Author name: Davelle & Co

Condo Fees: The Cost That Scares Buyers (But Shouldn’t) Let’s talk about something that almost every buyer reacts to the same way, condo maintenance fees. There’s often a bit of sticker shock when you first see that monthly number. And I get it. Writing a cheque every month for something you don’t directly “use” can feel frustrating. But here’s what’s really happening behind the scenes. That fee isn’t just for convenience, it’s for protection. Elevators need servicing. Hallways need cleaning. Concierge, property management, and day-to-day operations all need to be covered. But more importantly, a portion of your maintenance fees goes into the building’s reserve fund. Think of the reserve fund as your building’s long-term savings account. Because just like a house, things will eventually need to be repaired or replaced, roof, windows, HVAC systems, parking garages. The difference is, in a condo, those costs are planned for in advance. Without a healthy reserve fund, buildings can be forced to issue special assessments and those can range anywhere from $2,000 to $30,000 per unit. Not exactly a surprise expense most people are prepared for. This is why reviewing the status certificate (the building’s financials) with a knowledgeable real estate lawyer is so important before making your purchase firm. What Are Fees Running Right Now? A few years ago, you’d typically see maintenance fees around $0.65–$0.75 per square foot. Today, we’re more commonly seeing $1.00–$1.20 per square foot, and sometimes higher. If a building falls above that range, it’s worth digging deeper: And here’s something I always flag for clients… When fees in a newly built condo seem unusually low, that’s not always a good thing. Developers often set fees years in advance. Once the building is registered, a new condo board commissions a reserve fund study, and that’s when fees are often adjusted (sometimes significantly) to reflect the true cost of maintaining the building long-term. If You’re Trying to Keep Fees Lower, Keep This in Mind: The Trade-Off The benefit of condo living is predictability. Instead of being hit with unexpected repairs like you might in a house, you’re contributing monthly toward those future costs, whether you realize it or not. It’s less about paying more… and more about paying smarter. Quick Market Note This week, the Bank of Canada held its key interest rate steady, with no changes. We’re continuing to see a “wait-and-see” approach from policymakers, but on the ground, buyers are still active and making strategic moves where they see value. If you’re weighing condo options (or trying to decide if fees are “too high”), this is exactly the kind of nuance we help clients navigate every day. The market doesn’t reward certainty, it rewards the people who are willing to understand it first. Reach out anytime, happy to walk through it with you. If you know of anyone who needs to buy or sell, please make sure they call Davelle. Want to Make This Market Work for You? As always, if you have questions about the market, or would like an updated home evaluation, we’re here to help. For Sale: 4+2 Bedroom Victorian Dream House at Queen/Dundas (103 Manning Ave) Craving space to grow into? Welcome to your Victorian dream, where character, thoughtful updates, and family friendly living come together on a beautiful tree lined street between Queen and Dundas. For Sale: Bright 1-Bedroom Condo in Corktown, Toronto (60 Tannery Rd #516) Step into a sunlit living and dining space with clean sightlines and effortless flow. The open-concept kitchen keeps you connected – prep dinner, catch your favourite show, and take in the view all at once.

The Ontario government recently announced a proposed HST rebate for new home buyers who sign purchase agreements between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027. On paper, it’s a big number. For homes priced between $1M and $1.5M, the rebate could be as much as $130,000. But before that headline pulls you in, there are a few things worth understanding. First, the fine print: Construction must begin by December 31, 2028, and be substantially completed by December 31, 2031. Second, this hasn’t actually passed yet. And third, it only applies to pre-construction homes and condos. So What Happens Next? The assumption is that if this gets approved, developers may adjust pricing to reflect the rebate. But that’s far from guaranteed. And even if they do… you have to ask yourself: Are you actually getting a deal, or just paying today for a future promise? The Bigger Question: Does Pre-Construction Even Make Sense Right Now? Before chasing a rebate, this is the real conversation. According to Urbanation, unsold pre-construction condos are currently averaging around $1,189 per square foot. Meanwhile, in the resale market, we’re seeing condos, some in great buildings, trading at or below $1,000 per square foot. So the question becomes: Why pay more for something you can’t walk through, can’t fully evaluate, and may not see for years? Because with pre-construction, you’re buying: (Yes, even that awkward pillar in the middle of your living room.) What We’re Seeing on the Ground In today’s market, resale is offering something pre-construction can’t: Clarity. That last point matters more than ever right now. Our Take The HST rebate makes for a great headline. But it doesn’t automatically make pre-construction the better decision. Right now, resale is often delivering better value, more certainty, and far less risk. And in this market, that’s what smart buyers are prioritizing. Sometimes the opportunity isn’t in the incentive, it’s in the property that already exists. Ultimately savvy buyers aren’t waiting for incentives, they’re quietly taking advantage of what’s already in front of them. If you know of anyone who needs to buy or sell, please make sure they call Davelle. Want to Make This Market Work for You? As always, if you have questions about the market, or would like an updated home evaluation, we’re here to help. For Sale: 4+2 Bedroom Victorian Dream House at Queen/Dundas (103 Manning Ave) Craving space to grow into? Welcome to your Victorian dream, where character, thoughtful updates, and family friendly living come together on a beautiful tree lined street between Queen and Dundas. For Sale: Bright 1-Bedroom Condo in Corktown, Toronto (60 Tannery Rd #516) Step into a sunlit living and dining space with clean sightlines and effortless flow. The open-concept kitchen keeps you connected – prep dinner, catch your favourite show, and take in the view all at once.

As Realtor, we are always asked, how’s the market? So here’s our take on what we’re seeing. What the Numbers Are Quietly Telling Us If you just look at headlines, you’d think the market is flat. But when you zoom in a little closer, a more interesting story starts to unfold. The median price of a semi-detached home has ticked up slightly. Nothing dramatic, but after the typical July slowdown and the usual December dip, the trend line is starting to lean upward again. The detached market? Almost identical pattern. A soft summer, a holiday pause… and now a subtle recovery. That’s not a coincidence. It’s a signal. And then there’s condos. They’re still following that same seasonal rhythm. Down in July, down again in December. But unlike houses, they haven’t quite found their footing yet. Prices are still hovering slightly below where they were, despite earlier signs that we might be turning a corner. So what does this actually mean? It means we’re not in one market. We’re in two very different ones: And this is where it gets interesting. Because the buyers who understand this… are already moving. They’re not chasing headlines. They’re watching patterns. They’re making decisions based on where the opportunity is, not where the noise is. What We’re Seeing on the Ground This Week? There’s been a noticeable shift lately and it’s not showing up in the stats yet. Buyers are starting to prioritize parking in a way we haven’t seen in years. Even in neighbourhoods where permit street parking has always been the norm, we’re seeing a clear pattern: when buyers have the choice, they’re choosing homes with parking over those without. And it’s not just us. We’ve checked in with other agents across the city, and they’re reporting the same thing. In a market like this where buyers have options, they’re becoming more selective. And parking has quietly moved from a “nice to have”… to something much closer to a requirement. And this is exactly what a selective market looks like. Not everything moves equally and small details are starting to matter in a big way. If you know of anyone who needs to buy or sell, please make sure they call Davelle. Want to Make This Market Work for You? As always, if you have questions about the market, or would like an updated home evaluation, we’re here to help. For Sale: 4+2 Bedroom Victorian Dream House at Queen/Dundas (103 Manning Ave) Craving space to grow into? Welcome to your Victorian dream, where character, thoughtful updates, and family friendly living come together on a beautiful tree lined street between Queen and Dundas. For Sale: Bright 1-Bedroom Condo in Corktown, Toronto (60 Tannery Rd #516) Step into a sunlit living and dining space with clean sightlines and effortless flow. The open-concept kitchen keeps you connected – prep dinner, catch your favourite show, and take in the view all at once.

Why Bond Yields Matter (Even If They Sound Boring) If you’re trying to understand the spring market right now, you’re not alone. Because what we’re seeing isn’t one market, it’s several happening all at once. And this week perfectly illustrated just how unpredictable things can be. Here’s what we’re seeing from the trenches right now: A furnished executive condo rental Surprisingly, this one is getting a lot of interest. In fact, more than when we listed a very similar unit in the same building just a few years ago. That tells us that well-presented, turnkey rentals are still very much in demand, particularly for professionals who want flexibility. A home in Trinity Bellwoods For a home of this size, we’ve been encouraged by the number of showings. Buyers are out there, especially when the location is strong and the home checks the right boxes. A home in highly desirable Leslieville This one has been quieter than expected. It’s a great home in a great neighbourhood, but it currently has tenants living in it. In today’s market, that can make buyers hesitant. Whether it’s scheduling challenges, uncertainty around possession, or simply not being able to fully picture themselves in the space. A beautiful Midtown home This one has generated a ton of interest. No surprise here. When homes are well-prepared, well-located, and show beautifully, buyers are still raising their hands. A 1-bedroom condo with parking This one surprised us. It’s priced very competitively and perfect for a first-time buyer, yet it hasn’t seen much activity. This is another example of how selective buyers are right now. So what does all of this mean? The market isn’t slow, let’s call it selective. Buyers are being thoughtful. They’re comparing options. They’re waiting for the right home. And when the right property comes along, they act. That’s why preparation, pricing, and presentation matter more than ever. In today’s market, two homes in the same neighbourhood, or even the same building, can have completely different outcomes. And that’s where strategy really matters. If you’ve been wondering how your home might perform in today’s market, we’d be happy to share what we’re seeing and what buyers are responding to right now. Because in this market, understanding the nuances can make all the difference. If you know of anyone who needs to buy or sell, please make sure they call Davelle. Want to Make This Market Work for You? As always, if you have questions about the market, or would like an updated home evaluation, we’re here to help. For Sale: Renovated 3-Bedroom Detached House in Leslieville (14 Coady Ave) Morning coffee. Evening wine. Leslieville living. This turnkey Leslieville gem beautifully renovated detached home checks every box. The open-concept main floor showcases a stunning chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances, wine fridge, and seamless flow, perfect for entertaining family and friends. For Sale: 4+2 Bedroom Victorian Dream House at Queen/Dundas (103 Manning Ave) Craving space to grow into? Welcome to your Victorian dream, where character, thoughtful updates, and family friendly living come together on a beautiful tree lined street between Queen and Dundas. For Sale: 3+2 Bedroom Detached House in Davisville (8 De Savery Cres) Welcome to this extra-wide, beautifully updated semi in the heart of prime Davisville, where space, style, and everyday functionality come together in one of Midtown’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. For Sale or Lease: Immaculate 2-Bedroom Suite on Bay Street (62 Wellesley St W 1402) Behold, an immaculately designed, hotel-worthy executive suite, freshly renovated and stylishly furnished for the discerning urbanite. For Lease: Bright 2-Bedroom Condo in Queen St E (60 Haslett Ave #301) Morning coffee on your balcony, a quick stroll to the boardwalk, and the beach just minutes away – welcome to easy living close to The Beach. For Sale: Bright 1-Bedroom Condo in Corktown, Toronto (60 Tannery Rd #516) Step into a sunlit living and dining space with clean sightlines and effortless flow. The open-concept kitchen keeps you connected – prep dinner, catch your favourite show, and take in the view all at once.

Why Bond Yields Matter (Even If They Sound Boring) We hope you’re enjoying some well-deserved family time this week and perhaps a little too much good food. This week, I attended the LandPro Conference, an event focused on real estate, land, and condo development. One of the keynote speakers was Benjamin Tal and his insights were both candid and thought-provoking. He opened his presentation with a question mark on the screen and said:“I have no clue what’s going to happen.” It was refreshingly honest and also a reminder of just how uncertain today’s economic environment is. Here were a few of the key takeaways: “Blue will be the new white” One of the most memorable comments of the day.Benjamin Tal suggested that AI is increasingly replacing many white-collar jobs, while blue-collar roles; trades, construction, skilled labour, are much harder to automate. It’s a shift that could have major implications for housing, development, and the broader economy. The Housing Market: Correction But Not Collapse Tal believes the housing market is currently in a correction, not a crash.If you follow the long-term trend line from before COVID, he noted that prices are largely tracking back toward that historical pattern. However, he made it clear:The condo market is in a deeper downturn particularly smaller units, which have seen the largest price declines. A Supply Problem Is Coming Another key insight:The housing starts being reported today reflect decisions made 18 months ago. And right now? Developers aren’t building. Tal also commented on the recent announcement from Mark Carney, Doug Ford, and Olivia Chow to reduce development charges by 50%. While encouraged to see all levels of government working together, he doesn’t believe a 50% reduction will be enough to significantly increase building activity suggesting it may require closer to a 100% reduction to truly move the needle. His outlook?Within two years, we could be facing a serious supply shortage just as demand begins to rise again. More Industry Insights Additional speakers, including Jasmine Young and Jeremiah Shamess, echoed similar concerns: All of this points to one thing:Less building today often means tighter supply tomorrow. The big takeaway from last week? While today’s market may feel uncertain, the long-term fundamentals especially around supply continue to quietly shape what comes next. And as always, we’ll keep you posted from the ground. If you know of anyone who needs to buy or sell, please make sure they call Davelle. Want to Make This Market Work for You? As always, if you have questions about the market, or would like an updated home evaluation, we’re here to help. For Sale: Renovated 3-Bedroom Detached House in Leslieville (14 Coady Ave) Morning coffee. Evening wine. Leslieville living. This turnkey Leslieville gem beautifully renovated detached home checks every box. The open-concept main floor showcases a stunning chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances, wine fridge, and seamless flow, perfect for entertaining family and friends. For Sale: 4+2 Bedroom Victorian Dream House at Queen/Dundas (103 Manning Ave) Craving space to grow into? Welcome to your Victorian dream, where character, thoughtful updates, and family friendly living come together on a beautiful tree lined street between Queen and Dundas. For Sale or Lease: Immaculate 2-Bedroom Suite on Bay Street (62 Wellesley St W 1402) Behold, an immaculately designed, hotel-worthy executive suite, freshly renovated and stylishly furnished for the discerning urbanite. For Lease: Bright 2-Bedroom Condo in Queen St E (60 Haslett Ave #301) Morning coffee on your balcony, a quick stroll to the boardwalk, and the beach just minutes away – welcome to easy living close to The Beach. For Sale: Bright 1-Bedroom Condo in Corktown, Toronto (60 Tannery Rd #516) Step into a sunlit living and dining space with clean sightlines and effortless flow. The open-concept kitchen keeps you connected – prep dinner, catch your favourite show, and take in the view all at once.

Why Bond Yields Matter (Even If They Sound Boring) We know… bond yields aren’t exactly the most exciting topic. You might even be tempted to hit delete right about now. But here’s the thing: bond yields quietly influence the interest rates your bank offers you — especially fixed mortgage rates. And lately, they’ve been creeping up. Even if the Bank of Canada holds steady at its next announcement on April 29th, the bond market may still push mortgage rates higher. In other words, what happens behind the scenes in the bond market can directly impact your borrowing power. So what does this mean for you? If you’re thinking about buying in the next few months:Now is a great time to speak with a mortgage broker and lock in a rate. Most lenders will hold a rate for 90–120 days, protecting you if rates rise. That can make a meaningful difference in your purchasing power. If you’re renewing soon and prefer a fixed rate:You may want to consider renewing a little earlier to secure today’s lower rates before they move higher. If you’re planning to go variable:You likely don’t need to make any immediate changes — but it’s still worth having a conversation to confirm what makes the most sense for your situation. As always, everyone’s financial picture is different. A quick check-in with your lender or mortgage broker can help you make the most informed decision. And if you’d like an introduction to a trusted mortgage broker, we’re always happy to connect you. If you know of anyone who needs to buy or sell, please make sure they call Davelle. Want to Make This Market Work for You? As always, if you have questions about the market, or would like an updated home evaluation, we’re here to help. For Sale: Spacious 3-Bedroom Townhouse in North York, Toronto (46 Rock Fern Way #225) Step inside and you’ll immediately feel the space where you didn’t expect it. A bright, open living room welcomes you in, filled with natural light and room to actually live. The recently renovated kitchen flows seamlessly into a true dining space made for hosting, not just passing through. For Lease: Bright 2-Bedroom Condo in Queen St E (60 Haslett Ave #301) Morning coffee on your balcony, a quick stroll to the boardwalk, and the beach just minutes away – welcome to easy living close to The Beach. For Sale: Bright 1-Bedroom Condo in Corktown, Toronto (60 Tannery Rd #516) Step into a sunlit living and dining space with clean sightlines and effortless flow. The open-concept kitchen keeps you connected – prep dinner, catch your favourite show, and take in the view all at once.