Blog

Housing & rental guides, written without a sales angle

Market updates sourced from CREA, CMHC, the Bank of Canada, and Statistics Canada, plus city-by-city rental guides for families, newcomers, and renters comparing neighbourhoods.

Market update - JUL 31, 2026

Moving Checklist: Setting Up Utilities in Vancouver

Set up BC Hydro at least 5 business days before move-in. A step-by-step checklist for connecting hydro, gas, water and internet in a Vancouver rental.

Read the update

JUL 31

Laneway House Utility Costs in Vancouver: What Renters Should Budget

Vancouver laneway houses have their own utility meters by law. Here's what renters can expect to pay for electricity, heat, and water.

JUL 29

Average Heating Costs in Canada

What Canadians typically pay to heat their home — by fuel type and region — plus why heating is usually the largest share of a winter utility bill.

JUL 29

Average Electricity Bill by Province in Canada

Why electricity bills vary so much by province in Canada — rate comparisons, what drives the differences, and how to estimate your own cost.

JUL 29

Who Pays Utilities: Landlord vs. Tenant Responsibilities

Who pays utilities in a rental — landlord or tenant? How to tell what's included in rent, and what to do if utilities aren't specified in your lease.

JUL 29

Average Utility Bill in Canada by Province

The average Canadian household spends $325–$400/month on utilities, but it ranges from ~$220 in Quebec to $400+ in the Maritimes. Province-by-province breakdown.

JUL 29

FSBO vs. Using a Listing Agent: What Actually Changes

For sale by owner vs. a listing agent in Canada — what FSBO actually saves, what it doesn't eliminate, and how to decide which fits your sale.

JUL 29

How Real Estate Commission Works in Canada

How real estate commission works in Canada — typical rates, how it's split between agents, who pays, and what's actually negotiable.

JUL 19

Best Time of Year to Sell a Home in Canada

When is the best time to sell a home in Canada? A look at seasonal listing patterns, inventory levels, and what typically drives faster sales.

JUL 19

Home Staging Checklist: What Actually Adds Resale Value

A practical home staging checklist covering which rooms add resale value, typical costs, and what the data shows about staged vs. unstaged homes.

JUL 11

Credit History Basics for Newcomers Applying for a Mortgage in Canada

Newcomers can qualify for a mortgage without Canadian credit history. Here's what CMHC and major lenders accept as alternative proof.

JUL 11

Land Transfer Tax in Manitoba: How It's Calculated

Manitoba's land transfer tax uses a tiered scale with no tax on the first $30,000. Here's how it's calculated and who might be exempt.

JUL 11

Land Transfer Tax in Quebec: How the Welcome Tax Works

Quebec's welcome tax applies in every municipality, with family exemptions and city-specific rates. Here's how it's calculated and when it's due.

JUL 08

What Is a Special Assessment? A Guide for Condo Owners and Buyers

A special assessment is an extra condo charge for costs fees and reserve funds can't cover. Here's how they work and what to do if you get one."

JUL 08

First-Time Homebuyer Guide for Montreal: Programs, Rebates, and Costs

Quebec's new welcome tax rebate can save first-time Montreal buyers up to $5,875. Here's how it works alongside the FHSA and other programs.

JUL 08

First-Time Homebuyer Guide for Vancouver: Programs, Rebates, and Costs

BC first-time buyers can save up to $8,000 on property transfer tax. Here's how the exemption works against Vancouver's actual home prices.

JUL 08

First-Time Homebuyer Guide for Toronto: Programs, Rebates, and Costs

Toronto first-time buyers can claim up to $8,475 in land transfer tax rebates plus FHSA and RRSP programs. Here's how they work.

JUL 08

Toronto Condo Market: What Buyers and Renters Need to Know

Toronto condo prices have fallen sharply even as sales rise. Here's what's driving the correction and what it means for buyers and renters.

JUL 04

How Rental Vacancy Rates Affect What You Pay to Rent

Canada's rental vacancy rate hit 3.1% in late 2025, up from 2.2%. What the rate measures, why "balanced" differs by city, and how it moves the rent you pay.

JUL 04

Renting in Edmonton vs Calgary: Which City Fits Which Renter

Compare average rent, vacancy rates, and rental rules in Edmonton vs Calgary to see which Alberta city fits your budget and lifestyle.

1 2 3