In today's rapidly evolving real estate market, homeowners and potential buyers are constantly looking for ways to enhance property value. One emerging trend is the integration of smart home technology. But do these modern upgrades boost a home’s resale value? The answer is a resounding yes, though there are certain nuances worth considering. 

The Value of Smart Home Upgrades
Recent studies, including insights from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), suggest that smart home features can potentially increase a home's resale value by up to 5%. This is particularly evident in markets where tech-savvy buyers are prevalent. Smart thermostats, security systems, and eco-friendly lighting are among the features that not only appeal to the convenience factor but also to energy efficiency, which is increasingly on buyers' radar.

ROI of Smart Technologies vs. Traditional Renovations
While traditional renovations such as updating kitchens and bathrooms still hold significant value, smart technology enhancements are carving out their niche. The return on investment (ROI) for smart upgrades can be substantial, but it isn’t as predictable as more conventional home improvements. Factors influencing the ROI include the type of technology installed, the integration within the home, and the market’s familiarity and comfort with smart home capabilities.

Considerations for Sellers
If you’re considering selling your home and have invested in smart technologies, it's essential to distinguish between removable and fixed smart features. Removable items like smart TVs and portable appliances can travel with you to your next home. However, built-in components such as smart ovens and integrated refrigerators are typically considered fixtures of the home. Removing these could necessitate replacement, which might affect the home’s market readiness and appeal.

For homeowners contemplating smart upgrades, careful planning is crucial. It’s important to assess which technologies will offer the best ROI and enhance the living experience for potential buyers. Consider consulting with a real estate professional who can provide insights into which features are most sought-after in your specific market.

The federal government has announced significant changes to mortgage rules, kicking off the new year with initiatives aimed at addressing Canada’s housing shortage. One of the most impactful updates is a new program designed to support the creation of secondary suites, offering homeowners increased flexibility and opportunities.

Starting January 15th, 2025, you can refinance up to 90% of your home’s value through default-insured mortgages to build secondary suites—an excellent way to increase long-term rental supply while offsetting rising mortgage costs.

Important details of the refinancing program include:

• Maximum loan to value (LTV) – The LTV ratio can be up to 90% of the “as improved” property value, with the total property value capped at $2 million

• Maximum amortization period – The maximum amortization for this refinancing is 30 years, allowing borrowers to spread payments over a longer term

• Number of units – Homeowners can have up to four units on their property, including the existing one

• Self-contained units – Each secondary suite must be a fully self-contained unit, meaning it has separate living facilities, such as a private entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. This ensures compliance with municipal zoning requirements

• No short-term rentals – The additional units must be long-term rentals, not used for short-term rental purposes such as Airbnb

Recent Changes to Keep in Mind

As we move into 2025, here’s a quick recap of three important mortgage changes that took effect late last year, bringing significant benefits for homeowners and homebuyers:

1. Stress-Test Rule Changes: As of November 21, 2024, homeowners switching lenders at mortgage renewal are no longer subject to stress-test rules, which previously added a 2% rate surcharge when qualifying for a mortgage. This change encourages competition among lenders, potentially leading to better rates and terms for borrowers.

2. Higher Insured Mortgage Limit: On December 15, 2024, the insured mortgage limit increased to $1.5 million, expanding access for Canadians in high-priced housing markets. This change helps more borrowers qualify for a mortgage with a down payment below 20%, up from the previous $1 million cap set in 2012.

3. Expanded Access to 30-Year Amortizations: Also effective December 15, 2024, 30-year amortizations are now available to all first-time homebuyers and buyers of new builds, including condos, helping to reduce monthly payments and improve affordability.

West Coast Broker- Shannon Mayhew
Mortgage Broker

Exciting news for Canadians preparing to enter the housing market! Starting December 15, 2024, significant changes to insured mortgage rules will take effect, making homeownership more accessible and affordable. Here’s what’s new and how it could impact your plans.

What’s Changing?

1. Higher Insured Mortgage Cap

The insured mortgage cap will increase from $1 million to $1.5 million, opening doors for buyers in higher-priced markets to qualify for insured mortgages with less than a 20% down payment. This change gives buyers more flexibility and access to affordable financing options in today’s competitive housing market.

2. Expanded Access to 30-Year Amortizations

Previously limited to first-time buyers of newly built homes, 30-year amortizations will now be available to:

• All first-time homebuyers

• Anyone purchasing newly built homes

Longer amortization periods mean lower monthly payments, helping buyers manage housing costs while still securing the home they want.

Why Does This Matter?

These changes aim to address affordability challenges faced by Canadians trying to enter the housing market. Key benefits include:

• Lower monthly payments: A longer amortization period reduces payment amounts, easing budget pressures.

• Lower interest rates: Insured mortgages often come with more competitive rates, further reducing borrowing costs.

More opportunities: The increased cap allows buyers in pricier markets to qualify for financing that was previously out of reach

How Can You Prepare?

If you’re thinking about buying a home—whether it’s your first home or a newly built property—this is the perfect time to start planning. Here’s how to get ready:

• Assess your budget: Understand how these changes could impact your buying power.

• Get pre-approved: Secure your financing early to be ready when the right home comes along.

• Explore your options: Work with a mortgage professional to find the best solutions for your needs.

Let’s chat about how these upcoming changes can help you achieve your homeownership goals. Contact us today for a personalized consultation!

Nationally, home prices increased 1.5% on a quarterly basis in Q2 despite activity slowdown in major markets

Despite a strong first quarter for sales, Canada’s spring housing market was muted in many regions across the country in Q2 of 2024. Although the first cut to the overnight lending rate by the Bank of Canada in June generated much buzz among Canadians, the long-awaited drop did not translate into a noticeable return of homebuyers to the market. This hesitant approach from purchasers contrasts against rising inventory levels, which has resulted in more balanced market conditions as of late. 

Royal LePage® is forecasting that the aggregate price of a home in Canada will increase 9.0% in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to the same quarter last year. Nationally, home prices are forecast to see continued moderate price appreciation throughout the second half of the year.

“Canada’s housing market is struggling to find a consistent rhythm, as the last three months clearly demonstrated,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage. “Nationally, home prices rose while the number of properties bought and sold sagged; an unusual dynamic. The silver lining: inventory levels in many regions have climbed materially. This is the closest we’ve been to a balanced market in several years.

“This trend dominates activity in two of the country’s largest and most expensive markets, the greater regions of Toronto and Vancouver, where sales are down yet prices remain sticky,” Soper continued. “There are exceptions. In the prairie provinces and Quebec, low supply and tight competition persist.”

Q2 reports modest uptick in home prices

According to the Royal LePage House Price Survey, the aggregate price of a home in Canada increased 1.9% year over year to $824,300 in the second quarter of 2024. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, the national aggregate home price increased 1.5%, despite a slowdown in activity in the country’s most expensive markets. 

When broken out by housing type, the national median price of a single-family detached home increased 2.2% year over year to $860,600, while the median price of a condominium increased 1.6% year over year to $596,500. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, the median price of a single-family detached home increased 1.8%, while the median price of a condominium increased 0.8%. 

Sustained high interest rates run risk of buyer rush

For the last two years, the national housing market has seen home prices fluctuate between modest declines and increases – with some regional exceptions – as a result of the impacts of higher interest rates. As the Bank of Canada cautiously navigates the delicate balance between lowering the key lending rate and keeping inflation in check, some segments of Canada’s housing market have stalled.

“Canada’s housing market faces pent-up demand after two stifling years of high borrowing costs. While inflation control is crucial, persistently high rates are increasing the risk of a surge in demand when buyers inevitably return. New household formation and immigration keep fueling the need for housing, and a sudden release could create much market instability. This highlights the need for a more nuanced approach that balances inflation control with economic vitality,” added Soper. 

Increased borrowing costs hamper new supply creation

Elevated borrowing rates are not only dampening housing market activity but also stifling the construction of new homes. Builders, who rely heavily on lending, are finding it increasingly difficult to finance new projects, exacerbating the country’s shortage of housing at a time when our population continues to grow.

“Canada’s housing market faces complex challenges. While raising interest rates was crucial to fighting inflation, it has unintentionally choked off the essential flow of new housing supply. Higher borrowing costs, coupled with labour shortages in the construction trades and rising material prices, have made it economically unsustainable for developers to launch new projects. This creates a perfect storm – our population is growing steadily, yet we’re building far fewer homes than what’s needed to meet that demand. This situation urgently needs innovative solutions to ensure Canadians have access to affordable housing options,” concluded Soper.

Read Royal LePage’s second quarter release for national and regional insights. 

Second quarter press release highlights:

• Toronto and Vancouver report slower-than-usual market activity this spring as inventory builds, while demand continues to outpace supply in prairie provinces and Quebec  

• Quebec City records highest year-over-year aggregate price increase (10.4%) in Q2 among report’s major regions

• Royal LePage maintains national year-end forecast with prices expected to increase 9.0% in Q4 2024 over the same period last year 

• According to a Royal LePage survey, conducted by Leger2 earlier this year, 51% of sidelined homebuyers said they would resume their search if interest rates reversed.

https://blog.royallepage.ca/where-was-the-spring-market-homebuyers-continue-to-wait-in-the-wings-despite-highly-anticipated-first-rate-cut-by-the-bank-of-canada/

The Bank of Canada has reduced the overnight rate to 4.75%, signaling a shift towards less restrictive monetary policy. This adjustment, paired with ongoing balance sheet normalization, is poised to influence both current and prospective homeowners significantly.

Current Economic Overview:

As we navigate through 2024, global economies are showing mixed signs of growth and stability. While the United States is experiencing a slower-than-expected expansion, Europe and China are witnessing a pickup in economic activities. Back home, after a brief stagnation, Canada's economy is back on a growth trajectory, albeit at a modest pace of 1.7% in the first quarter, underpinned by strong consumption and business investment.

Impact on Your Mortgage:

This rate cut is pivotal for variable-rate mortgage holders, potentially lowering the interest costs associated with these loans. With lenders expected to adjust their prime lending rates to 6.95%, now is an excellent time to review your mortgage strategy. Whether you're considering buying, refinancing, or renewing, the changing rates could impact your decisions and financial planning.

Looking Ahead:

The Bank's latest move reflects increased confidence that inflation will continue its descent toward the 2% target. However, with the economic landscape still presenting various risks, especially in terms of inflation dynamics, wage growth, and international developments, staying informed and proactive is more crucial than ever.

*Information provided by 
Shannon Mayhew, MBI - Mortgage Broker 
778-858-9848 / www.westcoastbroker.ca 

Are You Looking to Buy Your First Home?

Are You Thinking About Making a Move?

No matter your goals, there are several steps you can take in advance to streamline the mortgage process and make it more manageable!

Getting Pre-Qualified

The purpose of mortgage pre-qualification is to help you understand what you can afford when shopping for a new home. Pre-qualification involves assessing your financial status, which allows you to establish a budget and determine your potential monthly payments.

By downloading my app, you can get pre-qualified in under 60 seconds! This tool will also provide you with an estimate of your monthly mortgage payments and help you compare various payment schedules.

Getting Pre-Approved

While pre-qualification gives you a general idea of your affordability, pre-approval is a step further. Pre-approval means that a lender has officially stated (in writing) that you qualify for a mortgage and specified the amount based on your submitted income and credit history documentation.

A pre-approval typically includes details such as term, interest rate, and mortgage amount, and is valid for a brief period, assuming all conditions are met.

Benefits of Pre-Approval

• Confirms Your Budget: It confirms the maximum amount you can afford.

• Locks in Interest Rates: It can secure an interest rate for 90-120 days while you shop for your new home.

• Strengthens Your Offer: It assures sellers that securing financing won't be an issue, which is crucial in competitive markets with multiple offers.

Important Considerations Post-Pre-Approval

Once you obtain pre-approval, it's crucial to maintain your financial and employment status until the mortgage application and sale are complete. Avoid making changes such as quitting or changing jobs, buying a new car, transferring large sums of money between bank accounts, leaving bills unpaid, or opening new credit cards. Any changes could jeopardize your pre-approval status.

By taking these steps, you'll be better prepared and positioned for a smooth and successful home-buying experience.

Let us help you find your dream home or guide you through a successful real estate transaction. Your satisfaction is our priority!

You may have seen this stat making headlines recently:  2.2 million Canadian mortgages are expected to be up for renewal by the end of 2025. This number represents half of Canadian Mortgage Holders!  This turning point presents a significant moment for homeowners, as the majority will likely face an increase in their monthly payments if they choose to renew their mortgages under the same terms. With the dynamic shifts in the mortgage landscape, it's crucial to understand what this means for you and how you can navigate your mortgage renewal strategically.

The Impact of Renewal
Renewing your mortgage typically means continuing with the same amortization schedule—the total time it will take to pay off your mortgage in full. This process does not inherently involve making adjustments, such as taking out equity or extending your amortization period. It’s a straightforward path but not necessarily the most advantageous.

Consider a hypothetical scenario reflective of the current market trends. In June 2019, a homeowner might have purchased a property with a $500,000 mortgage at a rate of 3.65%, with a 25-year amortization and a monthly payment of $2,536. Fast forward to a June 2024 renewal under new conditions with a decreased principal of $432,577 but a higher interest rate of 5.24%. This adjustment results in a new term and an increased monthly payment of $2,898, despite the shorter 20-year amortization schedule. 

You Have Options
It's important to remember that renewal is just one option. When your mortgage term comes to an end, you have the flexibility to renegotiate your mortgage terms or even switch lenders to secure a more favourable deal. This could involve adjusting the amortization period, locking in a different interest rate, or extracting equity for other financial needs.

Seeking Expert Advice
Before you sign on the dotted line, consider consulting with a mortgage expert. A professional review of your renewal offer could reveal opportunities to optimize your mortgage setup, potentially saving you thousands of dollars over the term of your mortgage. With so much at stake, personalized advice tailored to your financial situation and future goals is invaluable.

Act Now
For the 2.2 million Canadian homeowners facing renewals in the next couple of years, now is the time to start preparing. Assess your current financial health, consider how changes in the market might affect your mortgage payments, and explore your options. Don’t hesitate to reach out for expert advice to ensure that your mortgage renewal decisions align with your long-term financial stability.

As your mortgage term approaches its end, remember that you hold the power to shape your financial future. Take the initiative to understand your options, seek out the best possible conditions, and make informed decisions that will benefit you for years to come.

*SHANNON MAYHEW, MBI
MORTGAGE BROKER
T 778.858.9848
www.westcoastbroker.ca
Vancouver, B.C.

On Tuesday, April 16th, the Canadian federal government unveiled the 2024 budget. The annual fiscal announcement detailed dozens of new and ongoing initiatives aimed at creating new housing, along with policies targeted at making renting and home ownership more affordable for Canadians.

Here are eight standout housing policies announced in this year’s budget:

Canadian Renters’ Bill of Rights

More Canadians are renting for longer periods of time before they transition into home ownership. The 2024 budget announced several measures intended to effectively protect tenants and strengthen their path to buying real estate.

Budget 2024 announced the creation of the Canadian Renters’ Bill of Rights, which proposes a nationwide standard lease agreement and would require landlords to disclose rental price history on properties. Through the Canadian Mortgage Charter, the Budget also calls on banks and lenders to allow tenants to report their rental payment history to credit bureaus in order to better their credit scores, thereby strengthening their future mortgage applications.

Additionally, $15 million over five years has been allocated to a Tenant Protection Fund, which will provide legal support to tenants.

Funding for the construction of new homes

The federal government is promising billions of dollars in spending toward the construction of new housing.

The 2024 budget unveiled the Canada Builds initiative, which will enable the country’s Apartment Construction Loan Program to partner with provincial governments in order to build more rental accommodation. Starting next year, the program will receive $15 billion in additional funding for the creation of 30,000 new homes, topping up the program’s current funding allocation to over $55 billion for a total of 131,000 units, set to be built by 2031.

The Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corporation’s (CMHC) Housing Accelerator Fund will also receive $400 million in financial support to build 12,000 new housing units.

Infrastructure Canada will receive $6 billion over the next decade towards the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, which will support the creation of water and waste infrastructure needed for new communities. $100 million over two years will also be dedicated to Employment and Social Development Canada to support apprenticeship and skilled-trade programs that address the workforce shortage needed to build housing.

30-year mortgage amortizations for first-time buyers of new homes

Through the Canadian Mortgage Charter, the 2024 budget announced that starting on August 1st, first-time buyers purchasing a newly constructed home can access 30-year mortgage amortizations, a product that has previously only been available to those with a down payment of at least 20%.

In practice, a longer amortization period would allow borrowers to pay off their mortgage over an extended timeline, thereby reducing their monthly payments.

Amendments to the Home Buyers’ Plan

Saving for a down payment is one of the largest hurdles new homebuyers face. To make it easier to access funds for a home purchase, Budget 2024 unveiled an amendment to the withdrawal limit on the Home Buyers’ Plan, which has been increased from $35,000 to $60,000 as of April 16th.

Support for single-family home suites

To encourage the creation of secondary housing units, the 2024 budget announced $409.6 million over four years towards a Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program, run by the CMHC. This will enable homeowners to borrow up to $40,000 in low-interest loans towards the cost of adding a secondary suite to their homes, which can be used for multi-generational living purposes or as a source of rental income.

Increase to the inclusion rate on capital gains above $250,000

Effective June 25th, Budget 2024 proposes an increase to the inclusion rate on capital gains realized annually above $250,000 by individuals, corporations, and trusts from one-half to two-thirds, by amending the Income Tax Act. This would include the sale of secondary residences and investment properties.

Currently, only 50% of capital gains are taxable. The 2024 budget would increase the inclusion rate to 66% on capital gains above $250,000. The sale of principal residences will continue to be exempt from capital gains tax.

New funds for post-war housing catalog

In December 2023, the federal government announced that it would be modernizing its post-war home design catalog, providing standardized home blueprints that would accelerate the creation of much-needed housing. The 2024 budget unveiled $11.6 million towards the development of 50 home designs, which includes plans for row homes, fourplexes, sixplexes, accessory units, and modular homes.

Conversion of public lands into housing

Land scarcity is one of the main barriers to the creation of new housing. The federal government intends to utilize public lands in order to free up space where new housing can be built, with a goal of building 250,000 new homes by 2031 under the Public Lands for Homes Plan. In Budget 2024, the government announced plans to lease public land to builders in order to lower capital costs and review the federal lands portfolio to identify more usable lands for housing. The budget also outlines plans to reduce the footprint of federal office buildings and convert these spaces into housing.

Over the next three years, $5 million will be allocated to the Canada Lands Company to support initiatives to build properties on public lands.

*Information provided by Michelle McNally
Communications manager, Royal LePage

With a new year now underway, Canadians can expect to see a variety of changes coming to federal, provincial and local government housing legislation in 2024. 

From updated taxes to revised urban planning regulations, new housing laws and policies will roll out across the country in the coming months. Several of these policies promise to boost much-needed housing supply, which remains at a critical shortage in both the resale and rental segments.  

Here are the new housing policies that you should know about in 2024. 

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Federal Policies

Short-term Rental Restrictions

In November, 2023, the Government of Canada unveiled its 2023 Fall Economic Statement, which details new tax, spending and inventory-boosting measures. This includes new efforts to incentivise short-term rental operators to return properties to the long-term housing market. Going forward, income tax deductions will be denied in cases where short-term rental owners are not compliant with provincial or municipal licensing, permitting or registration requirements. This applies to all expenses incurred on or after January 1st, 2024.

You can read more details from the 2023 Fall Economic Statement here. 

Pre-approved Home Design Catalogue

To boost construction of new home supply, the federal government intends to revive a post-Second World War housing policy of standardized, pre-approved home designs, making it easier and faster for developers to build new properties. The modern version of the catalogue will focus on creating blueprints for a variety of low-rise housing, and potentially higher-density homes and different forms of building construction, such as modular and prefabricated homes. 

Consultations for the home catalogue are expected to start in January, 2024.

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British Columbia 

New Short-term Rental Housing By-laws

In late 2023, the provincial government introduced the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act which imposes stricter regulations and enforcement on short-term rental housing. As of May 1st, 2024, the Act will require short-term rental hosts to display a valid business licence number on their listing in regions where a licence is required by the local government. Short-term rentals will be limited to the host’s principal residence, plus one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit, in select communities. 

Additionally, protections for ‘non-conforming use of property’ will no longer apply to short-term rentals. Later in the year, the British Columbia government will implement a short-term rental registry, and require rental platforms to share data with the Province. 

Expanded Speculation and Vacancy Tax

The province has expanded its existing speculation and vacancy tax laws to 13 new communities, including Penticton, Courtenay and Kamloops. Homeowners in applicable regions will be required to declare how they used their property in 2024 for the first time in January, 2025. 

Introduced in 2018, the speculation and vacancy tax is 2% for individuals who don’t pay the majority of their taxes in Canada, or 0.5% for Canadian citizens or permanent residents who pay the majority of their taxes in the country. 

Updated Zoning Rules

New zoning laws are under consideration to deliver more small-scale, multi-unit housing across British Columbia. Under the proposed legislation, one secondary suite or one laneway home will be permitted in all communities throughout the province. In most areas within municipalities of more than 5,000 people, by-laws will also be adapted to allow three to four units on lots currently zoned exclusively for single-family or duplex residential, and permit six units on larger lots close to transit stops with frequent service.

Additionally, the new zoning rules would require municipalities to update community plans and zoning by-laws on a regular basis to ensure that there is enough housing for current and future residents. Changes to zoning by-laws will roll out across 2024. 

*https://blog.royallepage.ca/new-housing-legislation-to-look-out-for-in-2024/