Blog

Housing affordability has become one of the defining issues for Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). From first-time buyers struggling to enter the market to renters navigating rising housing costs, affordability continues to influence how people live, work and plan for the future.

With Ontario’s municipal election approaching on October 26, 2026, attention is turning to the role local governments can play in addressing the housing challenge. Decisions made by mayors and city councillors can influence how many homes are built, where new developments are permitted, how long approvals...

Fall is more than just the season for changing leaves and cooler temperatures—it’s the perfect time for Toronto homeowners to prepare their homes for the months ahead. Here is a checklist to make sure you’re home is ready for the frosty months ahead.

1. Get Your Heating System Ready Before You Need It

One of the first things homeowners should tackle in the fall is their heating system.

Before temperatures drop, have your furnace inspected and serviced if necessary. A professional tune-up can help identify potential problems before you're relying on your furnace every day.

Don’t forget the...

There’s a strange contradiction happening in the housing market right now:

Higher mortgage rates are keeping buyers on the sidelines—but they’re also keeping some homeowners from selling.

Why?

Many existing homeowners locked in much lower mortgage rates years ago. Selling today could mean giving up that attractive rate and taking on a significantly more expensive mortgage.

So instead of listing their homes, some homeowners are simply staying put.

This creates an unusual market dynamic:

Fewer buyers + fewer sellers = a market that feels frozen rather than one that is crashing.

Recent U.S....

The Greater Toronto Area housing market moved into the fall season with buyers benefiting from improved affordability and a wider range of properties to choose from. Although September sales remained below last year’s levels, the decline in new listings was even more significant, creating tighter market conditions compared with September 2025.

The average selling price across the GTA reached $1,006,409 in September, moving back above the $1-million mark after averaging $999,410 in August. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average price increased by 1.3 per cent from the previous month,...

Welcome to TheSurGroup’s 2025 Market Snapshot

If you’ve been thinking of buying or selling a home in Etobicoke, The Queensway, or surrounding GTA neighbourhoods — now is a great time to get informed. In this post, we break down what’s happening in our local real estate market and what that means for you as a buyer or a seller.

What’s Happening in the Market Right Now

• Inventory & demand: While many buyers remain active from earlier in the year, overall listings are still somewhat limited — meaning competition among buyers.

• Interest rates & affordability: With mortgage rates...

How to sell lifestyle—co-work lounges, pools, guest suites, and “transit coming soon”—when the temperature drops.

When it’s cold out, buyers think less about balconies and more about how life actually works indoors: working from home, working out, hosting family, and getting to transit without a slog through slush. If you’re selling a condo between late fall and early spring, amenity storytelling is your edge.

Why Amenities Matter More in Winter

• Lifestyle > square footage: A co-work lounge can offset a smaller den.

• Convenience under cover: Indoor gyms, parcel lockers, and guest suites...

The Greater Toronto Area housing market showed renewed strength in September, as buyers appeared more motivated to re-engage. Elevated inventory levels and moderating price trends created favourable conditions that supported demand across all major property types. Average home values rose 3.6 per cent month over month, bringing the region’s average sales price to $1,059,377. Inventory closed the month with 29,394 active listings, which is 72 per cent above the ten year historical average. After several months of uneven sales activity, September delivered gains on both a monthly and yearly...

The Greater Toronto Area housing market continued to adjust in August, with average prices extending their downward trend for a third consecutive month. While values have retreated to their lowest level since earty 2021, the correction has coincided with a modest resurgence in buyer activity, as sales recorded another year-over-year increase.

Property values across the GTA declined by 1.7 per cent in May, a further 4.5 per cent in July, and August continued the downward trajectory with another 2.8 per cent monthly decrease The average sales price now sits at $1,022,143, the lowest level...

Hey Sur Fam!

September isn’t just the “back-to-school” month — it’s also one of the BEST times of year to make smart real estate moves. The summer frenzy slows down, the market resets, and motivated buyers and sellers step back in with fresh energy. We think it’s the perfect season to take action, whether you’re buying, selling, or just planning ahead.

What We’re Loving This Month

Back-to-Flow Market

Just like getting back into a routine, the real estate market hits a new rhythm in September. Families are settled after summer, listings pop up, and serious buyers come out. If you’ve been...

As September rolls in and the school bells start ringing again, families across the GTA are shifting back into routine — but for some, that routine starts with a new home. Whether you're buying or selling, the back-to-school season is a unique window of opportunity in Toronto's real estate market. Here's what you need to know and how The Sur Group can help you make the most of this transitional time.

Why September Matters in Real Estate

September is more than just a return to school—it's a pivot point for real estate. Many families aim to move before the first day of school, while others...