Toronto Real Estate Blog
Monthly Toronto market updates, neighbourhood guides and practical advice for buying, selling and upsizing in Toronto, from Candice and Jason Schott.

Toronto’s Free Fourplex and Sixplex Plans: What East End Homeowners Need to Know
Toronto is now giving away pre-approved fourplex and sixplex designs, including narrow-lot versions built for east end streets. Here’s what it means for Leslieville, Riverdale, the Danforth and the Beaches.

Canada’s Foreign Buyer Ban Expires January 1, 2027: What It Actually Means for Toronto
Canada’s ban on foreign home buyers expires January 1, 2027. Here’s what stays in place, what the 35% speculation tax math really looks like, and what Toronto buyers and sellers should actually do.

Urbanation’s Latest Warning: Toronto Is Heading Toward Zero New Condo Completions by 2029
Urbanation says the GTA will see virtually no new condo completions by 2029, even as unsold inventory sits at a record high. Here’s what Toronto’s condo supply cliff means for buyers, sellers and owners right now.

Toronto Real Estate Market Update
The Toronto Real Estate Market Is Changing… And Most People Haven't Noticed Yet

OMG, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Meatballs
Try me, tell me there is a better recipe out there!
Garden Suites in Toronto: Smart Investment or Backyard Headache?
Garden suites and laneway homes are getting a lot of attention in Toronto.

April 2026 GTA Real Estate Market Update: Sales Rise as Listings Drop
The April 2026 GTA real estate market showed renewed momentum, with home sales up 7% year-over-year and new listings down 9.3%. Here’s what the latest TRREB numbers mean for buyers, sellers, and Toronto homeowners.

Toronto’s Vacant Home Tax: The Expensive Mistake Homeowners Need to Avoid
Toronto homeowners must declare their property occupancy status every year. Here’s what to know about the Vacant Home Tax and how to avoid an expensive mistake.

Crispy Chicken Rice Paper Dumplings
the dangerously snackable little parcels you’ll pretend you made “just for the family”

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist:
What Toronto Homeowners Should Do Before Summer

Toronto Real Estate Market Update March 2026: GTA Sales Rise While Prices Stay Soft
The Toronto real estate market showed signs of life in March 2026. See the latest GTA and Toronto home prices, sales, condo stats, inventory levels, and what they mean for buyers and sellers.

Toronto Condo Market 2026: Why Condos Are Slower to Sell Right Now
Toronto condos are facing more inventory, slower sales, and price pressure in 2026. Here’s what buyers, sellers, and investors need to know.

Ontario’s New HST Rebate on New Homes: What Toronto Buyers Need to Know in 2026
Ontario’s new HST rebate could save eligible buyers up to $130,000 on new homes. Here’s what Toronto buyers need to know in 2026.

Spring Home Maintenance Tips for Toronto Homeowners
Winter can be tough on Toronto homes. Discover essential spring home maintenance tips to protect you

Winter Home Care in Toronto
The “Don’t Let Your House Hate You” Checklist

Toronto - Real Estate Update January 2026
Buyers have power and the condo market....well, it's a struggle!

Viral Dumpling Lasagna Recipe
Viral Dumpling Lasagna

Fresh tomato & basil pasta
Simple, fresh & delicious.

Toronto Real Estate Update - Oct 2025
What is happening today in the GTA, Toronto, York Region and Peel

🍁 Fall in Love with Toronto: The Best Things to Do This Season
There’s something about fall in Toronto that just feels magical — the crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and that cozy, golden light that makes the whol

🍂 October Market Update + A Thanksgiving Message from The Schott Team
Hi everyone,We hope this finds you well and enjoying what’s been a truly beautiful start to fall. The warm weather has lingered a little longer than expected, t

Getting Your House Ready to Sell: The Ultimate Checklist
Selling your home can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to think about before the “For Sale” sign goes up. The good news? With the right prep, you’ll not only a

What Not to Fix When Selling a House
When it comes to selling your home, one of the biggest questions we hear from clients is: “Should I fix this before listing?”It’s a great question—and the answe

Toronto Real Estate Market Update – August 2025
As summer winds down, the market is heating up with more listings and room to negotiate. Let’s dive in.I hope you had a chance to rest, recharge, and

Summer’s Last Hurrah: Squeeze Out Every Drop Before Fall
September might whisper “back to routine,” but summer isn’t over just yet. There’s still time for one last hurrah before the leaves turn and pumpkin spice takes

🌶️ Sheet Pan Chicken & Cauliflower Party
(aka: A One-Pan Wonder You’ll Want to Marry)

Fall Home Prep in Toronto: 7 Things Every Homeowner Should Do Before Winter
As summer winds down and the cooler days roll in, it’s time to start thinking about getting your Toronto home ready for fall and winter. A little prep now can s

2025 Buyer’s Market? What It Means for You
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to buy in Toronto, 2025 might just be your moment.After years of sellers holding the upper hand, the real estate lan

Understanding and Leveraging Home Equity
Home equity can be a powerful tool when you know how to use it. This guide explores how equity impacts your wealth and the different ways you can access it.How

Toronto Market Update- July 2025
Toronto Real Estate Market Update – July 2025The Greater Toronto Area saw its strongest July home sales since 2021 — a clear sign that improved affordability is

Things to Do in Toronto This Long Weekend (August 2–4, 2025)
Your Ultimate Civic Holiday GuideIf you’re staying in the city this Civic Holiday long weekend—good choice. Toronto is buzzing with energy, events, and summer m

How Much is a Down Payment in Ontario?
(Spoiler: It Depends)

“Just Needs a Little Work” — Or Does It?
You’re deep into the Toronto house hunt. Prices are up, options are down, and just when you’re about to give up, you find the one. It’s not perfect, but it’s cl

Ontario Summer Getaways
The Best Places to Explore This Season

Toronto Market Update- June 2025
I hope you're soaking up the sunshine and making the most of this beautiful summer season with your loved ones.As we move through the summer months, the housing

Tech in Real Estate: What Works (and What to Watch Out For)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being in real estate longer than I’d like to admit—it’s that things change. A lot. Especially when it comes to technology

Love Interior Design? Here’s Why It Might Hurt Your Home Sale (And What To Do Instead)
If you're anything like us, you have a deep appreciation for great design. You binge HGTV, curate Pinterest boards, and may or may not reroute your drive home t

Semi-Detached vs. Detached Homes in the GTA: Which Has More Value?
If you’re getting serious about buying a home in the GTA but aren’t into the idea of living in a condo or a townhome, that leaves you with two main options: a s

Sold… But Still Liable? What You’re Responsible for After Selling Your Home
How Long Are You Liable After Selling Your Home in Ontario? Here’s What You Need to KnowYou’ve accepted an offer, signed the paperwork, and handed over the keys

Toronto Market Update- May 2025
After a cooler-than-usual May, it finally feels like summer is around the corner — and with it, a bit of movement in the market.The Toronto Regional Real Estate

Think Being a Landlord is Just Collecting Rent? Think Again.
What It Really Takes to Manage a Rental Property in Ontario

Thinking of Selling Your Home Without a REALTOR®? Here's What You Should Know.
At SchottHomes, we’re all for independence and doing things your own way — but when it comes to selling your home, going the “For Sale By Owner” FSBO route can

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake
Ingredients:CRUST:1 package chocolate wafer cookies 9 ounces6 tablespoons unsalted butter, meltedCAKE LAYERS:2 cup Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped and froze

Welcome to Homeownership – What Your First Year Really Looks Like
So, you’ve finally done it — made the leap from renter to Toronto homeowner. Huge congrats! 🥂 Your IG is probably still buzzing with champagne-popping, key-hol

Chicken Stroganoff
(aka Comfort Food That Feels Fancy)

Things to Do This Victoria Day Weekend in Toronto
(2025 Edition)

Toronto Market Update- April 2025
Spring has finally arrived cue the patio brunches and blooming trees!, and just like the weather, the Toronto real estate market is slowly starting to warm up.

Things to Do This Mother’s Day in Toronto
Celebrate the Moms in Your Life

Best Ways to Finance Home Renovations: Your Complete Guide
Deciding to upgrade your home is exciting, whether you’re planning to enjoy the improvements yourself or boost your property’s value for a future sale. However,

Grilled Panko & Parmesan Crusted Chicken Skewers
Feeds 6 pplIngredients:Chicken breast 3 largeFresh parsley1 cup of panko1 cup of parmessanPaprikaGarlic powderOnion powderSalt & Pepper1/2 cup of white wine

Ricotta Gnocchi In A Creamy Pesto Sauce
Ricotta Gnocchi - serves 3-4pplIngredients:1.5 cups of whole milk extra smooth ricotta3 egg yolks1 cup of ‘00’ flour or all purpose¾ cup of parmesan cheese¾ tea

Earth Day Every Day: 8 Tips to Go Green at Home (And Boost Property Value)
Happy Earth Day, Toronto. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or planning your next move, today is a great reminder that small changes at home can make a big im

When a Buyer Walks Away: What to Do Next
That bottle of champagne you put on ice? Hold off on popping it just yet.In today’s more balanced Toronto market, it’s common for sellers to receive offers that

Grilled Baby Peppers with Feta, Mint, Dill & Basil
Ingredients:For the Bell Peppers:BUBBL’R Lemon Lime Twist’r, for serving1 lb. Baby Bell Peppers¼ cup Maple Syrup2 tbsp. Fresh Herbs, chopped, such as dill, basi

The Tax Man Comes a Calling: What You Need to Know About Real Estate and Tax Season in Toronto
The tax man comes a calling this month — and if you’ve bought or sold real estate in the past year, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when fili

Toronto Market Update- March 2025
Here’s a sentence I haven’t said in a while: Homeownership in the GTA is starting to feel a little more affordable. I know—cue the surprised gasp. But it’s true

Roasted Eggplant & Pepper Spread
(Aka Your New Favourite Snack)

Just Announced: Toronto to Eliminate All Paperwork in Real Estate… Using Telepathy
Finally, a deal you can think into existence.

Eggplant Chips & Homemade Tomato Sauce
Candice is a Toronto realtor with a passion for cooking! Follow along for some great recipes

Navigating the Real Estate Maze: Buying a Home Before Selling Yours
The COVID-19 pandemic shook Canada’s housing market in unexpected ways. While many braced for a major downturn, the opposite occurred. A wave of homeowners, emp

Creamy Tomato soup with Sourdough croutons
Candice is a Toronto realtor with a passion for cooking! Follow along for some great recipes

Banks vs. Mortgage Brokers: Which Option is Best for Your Mortgage?
When it’s time to secure a mortgage, one of the first questions you’ll face is whether to go directly through a bank or work with a mortgage broker. Both option

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce & Pomegranate
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce & PomegranateIngredients:1 medium head of cauliflower about 2 pounds2 Tablespoons of olive oil, plus more for dr

What is a Mortgage and How Does It Work?
A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers

Toronto Market Update- February 2025
March is here, and so is a little sunshine!After all that February snow, it’s nice to see some warmer days ahead. But while the weather is heating up, the real

March Break 2025: The Best Things to Do in Toronto
March Break is just around the corner, and if you're staying in Toronto, you're in luck! The city is packed with exciting activities for kids, families, and eve

A Guide for First-Time Buyers
What to Budget for When Buying a Home

Schott Homes is Giving Away FREE Tickets to the National Home Show 2025
And they could be yours!!

Fun Things to Do in Toronto This Family Day Weekend
Family Day is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for fun ways to spend the long weekend with your crew, you’re in luck! Toronto is bursting with exc

Yummy Nobu Black Miso Cod
Ingredients4 4-6 ounce pieces black cod fillets¼ cup of ake¼ cup of mirin¼ cup of white miso paste3 tbsp of sugarKosher saltServe with Brown rice and bok choy o

Creamy Balsamic Pork Tenderloin - YUM!!
Delicious pork tenderloin recipe

Toronto Real Estate Market Update - January 2025
January has already come to an end and now we are more than halfway through Winter, where is the time going? The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board TRREB

The Ultimate Guide to Upsizing Your Home: What You Need to Know
Selling your old home and moving into a larger, more comfortable one can be an exciting adventure. If your current home feels a bit too snug, the idea of u

Lower lending rates & changes to mortgage rules expected to spur activity in the GTA housing market this spring
GTA real estate market update, market update January 2025, real estate update 2025

Toronto Real Estate Market Update - Dec 2024
Happy New Year! We hope you were able to spend time with those who you care about most over the holiday season. As we look back on 2024, early on t

Home price growth to return to long-term norms in 2025, ending era of market unpredictability
National aggregate home price forecast to increase 6.0% year over year in Q4 of 2025

November 2024 Market Update
Winter is slowly moving in and I am sure some of us are more excited to see the snow than others. In sharing some warmer news the Greater Toronto Area hom

Chicken Tortilla Soup
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: Yield: 4 to 6 servingsIngredients:2 tablespoons vegetable oil1 small onion, diced1 red pepp

10 Festive Things To Do For The Holidays
Distillery District’s Winter VillageA seasonal staple during Toronto’s holiday season is a visit to the iconic Winter Village at the Distillery District. Previo

October 2024 Market Update
Greater Toronto Area home sales have also been great as the market picked-up this past October with a strong year-over year increase. There were 6,658 hom

5 Cozy Things To Do This November In Toronto
Toronto’s iconic Winter Village at the Distillery District returns this November, previously being ranked as one of the best Christmas markets in the world

Chicken Enchiladas With White Sauce
Chicken Enchiladas with white sauceIngredients - makes 16 enchiladas2 packs of small tortillas5 large chicken breast2 cans of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce2 c

Relocating or moving to Toronto? How to choose the best agent.
How to Find the Best Real Estate Agent for Your Toronto RelocationWe absolutely love meeting new clients moving to Toronto—it’s always exciting to welcome fresh

Navigating multiple offers as a seller
Multiple Offers: Seller’s Dream or Hidden Trap? Here’s What You Need to KnowLet’s be real—multiple offers are every seller’s dream. They can push up t

Toronto's trendiest lofts. The scoop on loft living in the GTA.
Loft Living in Toronto: Your Dream Space Awaits!If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably daydreamed about life in a trendy Toronto loft—one that looks straig

What does due diligence mean in Real Estate
Due Diligence in Real Estate: What You Need to Know Before Buying or SellingLet’s face it: with the amount of money involved in real estate transactions, you wa

What to know about selling a vacant home.
Selling a Vacant Home in Toronto: Is It Really That Scary?For some reason, selling a vacant home in Toronto can feel a bit spooky. And we’re not just talking ab

The offer process - buying a home in Toronto.
In Toronto's fast-paced real estate market, there are two main ways to buy a home: the multiple offer process and the regular negotiation process

You’ve Been Named an Executor: Now What?
Yikes! You’ve Been Named an Executor: Now What?Let’s be honest—being named the executor of a loved one’s estate is overwhelming. You’re probably thinking, “Okay

The truth about timing the market.
Timing the Market: Why It’s Risky Business And What You Should Do InsteadWe get it—whether you’ve got a family home or a portfolio of investment properties, fig

How you know... it's the one!
10 Signs You’ve Found “The One” in Your House HuntWith buyers having a bit more of an edge in Toronto’s real estate market, now’s the time to be pickier in your

A first time buyers secret weapon in the Toronto Market
First-Time Buyer? These Programs Could Be Your Secret Weapon in the Toronto MarketLet’s be real: navigating Toronto’s real estate scene can feel like climbing M

Emotional Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home
The Biggest Obstacle to Selling Your Home? It Might Be You!Believe it or not, one of the toughest challenges when selling your home isn’t the market, it’s you—w

“Can Staging Really Increase My Home’s Sale Price?” Spoiler Alert: YES!
We get asked this question a lot from clients eager to get their homes on the market: “Can staging my home really increase the sale price?” And we’ve

Build Secondary Suites and Unlock Up to 90% of Your Home’s Value
The federal government is rolling out another set of mortgage changes to tackle the housing shortage, this time focusing on creating more rental units. Starting

The Best Spooky Events To Celebrate Halloween In Toronto
Celebrate October 31st at Canada’s biggest Halloween block party, Halloween on Church Street. Toronto’s iconic Village will transform into a massive s

Sauce & Meatballs
Moist, delicious meatballs in a red sauce….our kids LOVE this sauce!20-30 meatballs depending on sizeIngredients:2 lbs Ground pork, veal & beef mixture2 Cup

September 2024 Market Update
September went by in a flash and we are about a week away from Thanksgiving, fall will be over before we know it. The Greater Toronto Area housing market

Considering Private Schools in Toronto
Considering Private Schools in Toronto? Here’s What You Need to Know.As parents ourselves, we totally get it—choosing the right school for your kids is a huge d

2024 Government Announcement - Mortgage Reform
Big News for Homebuyers!The government just dropped some major updates to mortgage rules, and it’s great news if you’re thinking about buying a home. Here’s wha

The Best Cocktail Bars In Toronto
Cry Baby GalleryThe same team behind Le Tigre in Rosedale brings you Cry Baby Gallery on Dundas West, but you could hardly tell based on how different the vibes

August 2024 Market Update
September has arrived, marking the near end of summer with kids heading back to school and holidays wrapping up. Seasonally August tends to be a slower mo

Fun-Filled Things To Do With Kids In Toronto
You don’t have to go all that far to give your kids a taste of farm life. Riverdale Farm is a working farm located in Cabbagetown, Toronto.

July 2024 Market Update
Here we are already in August and dare I say Summer is almost half over, I hope you have been able to find some time to enjoy the amazing weather we have had. &

Roasted Tomato Sauce
IngredientsMakes enough for 6-8 pplCocktail tomatoes - cut in halfBasilOlive oilParmesan cheeseSaltWhole garlic cloves2-3 roasting dishes DirectionsHeat ov

A long weekend in the 1000 Islands - Gananoque
Someone said to me last month - "we only get 90 summers, take full advantage of them!" 90 summers, think about that for a minute. When you put it in

Canada Day Long Weekend 2024
A fabulous Canada Day long weekend in the books and it also marks the official first weekend of summer. Jason and I went to a cottage with our closest friends f

Pork Miso Ramen
Ingredients: serves 21 tbs sunflower oil2 garlic cloves, finely chopped3cm piece 15g ginger, peeled, finely chopped250g pork mince1/4 cup 60ml mirin2 tbs

June 2024 Market Update
The Spring Market has been steady, and the Bank of Canada has finally dropped rates as we hoped! The BOC’s recent statement is clear: they are pleased with the

The Best Steakhouses In Toronto
Jacobs & Co. SteakhouseRecently named one of the world's best steakhouses, this tony King West restaurant trades in high-end cuts sourced from around the wo

Celebrating Fathers: The Heartbeat of Our Homes
Father’s Day is a special occasion where we get to celebrate and honour the fathers in our lives. These incredible men play an irreplaceable role in s

Burrata & Fresh Tomato Pasta
IngredientsSauce:4 pints of cherry tomatoes cut in half1 Large bunch of basil2 burratas4 cloves of garlic thinly slicedOlive oilSaltFresh Pasta:2 Cups of all pu

May 2024 Market Update
Summer is right around the corner, I hope you have been able to find some time to get out and enjoy the warmer weather. Home sales, of all types, in May c

10 Of The Most Beautiful Brunch Spots In Toronto
1. 1 KitchenFound within the environmentally-conscious luxury 1 Hotel, 1 Kitchen brings the outdoors in, with a beautifully-lush setting featuring light wood de

BBQ Rib Recipe
Serves 6-82 large disposable roasting pans4-6 large onions4 racks of Baby back ribs3-4 large bottles of BBQ sauce 1 cup of maple syrupGingerale1-2 cans of

The one you've been waiting for...
Last year we were introduced to a young couple looking to buy their very first place together. They were the sweetest couple who met online which we loved as th

April 2024 Market Update
The month of April is the start of the Spring Market for Residential Real Estate, representing the beginning of the busiest time of year for real estate transac

Bourbon French Onion Steak Wheels
Ingredients:Skirt or Flank steak tenderize and flatten out to make rolling easySliced Swiss Cheese3 Onions2 tbsp of butter1/4 cup of Bourbon2 tbsp Brown su

Toronto Events May 2024
1. Watch a flower-filled spring Candlelight concertAttend a live musical performance tribute surrounded by countless candles and endless flowers this May a