A Hopeful Outlook for First-Time Buyers
Sergey Korostensky
Friday, September 5, 2025
For years, home ownership in Canada's largest housing markets seemed like an unattainable dream, especially for first-time buyers in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Prices soared to all-time highs, and interest rates made securing a mortgage a challenge for many. However, recent shifts in the market are offering a glimmer of hope. As interest rates stabilize and property prices remain relatively low, prospective buyers are beginning to re-enter the market. According to real estate experts, this could be one of the best times in years for first-time buyers to make a move.
Many professionals describe the current situation as a "buyer's market," particularly for those interested in purchasing condos. The key difference now is that buyers have more bargaining power and ample time to explore their options. With a high supply of properties and less urgency in the market, buyers are no longer under the pressure to act quickly, as they were in previous years. In cities like Toronto, what used to be an unaffordable option, like a small condo priced at $600,000, is now offering decent one-bedroom units. In some cases, even moving slightly outside the city can offer buyers the opportunity to purchase larger homes, like three-bedroom properties.
While many are optimistic about the market conditions, some experts caution that potential buyers shouldn't feel rushed. There's no immediate pressure to "buy now or never," as home prices are unlikely to spike dramatically as they did in previous years. Economic uncertainties, like ongoing trade tensions and interest rate fluctuations, suggest that homebuyers still have time to carefully consider their choices. Real estate analysts believe that the next several months will bring more clarity to the market, and buyers can afford to take a measured approach instead of rushing into a decision.
The Canadian real estate market experienced significant volatility over the past few years, with home prices peaking in early 2022 before seeing a sharp decline. Between February 2022 and mid-2023, the average price of a home in Canada dropped by nearly $150,000. However, as interest rates decreased in late 2024, the market began to stabilize, and there's now a noticeable uptick in home resell activity across the country. While there's still some caution in the air, the rebound of pent-up demand points to a potential market turning point, especially in Ontario and British Columbia.
For first-time buyers, however, the picture isn't so clear-cut. While lower interest rates and more supply have improved affordability in some markets, the reality of rising prices in certain regions like Saskatchewan, Winnipeg, and parts of Atlantic Canada still poses challenges. Even in Toronto, where one-bedroom condos are more affordable than before, the need for a substantial income to secure a mortgage remains. With a 20% down payment on a $600,000 property, a potential buyer would need to earn at least $100,000 annually. Additionally, beyond the cost of the mortgage, there are property taxes, maintenance fees, and insurance to consider, making it essential for first-time buyers to weigh all financial aspects carefully before taking the plunge.