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Many first-time buyers save for the down payment, then face a second wave of cash closing costs in the final weeks before closing.
Closing costs can add thousands beyond the down payment, so building a separate fund before house hunting can help avoid a scramble.
Land transfer tax is often the biggest surprise. It is usually due in full at closing, though some provinces offer first-time buyer relief.
With a smaller down payment, mortgage default insurance can add a sizable premium to the loan, and some provinces still require the sales tax upfront.
Professional fees and move-in costs also add up: legal work, inspections, appraisals, title insurance, prepaid taxes, utilities, locks, blinds, appliances, and repairs.
If using tax-advantaged savings or a homebuyer withdrawal program, set aside closing costs first; the remaining funds show what is truly available for down payment.

A property survey identifies legal boundaries using title records, registered plans, and on-site markers, helping show where land begins and ends beyond visible fences.
Title insurance helps manage problems after closing, while a survey can reveal boundary issues earlier, giving buyers time to renegotiate, request repairs, or walk away.
Most typical homebuyers may not need a new survey, but one is often worth it before building, renovating, severing a lot, or resolving disputes.
Older surveys can still show legal boundaries, yet they may miss newer fences, decks, pools, or additions, so confirm whether existing documents still fit.
Across Canada, most residential surveys cost $1.6K-$3.5K, and drones may aid mapping, but legal boundaries still require a licensed surveyor’s on-site certification.

CMHC expects housing conditions to improve gradually in 2027 as incomes and economic growth strengthen.
Sales should recover, but CMHC expects activity to remain below the typical levels seen during the previous decade.
CREA forecasts only modest national price growth, suggesting stabilization rather than another major price surge.
Higher inventory and weaker demand in some markets could continue giving buyers more negotiating room.

For sellers, the strongest renovations balanced personal use with resale strategy. Experts said buyers responded most to turnkey homes with instant appeal and emotional resonance.
Start with foundational updates first: fresh paint, refinished cabinets, and repaired or upgraded flooring helped unify spaces so kitchens and baths stood out.
In kitchens, natural-stone countertops and better appliances were highlighted as high-impact upgrades, especially when they refreshed the space without requiring a full renovation.
Small details also shaped first impressions: a welcoming front door, layered lighting, and purposeful flex spaces helped buyers picture entertaining, relaxing, and recharging.
Outdoor upgrades matter most when started early, since plantings need time to mature, while expert styling can lift appeal, sale price, and market readiness.

In Ontario, tenants are not legally required to hire or pay for professional cleaning when moving out, even if a lease says otherwise.
Provincial tenancy law requires units be left in ordinary cleanliness, often described as broom-swept, not spotless, and that standard applies throughout the tenancy.
If excessive dirt creates damage, pests, fire hazards, or health and safety risks, landlords may seek compensation through the board, and serious cases risk eviction.
Lease terms demanding professional cleaning or cleaning fees generally cannot be enforced when they contradict provincial tenancy law, so tenants can refuse those demands.
New Ontario tenants can expect an ordinarily clean unit, ask landlords to address cleanliness problems, and pursue remedies through the board if needed.

In Ontario, buyers often add a secondary suite to narrow affordability gaps by living in one unit and using rent to offset mortgage costs.
For established multi-unit homes, buyers can count at least half of rent to qualify. Owner-occupants with one added suite may count all gross rent.
Owner-occupants may also qualify with a much smaller minimum down payment than non-owner investors, which can make a multiplex purchase more accessible.
Before converting, buyers should price mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacancies, and renovation costs carefully, and update home insurance so coverage stays valid.
Ontario generally allows up to 4 residential units on most lots without zoning changes, but permits, separate access, and local standards still require careful planning.