Naru Menon’s Blog
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Metro Vancouver city sees small rise in rent as other cities drop
Most Metro Vancouver cities saw a sharp drop in average asking rents in December 2025, except Burnaby, which had a slight 0.1% increase for one-bedroom units. North Vancouver became the most expensive city for one- and two-bedroom units, surpassing Vancouver. Vancouver experienced the steepest annual rent decline at 7.9%. Rents have declined for 15 consecutive…
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Will First-Time Buyers Shape Canada’s 2026 Market?
Slide 1 10% of Canadians plan to buy homes next year, half first-time buyers. Slide 2 Despite economic uncertainty, buyer interest remains strong heading into 2026. Slide 3 One-third of markets will shift from buyers’ to balanced conditions. Slide 4 Home sales expected to rise 3.4% in 2026, signalling market momentum. Slide 5 First-time buyers…
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Investors: How to Win in Canada’s Cooling Market
Higher rates create opportunities to buy undervalued properties, but financing is key. Rental markets remain strong in major cities; demand for long-term rentals is high. Investors should target properties in need of renovation, especially detached homes. Patience is key—real estate rebounds over time, even after corrections.
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Renewing Your 2026 Mortgage: Stability Amid Changing Rates
Homeowners with five-year fixed mortgages from 2021 face significant payment increases in 2026 as rates double, but a market crash is unlikely. Despite high inventory and slower sales, prices have only dropped about 5%. Renewing mortgages requires early planning and flexibility. Selling remains challenging due to price gaps and cautious buyers. The market is expected…
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Canada Housing Market Finds Its Footing in 2026
Canada’s housing market is expected to see a slow rebound in 2026, with modest price gains and gradually improving affordability. National home prices are forecast to rise about 1% yearly, as lower borrowing costs encourage sidelined buyers to return cautiously. Regional performance will diverge, with price declines expected in Toronto and Vancouver, while Quebec City…
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Simple Ways to Pay Down Your Mortgage Sooner
To pay off a mortgage faster, consider accelerated payment schedules like accelerated biweekly to make extra payments without feeling the impact. Make lump sum payments with bonuses or tax refunds to reduce principal and interest. Shorten the amortization period to 15 or 20 years if affordable. Increase regular payments annually by 10-20%. Avoid costly penalties…
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क्षेत्रभर संपत्ति मूल्यांकन में मामूली बदलाव
थॉम्पसन-निकोला क्षेत्र में अधिकांश आवासीय संपत्ति मूल्यांकन 2026 के लिए मामूली बदलाव दिखा रहे हैं, जिनमें मूल्य सामान्यतः -5% से +5% के बीच रहे। Kamloops, Clinton और Logan Lake में कोई बदलाव नहीं हुआ, जबकि Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Merritt और Sun Peaks में हल्की गिरावट देखी गई। Lytton में 2021 की आग के बाद पुनर्निर्माण…
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Understanding Your Options for Mortgage Flexibility
Breaking a mortgage means paying it off early, changing terms, or ending the contract, often incurring penalties. Open mortgages have no fees, but closed fixed-rate mortgages require paying three months' interest or the interest rate differential, whichever is higher. Variable-rate mortgages usually incur a three-month interest penalty. Additional fees may apply. Strategies to reduce penalties…
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Canadian Homebuyers Regain 2026 Confidence
Data shows one in ten Canadians plan to buy within twelve months, half first-time buyers, signaling renewed confidence nationally. Buyer demand is stabilizing as rates ease and listings rise across most regions, shifting markets toward balance after 2024 conditions. Affordability pressures persist despite improving sentiment, with prices, stress tests, down payments, and cautious buyers still…
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Canada Housing Recovery Expected 2026
Home sales expected to slowly recover as 2026 begins, rebounding from current trade uncertainty. Borrowing rates likely remain near current levels, encouraging more buyers to enter the market. Economic clarity from potential US-Canada trade deals could accelerate housing demand in 2026. Core inflation stability may keep mortgage rates steady, supporting gradual market recovery next year.…