Waived development charges, tax breaks, and forgivable loans for affordable housing.

• Citywide Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to expand grants and financial supports.

• Incentives for private developers who dedicate part of their projects to affordability.

5. Smarter Use of Land and Buildings

• Conversion of underused office and commercial spaces into housing.

• Redevelopment of surplus city-owned lands for affordable and supportive housing.

• Partnerships with public agencies to unlock more land for residential use.

Ottawa is changing the way neighbourhoods are zoned. The old system (R1, R2, etc.) is being replaced with new rules (N1, N2, etc.) to make housing easier to build and more affordable.

What’s New?

• Simpler zones: R1/R2 are now N1/N2 with clearer rules.

• More housing options: Triplexes and small multi-units allowed in more areas.

• Lower building heights in some areas: 8.5–11m, keeping neighbourhoods low-rise.

• Parking rules relaxed: Fewer mandatory spots needed.

• Easier approvals: Fewer variances required.

Example: R1/R2 → N1/N2

• Before (R1/R2): Mostly single or semi-detached homes, strict parking and density rules.

• Now (N1/N2): Single homes, semis, triplexes, and small multi-units allowed as-of-right. More flexible density and reduced parking requirements.

Quick Comparison

Concerns & Criticisms

• Neighbourhood changes: More multi-units may increase traffic, noise, and density in areas used to single-family homes.

• Parking pressure: With reduced requirements, residents may struggle to find on-street parking.

• Infrastructure strain: Added density could stress schools, transit, water, and sewers if upgrades don’t keep pace.

Bottom Line

Ottawa’s new zoning law is designed to make it easier to build different types of housing, keep neighbourhoods livable, and support future growth. But it also raises concerns about parking, infrastructure, and how neighbourhoods will change.

What is Build Canada Homes?

• A new federal housing agency created with $13 billion in start-up funding.

• Mandated to deliver affordable housing at scale, focusing on non-market homes, supportive housing, and middle-class options.

• Led by Ana Bailão, former Toronto Deputy Mayor with extensive housing policy experience.

How Will Build Canada Homes Work?

The strategy is built on three key pillars:

• Unlocking Public Lands

  • Federal land will be made available for housing development.

  • This reduces land costs, one of the biggest barriers to affordability.

• Modern Construction Methods

  • Factory-built, modular, and mass timber housing will be prioritized.

  • These approaches cut construction timelines by up to 50% and lower costs by about 20%.

  • They also reduce environmental impact and support more sustainable communities.

• Buy Canadian Policy

  • Construction will prioritize Canadian lumber, steel, and other materials.

  • This strengthens domestic supply chains and creates Canadian jobs.

First Announcements Under Build Canada Homes

The federal government has already laid out some major first steps:

• 4,000 new factory-built homes to be constructed on six federal sites.

• Potential to expand up to 45,000 housing units across the full federal land portfolio.

• A $1.5 billion Canada Rental Protection Fund to preserve affordable rentals

• $1 billion for transitional and supportive housing, targeting people experiencing homelessness

City-By-City Snapshot: 

Build Canada Homes will begin with six cities across Canada — plus a major project in Nunavut. Here’s what we know so far:

• Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
  − One of six federal land sites for the first ~4,000 factory-built homes.
  − Exact locations and unit types still to be confirmed.

• Longueuil, Quebec
  − Identified for modular and factory-built housing.
  − Full project details yet to be released.

• Ottawa, Ontario
  − Construction expected to begin as early as next year.
  − Federal lands in the Canada Public Land Bank may be used for sites.

• Toronto, Ontario
  − Selected as one of the first project locations.
  − Site specifics and unit counts still in progress.

• Winnipeg, Manitoba
  − Included in the first round of federal land projects.
  − Awaiting details on land, unit numbers, and project scope.

• Edmonton, Alberta
  − Confirmed as part of the initial group.
  − Local project planning and approvals still pending.

• Nunavut
  − Over 700 new homes planned in partnership with the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
  − About 30% of units will be built off-site for faster and more efficient delivery in northern conditions.

History: Post-World War II Housing Policies – Canada

Canada has a history of federal housing programs to address shortages:

• After WWII (1945–1960s), Canada faced a housing shortage due to returning soldiers and population growth.

Key initiatives:

• Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), established in 1946, provided mortgage insurance, low-cost loans, and built public housing.

• National Housing Act Amendments (1949 onward): Encouraged private and public housing construction, especially rental units for working families.

• Large-scale public housing projects were built in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.

Conclusion

Build Canada Homes is a major federal initiative using public land and modular construction to deliver affordable housing in Canada. The program is designed to address the country’s housing shortage, providing thousands of new homes for families, seniors, and vulnerable populations. By combining modern construction methods, faster delivery, and cost-effective solutions, Build Canada Homes aims to make housing more accessible, sustainable, and affordable for Canadians.

What’s Happening: The Expected Rate Cut

• The Bank of Canada (BoC) is meeting on September 17, 2025 and many economists and markets are expecting a 0.25% cut in the policy interest rate.

• The current BOC overnight rate is 2.75%, set in the March.

• Canadian Banks prime rate set at 4.95% (BOC overnight rate + 2.2% spread).

• The rationale includes signs of a cooling labour market, rising unemployment, inflation easing toward the BoC’s target range, and broader economic softening.

📊 Potential Effects of a Bank of Canada Rate Cut on Ottawa Real Estate

🔻 Mortgage Rates
➡️ Lower prime rates → cheaper variable mortgages + some relief for renewals.

🏡 Homebuyer Demand
➡️ More buyers, especially first-timers, likely to re-enter the market.

💲 Home Prices
➡️ Demand may push prices higher short term; long-term growth depends on supply.

📈 Seller Behavior
➡️ More sellers may list as financing costs ease → could add inventory.

💼 Investor Activity
➡️ Lower borrowing costs make Ottawa real estate more attractive for investors.

⚖️ Housing Affordability
➡️ Lower payments help, but high prices and construction costs remain a challenge.

What This Means If You’re Buying, Selling, or Investing in Ottawa

• Buyers: This could be a good window to lock in financing, especially if you were waiting for rates to trend down.  

• Sellers: You might see more buyer activity. Pricing realistically and timing your listing just after the cut could be strategic.

• Investors: Lower rates improve yield calculations, so investment deals might look better, especially for rental properties. But ensure you account for operating costs, taxes, and potential vacancy.

Risks & Considerations for Ottawa

While the rate cut is broadly positive for easing borrowing costs, there are caveats:

• Inflation risk: If inflation remains sticky, it might limit how far or how soon the BoC can cut further.

• Lag effect: Interest rate changes don’t immediately show up in fixed mortgage rates or home construction costs. Ottawa’s market may take some months to reflect the full effects.

• Supply constraints: Even with cheaper financing, if there isn’t enough new housing supply, price pressure will persist.

• Economic uncertainty: Employment losses, weaker consumer spending, or negative shocks (trade, energy, policy changes) could dampen demand despite lower rates.

Ottawa Market Snapshot: What To Watch

For Ottawa-specific signals, keep an eye on:

1. Mortgage application volumes — are more people applying, especially in suburban areas?

2. Inventory levels — new listings versus active listings, especially for detached homes vs condos.

3. Home price trends — are average sale prices accelerating, or stabilizing?

4. Time on market — how quickly are properties selling post-rate cut compared to before?

5. Renewal rates for mortgages — many borrowers in Ottawa have mortgages renewing in the next 12-24 months; the rate cut may help reduce payment shock on renewal.

📲 Thinking of buying, selling, or investing in Ottawa real estate? I am Jai Patel, your trusted Ottawa Realtor. Contact me today! 613.404.8706

The Ottawa housing market in August 2025 demonstrated a classic seasonal pattern: inventory increased, but buyer demand remained steady.

Key Highlights – August 2025

• Sales & Prices:

  • 1,236 homes sold in August 2025

  • Average sale price: $686,536 (+3.6% YoY).

  • Total sales volume: $850M (+16% YoY).

• Inventory & Listings:

  • 2,121 new listings

  • 3,971 active listings

• Market Dynamics:

  • Elevated inventory gives buyers more choice and negotiating power.

  • Seasonal slowdown expected before fall market picks up.

  • Townhouses performing best, while condos remain under pressure.

  • Broader economic and provincial trends (employment, Ontario housing supply, U.S. trade policies) may influence fall conditions.

Looking to buy or sell in Ottawa? Contact me 613.404.8706 today to get personalized market insights and expert guidance for your next real estate decision.

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Ottawa’s housing market stayed strong in July 2025, showing steady demand, moderate price growth, and balanced inventory despite slowdowns in other Ontario cities.

Key Ottawa Housing Market Stats – July 2025

• Home sales: 1,318 (+4.9% year-over-year)

• Average home price in Ottawa: $695,209 (+2.2%)

• Year-to-date average price: $702,840 (+3%)

• New listings: 2,549 (+11.7%)

• Active listings: 4,205 (+14%)  – 23.6% above the 5-year average

• Months of inventory: 3.2  – Balanced market

Ottawa Home Prices by Property Type

• Single-family homes:

  674 sales (+3.4%)

  Benchmark Price $704,800 (+2%)

• Townhouses:

  436 sales (+22.5%)

  Benchmark Price $468,000 (+8.3%)

• Condos:

  Benchmark $411,900 (-1.6%)

  181 sales (-23%)

Market Outlook

With a stable employment base and consistent population growth, Ottawa is less prone to dramatic price swings. Rising inventory means more choice for buyers, while sellers benefit from continued healthy demand.

Overall, the market remains balanced heading into fall — positive news for both buyers and sellers in the Ottawa real estate market.