r/OntarioRealEstate

I’m currently in the market for a larger home, and I’m genuinely torn.

Everywhere I turn, people are saying that with the new 2026 Ontario HST rebates (the full relief on homes under $1M), buying a new build is a total no-brainer. On paper, saving up to $130k in tax sounds like an open-and-shut case.

But when I actually sit down and do the math, I’m getting confused. It feels like the "base price" of a new build is just the beginning of the story.

Here is my struggle:

If I buy a resale home that’s less than 10 years old, it usually already has:

• A finished basement (which would cost $60k+ to do now).

• Landscaping, a deck, and a fence ($30k–$40k easily in today’s market).

• Upgraded finishes (flooring, cabinets, lighting) that are already included in the price.

• Window coverings, AC, and eavestroughs (the "small" things that add up to $15k).

When I look at a new build, even with the rebate, I feel like I'm buying a "shell." By the time I add the upgrades and finish the outside/basement to match what that 7-year-old resale already has, the new build seems to end up being significantly more expensive.

Am I overthinking this? I’m not trying to start an argument—I genuinely want to understand how those of you who chose a new build justified the "extra" costs.

• Is the Tarion warranty and "new house smell" worth that $100k+ gap?

• Does the appreciation on a brand-new home outpace a modern resale enough to make it worth it?

• For those who bought resale recently, do you feel like you got more "house" for your dollar?

I’d love to hear how you factored in the "hidden" math of landscaping and basements when making your choice. Help me decide!

Hi everyone,

I’m thinking of buying a big piece of land in Northern Ontario. I’m okay taking the risk and not too worried about returns right now.

What I want to understand is the practical side. I’ve never owned land like this before. It’s mostly rural, just trees along a highway. I’m planning to buy it and leave it for a few years, so I don’t want something that needs regular work or upkeep. I know for a fact there are no access issues.

Is there anything I should watch out for before buying?

Are there any ongoing responsibilities like cutting trees/grass, property taxes, or anything else that could turn into work or cost?

Has anyone here owned something similar?

Thanks in advance.

There is a post someone made on Reddit about a year ago making false claims about an upcoming material special assessment for foundation work of my condo building (which shows up as top search on Google if you search my condo building). I don’t know what to do, as I’m certain it’s impacting the value of my condo that I hope to sell soon. The claim is entirely fabricated and can be easily proven.. but I’m concerned a potential buyer won’t go that far to check if they see a red flag in an initial google search.

For reference, I live in one of the smallest buildings in Ottawa, and because of its size, it’s possible to know everyone in my building (there are no elevators). Speaking to other residents, there is near certainty that the poster of that other thread was a tenant that did not want the owner to sell their unit - there seemed to be some kind of dispute where they were being evicted (I don’t have the full facts). It seems like they have a vendetta against the owner of their unit, as for the last year every week or two they try to bump up the thread by making further false claims and posting repeatedly about that particular unit until it eventually sold.

However, as collateral damage all other condo unit holders are impacted too. It’s surprisingly easy it seems for someone to post anonymously on Reddit making false claims to impact the value of condo units.  

Does anybody have advice for next steps? The moderators of that subreddit are non-responsive, I’ve had no luck submitting a general report to Reddit. Do I write a letter to Reddit, perhaps even engage a lawyer to do so (defamation)? 

Prices have come down in almost every area in Ontario, and GTA, but so many sellers are still expecting to get unrealistic prices, and/or make money on what they paid. Look, just because you bought in 2020-2022, doesn’t mean you get to automatically make money just for paying your mortgage. We aren’t living in 2023-2024 anymore. You need to sell now? Well, you might need to take a loss. You either need to sell, or you don’t.

If buyers could stop having FOMO, and walk away when the sellers want to turn down reasonable offers, perhaps we could get things to come even more inline to where they should be.

Stop giving in, stop getting into bidding wars. The market needs even more correction. We aren’t living in a sellers market anymore….take their power away!!

I’m looking to buy a condo in the Halton area, preferably Milton or Oakville. For now, I’ve paused my search because I’m hoping builders will start applying the HST rebate on closing. There’s just so much confusion and uncertainty around these rebates that I’d rather wait for things to become clearer instead of jumping in without full clarity.

——> A few questions I’ve been thinking about:

*The temporary one-year rebates are available as long as it’s a primary residence or a long-term rental. What I don’t fully understand is, what happens if you rent it out initially and then move in yourself after 1 to 2 years?

*Any builders or specific projects in this area that you’d recommend?

*I have a feeling that as we get closer to March next year, sales might pick up since the temporary relief is ending. But given how slow the market is right now, I also wouldn’t be surprised if it gets extended. Curious what others think.

*If you weren’t in a rush to move into a condo for at least a year, would you buy now or keep waiting?

Any other tips or advice for a first-time condo buyer would be really appreciated. Thanks!

Why do so many realtors/agents not know the requirements of the RTA/LTB?

Especially the ones that are doing any leasing/property management.

Hi!

I'm currently looking to rent with my partner. I am a nurse that is currently in between jobs in the interviewing process. I have substantial paystubs along with 2024 and 2025 T4s. My partner has recently gotten a new job 3 weeks ago. We are looking to rent around $1600-$2200 in Durham Region (Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa; will go a bit further if needed)

Would we be accepted if we were to submit the following:

• From myself: Previous T4s, paystubs for past 2 years, offer letter from new job, employment letter with pay expectations, professional employment references
• From partner: Previous T4s, paystubs for past 1 year, employment letter from current employer, pay stubs from last 3 weeks, professional employment references.

Neither of us have substantial savings. Would a landlord be flexible if we were able to prove that we could maintain our rent despite just starting new jobs?

Would it be possible to rent in this situation?

Please, please help! Thanks :)