For many first-time buyers in Toronto, one of the first decisions they face is choosing between buying a condominium or a Freehold house.

Both options can be great entry points into the real estate market, but they offer different advantages depending on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans.

Understanding the differences between these property types can help buyers make a more informed decision when starting their homeownership journey.

This content explains the key factors first-time buyers should consider when choosing between a condo and a house in Toronto.

What Is a Condominium?

A condominium, commonly referred to as a condo, is a property where buyers own their individual unit within a larger building or complex.

Owners share common areas such as hallways, elevators, gyms, and outdoor spaces. These shared areas are maintained by the condominium corporation.

Because of this shared ownership, condo owners pay monthly maintenance fees that help cover building expenses such as:

• Maintenance and repairs

• Building insurance

• Amenities

• Landscaping and cleaning of common areas

Condos are often located in central areas of the city, making them popular among buyers who value convenience and accessibility.

What Is a Freehold Home?

A freehold home refers to a property where the buyer owns both the home and the land it sits on.

This category includes:

• Detached houses

• Semi-detached homes

• Freehold townhouses

Unlike condos, freehold homeowners are fully responsible for the maintenance of the property. This includes the roof, exterior repairs, landscaping, and utilities.

However, owners also have full control over how they manage and modify their property.

Advantages of Buying a Condo

For many first-time buyers, condos can offer a more accessible way to enter the Toronto real estate market.

Some advantages include:

Lower purchase prices

Condos are often more affordable than Freehold homes, making them attractive to buyers with smaller budgets.

Lower maintenance responsibilities

Because the building maintenance is managed by the condominium corporation, owners typically have fewer responsibilities for exterior upkeep.

Central locations

Many condos are located close to transit, restaurants, offices, and entertainment areas, which can be appealing for buyers who want to live close to the city's core.

Advantages of Buying a Freehold Home

While houses generally require a larger budget, they offer benefits that some buyers find valuable as their lifestyle evolves.

These advantages can include:

• More space

• Houses typically provide more interior space and additional rooms.

• Private outdoor areas

• Many houses include backyards, which can be appealing for families or homeowners who enjoy outdoor space.

• Greater flexibility

Freehold homeowners usually have more freedom to renovate or customize their property without the restrictions that can exist in condominium buildings.

Choosing the Right Option

The decision between buying a condo or a Freehold Home depends on several personal factors, including:

• Budget and financing options

• Lifestyle preferences

• Long-term plans

• Maintenance responsibilities you are comfortable managing

Some buyers choose to start with a condo as their first property and later move into a larger home as their needs change.

For others, purchasing a Freehold Home may be the right long-term decision from the beginning.

Final Thoughts

Both condos and Freehold Homes can be strong options for first-time buyers in Toronto. The key is understanding how each type of property fits your financial situation and lifestyle goals.

With the right preparation and guidance, buyers can make confident decisions that support their long-term plans.

If you are considering buying your first home in Toronto, the Unna Real Estate team can help you understand your options and build a clear plan for your purchase. Click here to contact us.

One of the biggest recent announcements from the Ontario and federal governments isn’t getting much attention, but it could have a real impact on home prices over the next few years.

It comes down to development charges.

What Are Development Charges

Development charges are fees that builders pay to municipalities when constructing new homes. These costs are passed on to buyers, which means they are built directly into the purchase price.

In many parts of the GTA, these numbers are already very high.

For example, in some municipalities:

• Detached homes can carry development charges of $80,000 to over $150,000

• Townhomes and semis are often in the $60,000 to $100,000 range

So a large portion of the price of a brand new home is made up of these fees.

What’s Changing and Why It Matters

Ontario and Canada are now working to reduce development charges, potentially by up to 50 percent, by supporting municipalities with funding.

The goal is to make it cheaper to build so more homes actually get built.

Over the next several months and into the next year, it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Will builders lower prices to reflect the savings?

Or will demand absorb it?

Will more projects finally move forward?

This could also start to impact resale homes.

If new homes become more competitive, it may influence how resale properties are priced, especially in areas with a lot of new development.

What About Property Taxes

There is another side to this that has not been talked about as much.

Development charges are a major source of revenue for municipalities. If those are reduced, that gap will likely need to be filled somewhere else.

Over time, that could mean changes to property taxes or how cities fund infrastructure and services.

Final Thoughts

This is a meaningful shift in how housing gets funded and built in Ontario.

It should help with supply over time, but the real impact will take time to show.

It will be interesting to see how things evolve over the next several months and into the next year as new home prices adjust to this new reality and how that affects resale values as well.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling and want to understand how this might affect your plans, feel free to reach out anytime.

For many homeowners thinking about upgrading to a larger property, one question often comes up early in the process:

Should we sell our home first or buy our next home first?

Both approaches are common in the Toronto and Greater Toronto Area (GTA) market, and each has its advantages depending on your financial situation, comfort level, and market conditions.

Understanding how each option works can help homeowners make a more informed decision when planning their next move.

Selling Your Home Before Buying

Some homeowners prefer to sell their current property before purchasing another one.

One of the main benefits of this approach is financial clarity. Once the home is sold, the seller knows exactly how much equity they will have available for their next purchase.

This can make it easier to determine a comfortable budget for the new home.

Selling first may also reduce financial pressure since homeowners avoid the risk of carrying two properties at the same time.

However, there can be challenges. In some situations, sellers may feel pressure to find a new home quickly after their property sells, which can limit flexibility when searching for the right property.

Buying Before Selling

Another option is to purchase a new home before selling the current one.

This approach can offer more flexibility, allowing homeowners to secure the right property before listing their existing home.

In competitive markets, this strategy can also make it easier to act quickly when the right opportunity appears.

The main consideration with this approach is financial risk. If the current home does not sell within the expected timeline, homeowners may temporarily carry the costs of two properties.

Because of this, careful financial planning is important.

Strategies to Align Both Transactions

In many situations, homeowners look for ways to align the sale and purchase of their properties to reduce pressure and uncertainty.

This can include strategies such as:

• Structuring offers with specific conditions

• Coordinating closing dates

• Preparing the home for sale before beginning the purchase process

When these steps are planned carefully, homeowners can move forward with greater confidence.

Why Planning Matters

Upgrading to another home often involves two significant transactions happening close together.

Without a clear plan, the process can feel overwhelming. With the right preparation and professional guidance, however, many homeowners successfully transition from one property to another.

Understanding timelines, financial considerations, and market conditions helps homeowners make decisions that support their long-term goals.

Final Thoughts

There is no single answer to whether you should sell your home before buying another.

Each situation is unique, and the best approach depends on your finances, your timeline, and the type of property you hope to purchase next.

If you're considering upgrading your home in Toronto or the GTA, having a clear strategy can make the process much smoother.

Looking for guidance as you plan your next move? The Unna Real Estate team is here to help you explore your options and build a plan that fits your situation. Click here to contact us.

When preparing to buy a home, many buyers focus on the down payment. However, there are additional expenses known as closing costs that should also be considered. This content explains what closing costs typically include and how to prepare for them.

Let's break down the most common closing costs buyers should expect when purchasing a home in Ontario.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the expenses that must be paid when the real estate transaction is finalized and ownership of the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer.

These costs cover legal services, taxes, and administrative expenses required to complete the purchase.

In Ontario, buyers can face these costs, which can vary depending on the property and location.

Planning for these costs ahead of time helps avoid unexpected financial pressure at the end of the process.

Land Transfer Tax

One of the largest closing costs in Ontario is the land transfer tax.

This tax is paid when the property ownership changes hands. The amount is calculated based on the purchase price of the property.

For buyers purchasing in Toronto, there is both a provincial land transfer tax and a municipal land transfer tax, which can significantly increase the total amount owed.

First-time home buyers may qualify for rebates that reduce this expense.

Land transfer tax in Ontario is calculated using a tiered system, meaning each portion of the purchase price is taxed at a different rate:

• 0.5% on the first $55,000

• 1.0% on $55,000 - $250,000

• 1.5% on $250,000 - $400,000

• 2.0% on $400,000 - $2,000,000

• 2.5% on any amount over $2,000,000

If you're purchasing a property in Toronto, you’ll need to pay both the Ontario land transfer tax and an additional municipal land transfer tax.

In simple terms, Toronto buyers pay this tax twice, which can significantly increase your closing costs.

Legal Fees

A real estate lawyer plays an important role in the closing process.

They review documents, register the property transfer, handle the mortgage paperwork, and ensure the transaction is completed properly.

Legal fees prices can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction.

Title Insurance

Title insurance protects buyers and lenders from potential ownership issues related to the property.

These issues can include problems with previous ownership records, boundary disputes, or title defects that were not discovered before the purchase.

Title insurance is usually a one-time fee paid during closing and is arranged through your lawyer.

Home Inspection

Although not always mandatory, many buyers choose to conduct a home inspection before completing their purchase.

A home inspection helps identify potential issues with the property, such as structural concerns, roofing problems, or electrical issues.

The cost of a home inspection can vary depending on the size and type of property.

Adjustments

Adjustments are reimbursements paid to the seller for expenses they may have already covered before the closing date.

These can include:

• Property taxes

• Utility payments

• Condominium maintenance fees

For example, if the seller has already paid property taxes for the year, the buyer may need to reimburse the portion that applies after the closing date.

Planning Ahead for Closing Costs

Because closing costs can add several thousand dollars to a home purchase, it’s important to include them in your overall budget.

Buyers can prepare by:

• Understanding the estimated costs early in the process

• Setting aside additional savings beyond the down payment

• Working with experienced professionals who can explain each step clearly

Proper planning helps ensure that the closing process is smooth and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home involves several financial components beyond the purchase price. Closing costs are a normal part of the process and should be considered when planning your budget.

By understanding what these costs include and preparing in advance, buyers can approach their purchase with greater clarity and confidence.

Looking for guidance through the home buying process? The Unna Real Estate team is here to help you understand the numbers and plan your next move. Click here to contact us.

Buying your first home is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of costs. One cost many people forget about is called the Land Transfer Tax (LTT). This is a tax (extra fee) you pay when you buy a home. If you're buying in Toronto, this tax can be a big number. But the good news is that there are rebates (money back) to help you save.

Let’s break it down clearly and simply.

What is Land Transfer Tax?

When you buy a home in Ontario, you pay the provincial LTT. If you're buying in Toronto, you also pay an additional municipal LTT (MLTT). The amount depends on your home’s purchase price. For example, on a $700,000 home in Toronto, you’d pay roughly $20,950 in total land transfer tax.

Rebates Available for First-Time Buyers

If you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident first-time buyer, you could be eligible for a Land Transfer Tax rebate from both the Province of Ontario (up to $4,000) and the City of Toronto (up to $4,475). In place since 2007 and 2008, respectively, these rebates are automatically applied if your lawyer registers your eligibility during closing, but we always recommend confirming this ahead of time.

Do You Qualify?

To be eligible for the first-time home buyer land transfer tax rebate, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, intend to live in the home as your primary residence, and must not have previously owned a home or even a portion of one. You also need to apply within 18 months of the purchase. If you’re buying with someone who isn’t a first-time buyer, your rebate will be prorated based on your share of ownership. This rebate can help ease some of the financial pressure that comes with buying your first home.

Our clients often ask us, “Should I buy now or wait?” Our answer is: Let’s look at the numbers together. If this rebate is part of your financial picture, it could tip the scale in your favour.

Book a call with us, and we’ll run a real breakdown based on your budget and help you make an informed decision.

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When planning to buy a home in Canada, one of the first questions most people ask is: "How much do I need for a down payment?" It's a crucial piece of the puzzle, and understanding the requirements can help you plan your finances more effectively.

This content breaks down everything you need to know about down payments in Canada: how much you need, what affects the amount, and how to prepare.

What Is a Down Payment?

A down payment is the portion of the home price you pay upfront when buying a property. The rest of the purchase is typically covered by a mortgage.

Your down payment amount impacts:

• Your monthly mortgage payments

• Whether you need mortgage loan insurance

• The interest rate you might qualify for

Minimum Down Payment Requirements in Canada

The minimum down payment you need depends on the price of the home and which lender you usr but typically the big banks use these guidelines:

• Homes under $500,000: Minimum 5% down

• Homes between $500,000 and $999,999: 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the remaining amount

• Homes of $1 million or more: Minimum 20% down

Example: If you're buying a $750,000 home in Toronto:

• 5% on the first $500,000 = $25,000

• 10% on the remaining $250,000 = $25,000

• Total minimum down payment = $50,000

What Happens If You Put Less Than 20% Down?

If your down payment is less than 20%, your mortgage can be considered high-ratio, and you'll need to pay for mortgage loan insurance, usually through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) or Genworth.

Mortgage insurance protects the lender, not the buyer, but it allows you to access homeownership with a lower down payment.

Where Can Your Down Payment Come From?

Accepted sources for a down payment include:

• Personal savings

• RRSPs

• Gifted funds from immediate family

• Equity from the sale of another property

How to Plan for a Down Payment

1. Set a goal: Know the type of home and price range you’re aiming for

2. Understand closing costs: Down payment is only part of what you need

3. Automate savings: Set up a dedicated savings account or use FHSA/RRSPs

4. Talk to your real estate agent: They'll help you build a plan and connect with the right professionals to set a realistic timeline

Your down payment is one of the biggest financial steps in buying a home, but it’s also one of the most manageable with the right strategy. Whether you’re buying your first condo or upsizing to a family home, understanding these thresholds is key to making confident decisions.

Looking for a personalized plan? Our Unna team is here to help you navigate the numbers and find the best path forward. Click here to contact us.