Toronto’s housing market gained momentum in September 2025, with overall sales rising 14% year-over-year, even as the average price edged down 2% to approximately $1.09 million.  Stronger buyer activity reflects improving confidence, though continued price softness indicates a measured and cautious approach among purchasers. Detached and semi-detached homes led the growth in sales, while the condominium segment remained comparatively subdued, experiencing modest price declines. New listings increased slightly, tightening overall supply; however, properties took longer to sell, averaging 32 days on market—a 19% rise from last year. Despite month-over-month gains in both transactions and average prices across all property types, months of inventory remain elevated at four months for freehold homes and six months for condominiums.  Year-to-date (YTD) figures underscore the market’s slower pace compared to historical norms: condominium sales are down 29% and freehold transactions down 13% relative to the 2020–2025 five-year average. Looking ahead, a more balanced market will likely hinge on interest rate cuts later this fall and into 2026, which could encourage sidelined buyers to re-enter the market and gradually shift conditions from buyer-favoured toward balanced. Stay tuned for November 4, 2025, when the federal budget announcement is expected to play a significant role in shaping housing policy and market sentiment moving forward.

Shen Shoots The Breeze This summer we decided to spend our vacation dollars in our own country. It was an easy decision as Newfoundland was calling our names and we were glad we answered. Travelling is so much easier not needing to think about currency exchange nor crossing a border. The smell of spruce hit us the moment we stepped off the plane in Deer Lake — a sure sign we’d left The Big Smoke behind. Our lungs were in for a detox. First stop: Corner Brook, where we caught up with dear friends and settled into a slower rhythm. Watch for moose on the highway — we didn’t spot any, though we drove cautiously in the dark. Between homemade meals of freshly laid backyard eggs, hand-harvested sea salt, local moose which our friend hunted, and fresh cod, we learned that “farm-to-table” here is just… life. When their eldest warned us about a five-minute “traffic jam,” we laughed — clearly, they haven’t met Toronto traffic. From there, we rolled into Gros Morne National Park and it truly was otherworldly. The Western Brook Pond Tour is not to be missed with rugged cliffs, glassy fjords, and Insta-worthy visa views. When we realized that the Tablelands Trail was a 90 minute drive away, we decided to catch a short ferry ride from Norris Point to Woody point giving us the opportunity to enjoy the sea views and also saving time by taking an 8 minute taxi ride to the trail (be mindful of the ferry schedule). We never got tired of breathing in the smell of spruce, soaking up the coastline and the ocean wind blowing in our hair. Dinner in Rocky Harbour at Java Jack’s was a delight and Dave decided to add a helping of Mary Brown’s fried chicken to complete the meal. Next up: Twillingate, the iceberg capital of the world. We missed the last iceberg by only one day (still not over it), but the town’s charm and food made up for it. Don’t miss the Cozy Tea Room Bakery, run by sisters Joyce and Jo. Their toutons (fried pieces of leavened bread dough) smothered in partridgeberry jam with mounds of butter and Jiggs Dinner are legendary. For evening entertainment, don’t miss the town’s dinner theatre show – lotsa of east coast humour (think SNL Newfoundland-style) along with songs sung from the heart. Gander felt like stepping into a mid-century postcard — terrazzo floors, curved wood, and all the grace of a 1950s airport. Knowing how this town cared for stranded travellers on 9/11 made it even more moving. And then St. John’s — vibrant, colourful, and all the charm and views we’d hoped for. Between Jellybean Row, the ocean views, and the North Head Trail (which left us breathless in every sense), we were smitten. The Postmaster’s House B&B spoiled us with scones and cinnamon buns, while Shen’s cod-fishing adventure sealed the deal: a 25-pounder filleted and fried in the lightest of batter within an hour of catching it, served with the crispiest fries and an Iceberg Lager from nearby Quidi Vidi Brewery. That’s maritime perfection. For a memorable send-off, book dinner at Terre, one of St. John’s top restaurants. The tasting menu was so good and generous that we carried the leftovers back to Toronto — and they were still outstanding the next day. Newfoundland, in all its wild, warm, and quietly breathtaking beauty, is absolutely worth the visit. Travel Tip: If you want to catch icebergs, puffins, and humpback whales, aim for early to mid-June — the sweet spot of the season. Bonus Fun Fact: If you fall in love with the island (it happens fast), house-hunting might tempt you. While Toronto’s luxury listings reach $50 million, even St. John’s most extravagant home, a detached 4-bedroom home, sprawling 8,000+ sq. ft. on half an acre — tops out around $2.75M. Cozy homes often hover near $250,000. Moving east suddenly doesn’t sound so far-fetched.