The introduction of new tariffs between the USA and Canada could have several implications for the Canadian housing market, particularly in Ontario, which is one of the most populous and economically significant provinces in Canada. Here are some thoughts on how these tariffs, along with other economic factors like interest rates and stock market performance, might impact the housing market:

1. Impact of Tariffs on the Housing Market

• Construction Costs: Tariffs on imported construction materials (e.g., steel, aluminum, lumber) could increase the cost of building new homes. This would likely be passed on to consumers in the form of higher home prices, particularly in markets like Ontario where demand for housing remains strong.
• Consumer Confidence: If tariffs lead to broader economic uncertainty or a slowdown in trade-dependent industries, consumer confidence could weaken. This might reduce the willingness of potential buyers to enter the housing market, particularly for higher-priced homes.
• Regional Effects: Ontario, being a major manufacturing hub, could feel the impact of tariffs more acutely than other provinces. If businesses face higher costs or reduced access to U.S. markets, job losses or reduced wage growth could dampen housing demand in certain areas.

2. Proposed Interest Rates

• Bank of Canada (BoC) Response: The BoC typically considers both domestic and global economic conditions when setting interest rates. If tariffs lead to slower economic growth or inflationary pressures (due to higher import costs), the BoC may adjust its monetary policy accordingly.
  • Scenario 1: If tariffs cause inflation to rise, the BoC might increase interest rates to curb inflationary pressures. Higher interest rates would make mortgages more expensive, potentially cooling the housing market.
  • Scenario 2: If tariffs lead to economic slowdown or uncertainty, the BoC might hold off on raising rates or even cut them to stimulate the economy. This could support housing demand by keeping borrowing costs low.
• Current Trends: As of late 2023, the BoC has been cautious about raising rates too quickly as we went up with 12 interest rate hikes and we have a downward trend now into 2025 with the last 5 interest rate reductions, given concerns about household debt levels and housing affordability. Tariffs could add another layer of complexity to their decision-making process.

3. Stock Market Downturn and S&P 500 Decline

• Wealth Effect: A decline in the stock market, particularly in the S&P 500, could reduce the wealth of Canadian investors who hold U.S. equities. This might lead to decreased consumer confidence and spending, including in the housing market.
• Investor Behavior: A downturn in the stock market could make real estate a more attractive investment option for some investors, potentially increasing demand for housing. However, this effect might be offset by broader economic uncertainty.
• Mortgage Rates: While the stock market and housing market are not directly linked, a significant decline in the S&P 500 could signal broader economic concerns. This might lead to lower bond yields, which could, in turn, result in lower fixed mortgage rates. However, variable rates would still be influenced by the BoC’s policy decisions.

4. Overall Housing Market Outlook in Canada

• Short-Term: In the short term, the combination of tariffs, potential interest rate changes, and stock market volatility could create uncertainty in the housing market. This might lead to slower price growth or even price declines in some regions, particularly if buyer confidence wanes.
• Long-Term: Over the longer term, the impact of tariffs on the housing market will depend on how they affect the broader economy. If tariffs lead to sustained economic weakness, the housing market could face headwinds. However, if the economy adjusts and growth resumes, the housing market could stabilize or even rebound.
• Regional Variations: Ontario, particularly the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), may experience different effects compared to other regions. The GTA’s housing market is influenced by factors like immigration, foreign investment, and local economic conditions, which could mitigate or amplify the impact of tariffs and other economic factors.

Conclusion

The new USA/Canada tariffs, combined with potential changes in interest rates and stock market performance, create a complex environment for the Canadian housing market. In Ontario, the impact could be significant, particularly if tariffs lead to higher construction costs or economic uncertainty. However, the housing market’s resilience will depend on a range of factors, including the BoC’s monetary policy, consumer confidence, and broader economic conditions. While there may be short-term challenges, the long-term outlook will depend on how these factors evolve and interact over time.

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Waterloo Region Housing Market Sees Cooling Trend: Increased Inventory and Lower Prices Provide Opportunities for Buyers

“The Waterloo Region housing market is cooling, with a year-over-year decrease in home sales in June, while the number of homes for sale is rising, offering more inventory to buyers,” says Christal Moura, Cornerstone spokesperson for the Waterloo Region market area.”

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

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WATERLOO REGION, ON (July 4, 2024) —In June, a total of 674 homes were sold in the Waterloo Region via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone). This represents a decrease of 13.7 per cent compared to the same period last year and a decline of 24.8 per cent compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous ten years for the same month.

“The Waterloo Region housing market is cooling, with a year-over-year decrease in home sales in June, while the number of homes for sale is rising, offering more inventory to buyers,” says Christal Moura, Cornerstone spokesperson for the Waterloo Region market area.”

Total residential sales in June included 424 detached (down 9.6 per cent from June 2023), and 136 townhouses (down 8.7 per cent). Sales also included 66 condominium units (down 44.5 per cent) and 47 semi-detached homes (up 14.6 per cent).

In June, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $790,945. This represents a 5.8 per cent decrease compared to June 2023 and a 3.3 per cent decrease compared to May 2024.

• The average price of a detached home was $900,307. This represents a 10.3 per cent decrease from June 2023 and a decrease of 4.6 per cent compared to May 2024.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $663,642. This represents a 0.6 per cent decrease from June 2023 and an increase of 2.0 per cent compared to May 2024.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $462,145. This represents a decrease of 1.8 per cent from June 2023 and an increase of 0.5 per cent compared to May 2024.
• The average sale price for a semi was $649,353. This represents a decrease of 6.7 per cent compared to June 2023 and a decrease of 7.2 per cent compared to May 2024.

“The average selling price for residential properties has decreased by 5.8 per cent since June 2023, with detached homes showing the most significant drop at 10.3 percent. This indicates a broader softness in the market,” says Moura. “The silver lining is this presents a more favourable pricing environment for buyers, with more choices, greater flexibility, and the potential to negotiate better deals.”

There were 1,431 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, an increase of 7.6 per cent compared to June last year and a 10.6 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for June.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of June was 1,790, an increase of 75.5 per cent compared to June of last year and 31.9 per cent above the previous ten-year average of 1,357 listings for June.

Market-wide inventory levels were up 73.7 per cent, with 3.3 months’ supply for all property types at the end of June. The property type that gained the most inventory was the condo apartment segment, which increased by 103.1 percent. That amounts to 6.5 months’ supply for condo apartments, 2.8 months for detached homes, and 3.2 months for townhouses.  The number of months of inventory represents the amount of time it would take to sell off current inventories at the current sales rate.

The average number of days to sell in June was 18, compared to 15 days in June 2023. The previous 5-year average is 15 days.

Cornerstone emphasizes the importance of consulting a local REALTOR® when considering buying or selling property in the Waterloo Region. Their expertise can provide valuable insights into the current market conditions, enabling individuals to make well-informed decisions aligned with their goals and preferences.

ABOUT CORNERSTONE

Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone) is a brand-new, novel association formed on July 1, 2024. Representing REALTORS® serving in the markets of Mississauga, Burlington, Hamilton, Waterloo Region, Niagara North, Haldimand County, Norfolk County and surrounding areas, it will become Ontario’s second-largest real estate board comprised of nearly 9,000 REALTORS®.

Established to better serve and represent REALTORS®, its vision is to establish a new, more influential, capable, and member-centric organization designed to meet the evolving needs of REALTORS® and help them thrive in the marketplace.

Cornerstone stands for transparency, honesty, and integrity. By taking a proactive stance toward the future and not being afraid to question some of the long-standing assumptions, Cornerstone offers a unique value proposition, paving the way for members’ brighter future.

We are Cornerstone. REALTORS® Together, Stronger Together.

More information at www.cornerstone.inc 

Waterloo Region Sees Dip in Home Sales Due to Sluggish Condo Market

“May saw a dip in the number of sales across all categories, with condo apartments experiencing the largest drop,” says Christal Moura, president of WRAR. “The Condo market also had the greatest supply level, posing a challenge for sellers, especially for units with one or fewer bedrooms, where the current inventory level exceeds buyer demand.”

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

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WATERLOO REGION, ON (June 5, 2024) —In May, a total of 742 homes were sold via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR). This represents a decrease of 8.1 per cent compared to the same period last year and a decline of 20.0 per cent compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous ten years for the same month.

“May saw a dip in the number of sales across all categories, with condo apartments experiencing the largest drop,” says Christal Moura, president of WRAR. “The Condo market also had the greatest supply level, posing a challenge for sellers, especially for units with one or fewer bedrooms, where the current inventory level exceeds buyer demand.”

Total residential sales in May included 467 detached (down 1.3 per cent from May 2023), and 134 townhouses (down 3.6 per cent). Sales also included 82 condominium units (down 34.4 per cent) and 59 semi-detached homes (down 13.2 per cent).

In May, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $818,507. This represents a 0.3 per cent decrease compared to May 2023 and a 2.3 per cent increase compared to April 2024.

• The average price of a detached home was $943,859. This represents a 1.9 per cent decrease from May 2023 and an increase of 0.4 per cent compared to April 2024.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $653,761. This represents a 6.1 per cent decrease from May 2023 and a decrease of 0.9 per cent compared to April 2024.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $459,260. This represents a decrease of 5.6 per cent from May 2023 and a decrease of 5.6 per cent compared to April 2024.
• The average sale price for a semi was $699,780. This represents a decrease of 3.9 per cent compared to May 2023 and an increase of 5.1 per cent compared to April 2024.

WRAR cautions that average sale price information can help identify long-term trends but should not be to indicate that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a Waterloo Region REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

Waterloo Region Sees Slight Sales Growth in April Alongside a Strong Increase in Homes for Sale

“The real estate market appeared to be well-balanced last month,” says Christal Moura, president of WRAR. “The market experienced a slight increase in home sales and moderate price fluctuations. Additionally, the number of homes for sale reached an eight-year high for the month of April, which translates to more available options for potential buyers.” read more below

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WATERLOO REGION, ON (May 3, 2024) —In April, a total of 692 homes were sold via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR). This represents an increase of 3.3% compared to the same period last year and a decline of 12.3% compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous 5 years for the same month.

“The real estate market appeared to be well-balanced last month,” says Christal Moura, president of WRAR. “The market experienced a slight increase in home sales and moderate price fluctuations. Additionally, the number of homes for sale reached an eight-year high for the month of April, which translates to more available options for potential buyers.”

Total residential sales in April included 406 detached (up 0.5 per cent from April 2023), and 137 townhouses (up 15.1 per cent). Sales also included 90 condominium units (down 5.3 per cent) and 57 semi-detached homes (up 11.8 per cent).

In April, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $800,087. This represents a 0.3 per cent increase compared to April 2023 and a 0.7 per cent decrease compared to March 2024.

• The average price of a detached home was $938,478. This represents a 1.4 per cent increase from April 2023 and a decrease of 1.8 per cent compared to March 2024.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $660,945. This represents a 0.5 per cent decrease from April 2023 and a decrease of 0.8 per cent compared to March 2024.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $485,556. This represents a decrease of 1.1 per cent from April 2023 and an increase of 0.5 per cent compared to March 2024.
• The average sale price for a semi was $665,936. This represents a decrease of 3.0 per cent compared to April 2023 and a decrease of 2.1 per cent compared to March 2024.

MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Price
	Kitchener-Waterloo			Cambridge
Benchmark Type:	April 2024	Monthly % Change	Yr./Yr. % Change	April 2024	Monthly % Change	Yr./Yr. % Change
Composite	$745,000	0.6	-1.9	$759,000	1.5	-0.1
Detached	$860,400	0.8	-0.7	$794,100	1.8	0.1
Townhouse	$619,200	0.7	0.3	$659,600	1.1	2.8
Apartment	$458,400	-0.8	-3.8	$490,100	-0.1	2.0

There were 1,443 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, an increase of 65.3 per cent compared to April last year and a 15.5 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for April.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of April was 1,390, an increase of 101.4 per cent compared to April of last year and 13.6 per cent above the previous ten-year average of 1,224 listings for April.

At the end of April, there were 2.5 months of inventory, a 108.3 percent increase compared to last year and 38.1 percent above the previous 10-year average. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current sales rate.

The average number of days to sell in April was 18, compared to 16 days in April 2023. The previous 5-year average is 15 days.

The President of WRAR suggests that individuals who are interested in buying or selling a property in Waterloo Region should seek guidance from a local REALTOR® regarding the current market conditions. This will help them make an informed decision that is in line with their objectives and preferences.

These statistics provide a snapshot of the real estate market in the Waterloo Region in April, showing both positive and challenging aspects for buyers and sellers. WRAR encourages buyers to reach out to local Realtors for valuable insights about the current state of the local market and to receive tailored advice based on their specific needs.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://wrar.ca/hpi/

WRAR cautions that average sale price information can help identify long-term trends but should not be to indicate that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a Waterloo Region REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

Waterloo Region Home Sales Sluggish in March, Prices Steady

Despite the challenging market conditions, the first quarter of 2024 saw an increase in home sales, marking an 8.0 per cent rise compared to the previous year. However, these figures still fall short of the first-quarter sales of the past decade.  

“While home sales in Waterloo Region hit a record low for March in over two decades, we’re also witnessing a positive trend,” says Christal Moura, president of WRAR.  Over the past three months, prices and activity have started to pick up, and I expect this momentum will continue into the spring.”  

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation

WATERLOO REGION, ON (April 4, 2024) —In March, a total of 596 homes were sold via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR). This represents a decrease of 3.2% compared to the same period last year and a decline of 33.4% compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous 5 years for the same month. 

Despite the challenging market conditions, the first quarter of 2024 saw an increase in home sales, marking an 8.0 per cent rise compared to the previous year. However, these figures still fall short of the first-quarter sales of the past decade. 

“While home sales in Waterloo Region hit a record low for March in over two decades, we’re also witnessing a positive trend,” says Christal Moura, president of WRAR.  Over the past three months, prices and activity have started to pick up, and I expect this momentum will continue into the spring.”    

Total residential sales in March included 344 detached (down 3.9 per cent from March 2023), and 127 townhouses (down 0.8 per cent). Sales also included 86 condominium units (down 1.1 per cent) and 37 semi-detached homes (down 11.9 per cent).  

In March, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $806,279. This represents a 3.6 per cent increase compared to March 2023 and a 6.6 per cent increase compared to February 2024.  

• The average price of a detached home was $954,342. This represents a 4.9 per cent increase from March 2023 and an increase of 7.3 per cent compared to February 2024.  
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $667,810. This represents a 4.4 per cent increase from March 2023 and an increase of 6.0 per cent compared to February 2024.  
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $483,085. This represents an increase of 0.3 per cent from March 2023 and an increase of 5.3 per cent compared to February 2024.  
• The average sale price for a semi was $680,039. This represents a decrease of 2.9 per cent compared to March 2023 and an increase of 1.0 per cent compared to February 2024. 

“Home prices have been gradually increasing since December, which is a typical trend,” explains Moura. “The rate and extent of further increases will depend on the willingness and patience of potential home buyers who have been waiting for lower interest rates before making their purchase. With the Bank of Canada not anticipated to make any rate changes before its June meeting, some potential home buyers may feel stuck in limbo.” 

The president of WRAR recommends that anyone interested in buying or selling a property in Waterloo Region seek advice from a local REALTOR® regarding the current market conditions. This will enable them to make an informed decision that aligns with their goals and priorities.  

There were 1,023 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, an increase of 18.7 per cent compared to March last year and a 15.9 per cent decrease compared to the previous ten-year average for March.  

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of March was 1,081 an increase of 54.0 per cent compared to March of last year and 1.1 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,093 listings for March. 

At the end of March, there were 1.9 months of inventory, a 58.3 percent increase compared to last year and 18.8 percent above the previous 10-year average. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current sales rate.   

The average number of days to sell in March was 19, the same number as March 2023. The previous 5-year average is 18 days.   

These statistics provide a snapshot of the real estate market in the Waterloo Region in March, showing both positive and challenging aspects for buyers and sellers. WRAR encourages buyers to reach out to local Realtors for valuable insights about the current state of the local market and to receive tailored advice based on their specific needs. 

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://wrar.ca/hpi/ 

Average Sales Price – Municipality

Average Sales Price – Township

Monthly Sales By Property Type

Monthly Supply of Homes for Sale

Monthly Supply of Homes for Sale – By Property Type

Monthly Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Monthly Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Monthly Average Days on Market

WRAR cautions that average sale price information can help identify long-term trends but should not be to indicate that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a Waterloo Region REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

Waterloo Region Home Sales Sluggish in February, Prices Steady

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation

WRAR cautions that average sale price information can help identify long-term trends but should not be to indicate that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a Waterloo Region REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

Annual Home Sales Down Significantly in Waterloo Region in 2023

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation

WRAR cautions that average sale price information can help identify long-term trends but should not be to indicate that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a Waterloo Region REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

Waterloo Region Home Sales Cool in November

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

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Surge of New Listings in September Against Low Number of Sales

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Waterloo Region Real Estate Market Shows Resilience With Increase in Home Sales and Average Prices

If you are considering to Sell your home or Buy a home in the next short while it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

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