Regan Irish & Associates
Real Estate Blog

Luxury Real Estate Trends

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The personal luxury market is in a constant state of flux. From art to watches to wine to real estate, the luxury market responds to increasing consumer demands for accessibility, personalization and secure service.

Accessibility, that elusive blend of convenience and connectivity that doesn’t undermine exclusivity, is surfacing in the luxury real estate industry in two significant ways.

The first is in the realm of digital technologies, which are already an intrinsic component of daily life for the busy, connected consumer. Customers and clients alike expect the advantages of digital to carry over into the luxury market. McKinsey & Company predicts that by 2025, nearly one fifth of personal luxury sales will happen online, while brands like Burberry are already leveraging innovative digital marketing tactics and offering ease-of-purchase solutions to capture the loyalty of affluent millennials.

With this on-demand landscape in mind, our real estate agents are focused on being digitally present and promptly responsive. Clients may book an appointment with Alex Irish & Associates online, if they wish. They may also text or message us at their convenience and receive a timely reply. Our continually updated website is also a wealth of information about the homes we have listed and sold, our marketing practices, community involvement and so much more.

 

For the luxury home buyer, accessibility can also mean proximity. Already accustomed to services on demand, many clients are also prioritizing living near city centers, closer to their places of work, where lifestyle amenities such as restaurants, fitness clubs, professional services and shopping are all within easy reach.

Physical security has always been a luxury of sorts, but as more business and personal interactions are completed online, total data security is more important than ever. Data safety is of particular concern for consumers who are risk-adverse and vigilant about how and where their money is invested. Fostering a sense of safety and authenticity is imperative for our real estate agents who already understand the importance of building a rapport and a connection with their clients. While providing both expertise and discretion, we also ensure our clients feel secure in their decisions. To offer peace of mind about data protection, we employ tools and practices to ensure our processes are safe from breaches. We vet our vendors, protect our devices and enforce strong password policies.

In the past, luxury was often associated with objects such as the must-have handbag or flashy sports car. But in recent years, this focus has shifted. The emerging affluent demographic looks to luxury purchases to communicate their identity — who they are, what they care about and how their choices indicate taste, creativity and ethics.

The spotlight on personalization has carried over into how the modern buyer chooses a home. Many affluent millennials are now focused on quality per square foot and how a home suits their lifestyle. This means that the finer details of a home become the deciding factors such as fixtures, amenities and location – all of which can sometimes trump square footage.

It is imperative that we know our clients well enough to tap into their aspirations. What is their vision of their dream home? Why choose this property in this neighborhood? We can enhance home showings via the latest technologies. These can help clients envision a space with their own tastes at the touch of a button.

While today’s shifting definition of luxury may create challenges for realtors, we are cognizant that the opportunities presented by evolving client demand are numerous. Alex Irish & Associates are proud to employ proactive strategies that establish long-term relationships with our discerning clientele.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish

The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.


Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity

In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.


GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip

  • Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
  • Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
  • New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
  • Price Trends:
    • The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
    • The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
    • Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.

What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.


City Highlights

Toronto

A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.

Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka

While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:

  • Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
  • Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
  • Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.

What This Means for You

  • For Buyers:
    Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move.
  • For Sellers:
    A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success.
  • For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
    Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.

Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts

Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.

Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.

📍 1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
📞 905.842.7677
🌐 Visit reganirish.com

💼 Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!

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Ultimate Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Canada

Downsizing is on the rise across Canada, with more homeowners seeking simpler, more affordable living. This guide explores why and when to downsize, how to plan the move, and what to consider when choosing your next home.
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Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team Announce Strategic Merger

Two of the most respected names in real estate, Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team, are excited to announce a strategic merger that will combine their expertise, resources, and market reach. This partnership of Regan Irish & Associates brings together the strengths of both firms, offering an enhanced real estate experience for clients across Southern Ontario, including expanding into new regions like Collingwood and Muskoka. The merger reflects both brokerages’ long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, relationship-focused service while leveraging new technologies and business strategies to ensure their clients receive unparalleled support.

“Alex is the consummate professional,” said Matthew Regan, CEO of The Regan Team. “She embodies the qualities of a person I would trust with my own home sale, and I am excited to partner with her to combine the best of both our brokerages. Our goal is to create a work culture that allows our agents to thrive, while being confident and equipped to provide the service our clients deserve. Our clients are going to benefit immensely with a wider and deeper net of potential buyers and an even further reach in marketing and advertising.”

Alex Irish, Founder of Alex Irish & Associates, emphasized that this partnership is the next natural step for her business. “By combining our resources and efforts we knew we’d be able to create a better real estate experience for our clients, our agents and business partners.” she explained. “This merger allows me to focus more on client relationships while also mentoring our agents who can continue to offer that same high level of service. Matthew has built a business model that aligns with my long-term vision, allowing us to scale while still maintaining the personal touch. Simply put, we are better together.”

Alex has built her brand over decades, particularly in the Oakville area, where her name is synonymous with excellence in real estate. Her personal approach, based on referrals and repeat business, has earned her a loyal clientele. Matthew has focused on recruiting top agents and scaling his business, growing The Regan Team to one of the top brokerages in Canada. This merger offers an exciting opportunity to grow into new territories. Together, the merged brokerage will have 15 offices spanning from Niagara to Toronto to Muskoka. This expanded presence means more resources for clients, from enhanced marketing capabilities to a wider net of potential buyers.

The merger will officially take effect on October 31, 2024, and the new branding and operations will be rolled out in the coming months.

About Alex Irish & Associates

Alex Irish & Associates, led by Alex Irish, is a highly respected name in Oakville, known for its personalized, referral-based business model and long-standing relationships with clients. Alex has built her brand on trust, excellence, and attention to detail, qualities that will remain at the forefront of the merged firm.

About The Regan Team

The Regan Team has a long-standing reputation for innovation, process-driven operations, and a focus on agent recruitment and development to provide the highest level of service for their clients. Under Matthew’s leadership, the brokerage has expanded its presence across Ontario, providing agents with the tools and support needed to succeed in a competitive market. For more information on this exciting merger, please contact Matthew Regan.