Jeffrey Chan - Living Life Ontario

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Jeffrey Chan - Living Life Ontario Ontario Realtor
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Airbnb Property Manager
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10/15/2026

Ontario Condo Closings Face Value Gap
Lately, I’ve been hearing from clients and fellow buyers who are facing a tough challenge with Ontario condo closings. Some purchasers are finding themselves owing up to 30% more than their condo’s current market value—simply because the value of the unit has dropped since they signed the purchase agreement. When banks base mortgage amounts on today’s appraised value, but your contract price is higher, that can leave a serious shortfall at closing.

Much of this comes from long delays between signing and actually moving in—pre-construction sales, permits, trades and labor shortages all stretch the timeline, giving the market time to change. In the past, we saw developers cancel deals if costs got out of hand, which led to new provincial rules and more scrutiny over these projects.

If you’re in the middle of a pre-construction contract, you know how complex these agreements can be. Usually, there’s only a 10-day cooling-off period or a chance to exit if the occupancy date is missed. As someone who’s navigated these waters both as a real estate investor and now helping families buy and sell, I know how overwhelming this can feel. The key is to be prepared, read every contract carefully, and get the right advice before signing on. If you’re not sure where to turn, know that you’re not alone—there are ways to protect your investment and your peace of mind.

10/14/2026

Ontario HST Rebates Boost New Home Sales
Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about Ontario’s temporary HST relief and what it really means for those of us looking to buy or sell new homes. As someone who’s spent years navigating the real estate world—both as an investor and now helping families like yours—I see firsthand how tax reductions can play a big role in making homes more affordable and boosting confidence in the market.

Builders are juggling rising costs for materials and labour, slow approval processes, and a tangle of fees and levies that only add to the challenge. On top of that, the rollout of the temporary HST program was slower than many hoped, leaving buyers, developers, and builders waiting on details and applications, which meant the intended boost to housing activity didn’t quite land as planned.

Highrise condos, in particular, feel the pinch—these projects take years to bring to life, so short-term tax policies just don’t move the needle enough. That’s why industry voices are calling for something more lasting: permanent HST relief (ideally removing the tax altogether on new homes), making it possible for Ontario to hit that ambitious goal of 1.5 million new homes by 2031.

As always, my goal is to help you make sense of how these changes might affect your plans, so you and your family can move forward with confidence.

10/13/2026

Ontario's $130K HST rebate absorbs tariff costs as GTA single-family home sales hit 47% above the 10-year average
The Ontario real estate scene continues to impress, with single-family home sales in the GTA soaring 47% above the 10-year average—even as prices adjust. What’s fueling this momentum? Tax incentives like the $130,000 HST rebate are absorbing added costs such as tariffs, making it an opportune time for families looking to make that move. With $39.3 billion invested in the sector and 256,000 jobs supported, it’s clear our communities are thriving. As someone who’s navigated the market both as an investor and as a guide for buyers and sellers, I see firsthand how these changes can benefit families searching for the right place to call home. Let’s make sure your next move is one you and your family feel confident about.

Ontario Builders Prepare for Growth with New InvestmentsAs someone who lives and works in Markham—and helps families fin...
10/09/2026

Ontario Builders Prepare for Growth with New Investments
As someone who lives and works in Markham—and helps families find homes across Ontario—I know how every dollar matters when it comes to buying or selling. Right now, tariff disputes between Canada and the U.S. are adding $9,000–$14,000 to the cost of building a single home here in Ontario. For mid-rise units, that jump is even higher—$18,000–$28,000. This isn’t just about higher prices for materials; it affects jobs, slows down housing starts, and makes affordability more challenging for families dreaming of their next move. Having navigated these ups and downs as both a real estate investor and as your local agent, I’m always watching out for the factors that could impact your plans. My goal is to help you make decisions that keep you and your family stress-free for years to come—even as the market shifts around us.


https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/jeff-chan/2069054-Ontario-Builders-Prepare-for-Growth-with-New-Investments

10/08/2026

Ottawa Prices Turn Positive in Late Summer
Ottawa’s real estate market is showing some interesting shifts this late summer. For the first time in 2026, Ottawa’s price index is in positive territory—up about 1% year-over-year after a stretch of weakness. At the same time, though, resale activity took a dip: resales dropped roughly 11% month-over-month and about 19% compared to last year, which is the sharpest drop among all tracked cities in this update.

As someone who’s spent years navigating the ups and downs of property buying and selling, I always pay attention to these market signals. When prices firm up while sales soften, it usually means the market is still working to find its balance. Price gains in Ottawa aren’t locked in yet, so I’d recommend buyers and sellers keep an eye on the trends.

One positive note for Ottawa homeowners: compared to cities where markets are softer, there’s a bit more breathing room to manage higher renewal payments as mortgage resets continue through the year. Still, with recent price gains arriving alongside volatility, it’s wise to approach any decision with care—especially when stability is still on the horizon. If you’re weighing your next move, I’m here to help take the stress out of the process and ensure your family has the right information to move forward confidently.

10/07/2026

Ottawa Housing Starts Rise 8% This Year
Ottawa’s housing market has seen a notable pickup in construction activity this year—something I always keep an eye on as a real estate investor and agent. By mid-Q3, there were 7,300 new housing starts in the city, up 8% compared to 6,700 in the same period last year. What’s especially interesting is the surge in single-family home starts: 1,200 so far, marking a 40% jump year over year. This segment is clearly leading the way in Ottawa’s growing market.

Apartments, townhouses, and condos are also adding to the momentum, with 6,100 starts through mid-Q3 versus 5,900 last year. That’s a healthy increase, helping boost the city’s housing supply. Meanwhile, Ottawa now has 17,900 homes under construction—up from 17,300 a year ago—which means an even larger pipeline of new homes is on the way. Plus, there are another 4,100 homes approved and waiting to break ground.

As someone who understands both the buying and selling sides, these numbers tell me that Ottawa is steadily building for the future, offering more options for families and investors alike. If you’re watching the market for opportunities or that next step for your family, it helps to have a guide who truly understands what’s happening behind the headlines.

10/06/2026

Ottawa Home Values Rise, Reflecting Stronger Market This Summer
It’s getting tougher to break into the Ottawa housing market this summer. The income required to buy a home there has climbed to $137,400, with average prices at $637,700 and monthly mortgage payments now reaching $3,291. While Ottawa, Halifax, and Fredericton are seeing affordability slip further away, cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have actually experienced some improvement.

As someone who has spent years navigating the ups and downs of the real estate market—not just as an agent but as an investor and a family man—I understand firsthand how these numbers can feel daunting. My focus has always been helping families find homes where they can truly settle in and breathe easy, even as the landscape shifts. If you’re feeling unsure about what these changes could mean for your next move, remember: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Let’s start this journey together and make the process a little less stressful for you and your family.

Unlocking the Pathways to Canada’s Housing RecoveryAs someone who’s both lived and invested in Markham’s real estate mar...
10/02/2026

Unlocking the Pathways to Canada’s Housing Recovery
As someone who’s both lived and invested in Markham’s real estate market, I see firsthand what’s really slowing down Canada’s housing recovery. Trade uncertainty, regulatory delays, and buyers’ hesitation are putting the brakes on new developments—despite steady interest rates. This regulatory gridlock means fewer homes being built, and that affects families who are hoping for stability and growth in their next move. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, understanding these challenges is key to making smart, confident decisions for your family’s future. My experience on both sides of the table helps me navigate these hurdles, so your journey to the right home stays as smooth—and stress-free—as possible.


https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/jeff-chan/1874970-Unlocking-the-Pathways-to-Canada%E2%80%99s-Housing-Recovery

10/01/2026

Canada's Real Estate Recovery Takes Shape
As someone living and working in Markham, I keep a close eye on Canada's housing market—because I know how much changing conditions impact families planning their next move. Right now, we're seeing the first signs of real recovery: sales are picking up, inventory is stabilizing, and prices have started to climb after a tough stretch. For 2026, forecasts suggest sales may dip around 4% to about 453,000 homes, and average prices might ease by roughly 2% to $794,000 before things firm up again in 2027. In fact, 2027 could see sales rising 7% to 484,000 units, with benchmark prices nudging up to $801,000 across Canada. The recovery isn’t happening at the same pace everywhere—Ontario and British Columbia are still finding their footing, and condo markets in Toronto and Vancouver remain under pressure. But for buyers, this transition from correction to recovery could mean new opportunities as conditions gradually improve. With years of experience as both a realtor and an investor, I know how important it is to find not just any home, but the right one for you and your family—one that feels secure as the market evolves.

09/29/2026

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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Ottawa, ON
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