GTA Resale Housing Market Solid in January
TORONTO, February 5, 2008 -- January’s Greater
Toronto Area resale housing market came within
two per cent of a record performance for the
month, Toronto Real Estate Board President
Maureen O’Neill announced today.
A total of 5,073 properties changed hands last
month, compared to the record 5,173 sales that
took place in January 2007.
“This is a very positive start to the year but
we will be watching closely to see how the City
of Toronto’s new land transfer tax and a
proposed property tax increase affect the
market,” said Ms. O’Neill.
The average price, which currently stands at
$374,449, rose six per cent compared to January
2007.
The strongest activity last month took place in
Toronto’s Central and East districts.
The Danforth (E03) experienced a 30 per cent
increase in transactions compared to last
January, driven by strong sales in all housing
types.
In West Agincourt (E05) 32 per cent more homes
changed hands, primarily as a result of a
surge in condominium apartment sales.
Strong condominium apartment sales also lead the
Downtown Core (C01) to a 19 per cent
overall increase in transactions compared to a
year ago.
North York Willowdale (C07) also saw a 19 per
cent increase in sales, due in large part to
condominium apartment transactions as well.
“While we are optimistic that the market will
remain healthy throughout 2008, we recognize
there are threats such as a U.S. economic
slowdown and a land transfer tax in the City
Toronto,” said Ms. O’Neill. “Like other levels
of government, municipalities should be
considering options to help off-set these risks.
TREB plans to be a strong voice for REALTORS®
and homebuyers as GTA municipalities,
particularly the City of Toronto, debate their
budgets.”
********************************************************************
TORONTO Real Estate,
February 6, 2007 -- The
January resale housing market was the best
January ever, registering 13 per cent more
transactions than a year ago, Toronto Real
Estate Board President Dorothy Mason announced
today...Read More
TORONTO
Real Estate
MARKET WATCH FALL
2006
TORONTO CONDO
MARKET UPDATE!
Toronto has
the largest condominium market in North America.
Last year, there were more than 16,000
condominium suites sold here...Read
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Common Selling Mistakes
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them.
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excited you about its most appealing features? Now that you're selling your
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pitfalls inherent in the home-buying process.
Avoid Common home Buyer Errors
Some buyers, however, caught up in the excitement of buying a new home tend
to overlook some items. When you have a systematic plan before you shop,
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But Do You Need It
Buying a home can be an emotional, time-consuming, and complex process.
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RE: Details of Approved Toronto Land
Transfer Tax
Toronto City Council has approved a
municipal land transfer tax that will be
levied on top of the provincial land
transfer tax. TREB worked very hard to
oppose this tax and commends the efforts of
REALTORS® on this issue. TREB took a strong
position to oppose this tax as unfair in
principle and refused to compromise. As a
direct result of this strong position, City
Council was forced to make a number of
amendments to the City’s original proposal,
including rebates for first-time buyers, a
reduced rate, and grandfathering for
existing transactions.
The City has not yet provided detailed
information on administration or
implementation issues. The following is
based on currently available information.
What was approved by City Council?
A second land transfer tax, on top of the
provincial land transfer tax, at the
following rates:
Residential:
-
0.5% of the amount of the purchase price
up to and including $55,000
-
1% of the amount of the purchase price
between $55,000 and $400,000
-
2% of the amount of the purchase price
above $400,000
Commercial / Industrial / Etc.:
-
0.5% of the amount of the purchase price
up to and including $55,000
-
1% of the amount of the purchase price
between $55,000 and $400,000
-
1.5% of the amount between $400,000 and
$40 million
-
1% of the amount above $40 million
When does this take effect?
February 1, 2008.
Are existing transactions grandfathered?
Yes. Any transactions where the purchaser
and vendor have entered into an Agreement of
Purchase and Sale for the property prior to
December 31, 2007 will be rebated the full
amount of the Toronto land transfer tax. The
City has not yet provided clarification on
how rebates will be administered. If your
clients have concerns, they should check
with their lawyer. Once the City of Toronto
provides clarification, more information
will be provided.
What about Agreements of Purchase and Sale
signed after December 31, 2007 with closing
dates before February 1, 2008?
Purchasers with a Purchase and Sale
agreement signed after December 31, 2007
with a closing before February 1, 2008 will
not be required to pay the Toronto Land
Transfer tax.
What about Agreements of Purchase and Sale
signed after December 31, 2007 with closing
dates on or after February 1, 2008?
Purchasers with a Purchase and Sale
agreement signed after December 31, 2007
with a closing on or after February 1, 2008
will be required to pay the full Toronto
Land Transfer tax.
Where does this apply?
The Toronto land transfer tax only applies
to transactions within the City of Toronto.
This does NOT apply to property transactions
outside of the City of Toronto.
Are first time home buyers affected?
First time home buyers of new AND re-sale
homes will receive a rebate of the Toronto
land transfer tax of up to $3,725 (this
equals a 100% rebate on homes purchased for
up to $400,000). The City has not yet
provided clarification on how rebates will
be administered. If your clients have
concerns, they should check with their
lawyer. Once the City of Toronto provides
clarification, more information will be
provided.