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Space Saving Ideas for Small Condos

How to Get More Free Space & Storage in Small Condos

With the current house prices in Ontario, the substantial costs are unattainable for many. For those wishing to save some money on a home or hoping to live downtown, apartments and condos are great alternative inexpensive living spaces. 

However, the concern for space and storage causes people to hesitate when considering living in a condo or apartment. In smaller countries, where there is limited space with high population density, they have learned to optimize their little homes. Here are some ways to furnish and organize your small spaces without feeling claustrophobic. 

Ways to Maximize Space in Small Condos

Functionality. Over. Aesthetics. You do not need an oversized couch, or an oversized table. Needs. Over. Wants. Furniture are big objects that take up lots of space. Think about what furniture you will definitely use multiple times, and give a second thought to others that are not essentials. Is it a want? Or a need? How many times will you actually use it? 

Purchasing multifunctional and compactable furniture can save space and provide more storage. Having couches that have extra drawers or extend into beds, Murphy beds that are elevated to increase storage space or can be folded against a wall, or nesting tables that can extend and reduce for multiple uses and configurations are all examples of flexible furniture that can give your tiny apartment extra space. 

Living in small apartments, especially studio apartments, can be difficult due to everything being in one room, but having separate rooms is important for privacy. Separation of rooms creates a contrast in mood in your condo, a quiet isolated workspace and a public area for activities. Using sliding doors, bookshelves, or even curtains in this situation can save you a little extra room and offer some seclusion. 

Adding onto the Murphy bed concept, make the most out of your vertical spaces. Think of all of the empty spaces on walls all the way up to the ceiling. Hanging things from the ceiling can also provide you additional storage or space for decor. Install shelves and taller furniture pieces to draw your eye up and provide more storage and display opportunities so that your horizontal surfaces don’t feel cluttered and overwhelming.

Finding new smart ways to organize and store unused items is a great way to avoid feeling cramped. Take empty suitcases and fill them with unused clothes, bags, or even more suitcases. Packing smaller items into big storage bags or boxes is a great way to get free storage without the need to install or purchase more shelves and drawers. 

Now that you have storage space to fit everything, it is time to turn your small space to be more comfortable and seem bigger.

How to Make Small Spaces Feel Bigger

Using organization skills, illusions, and minimalistic designs can make your tiny space feel more spacious and comfortable. 

Avoid overcrowding your small space with unwanted furniture, decor, and clutter. Have a minimalist mindset when decorating your tiny apartment. Remember about choosing wants over needs? If you have not touched something in over 6 months, you probably do not need it. Get rid of it. Removing unnecessary and redundant messes will definitely expand your space.

Use colors to create an illusion with space. Using bright neutral colors to have better lighting can give your room an uplifting and relaxed environment, and using dark colors in certain areas to enhance a feel of separation are small changes you can do to your condo. Choosing a bright color for an accent wall or ceiling can make rooms feel more spacious because of its bright environment, and adding contrasting colors to your workspace can make it feel disconnected to public spaces, making an appropriate focus area. 

Mirrors are one of the best known tricks to make spaces seem larger. Well placed large mirrors are not only functional but also form an illusion of a bigger space. Light reflections from mirrors also cause rooms to feel brighter and bigger. 

Natural lighting can really brighten up a small space. Letting all natural lighting in without blocking it is a way to generate a livelier space. However, having lots of natural light may be difficult to obtain in small condos. Adding a creative and multi-layered lighting plan is a way to get more lighting to your small space. 

Takeaways 

Small condos and apartments do not have to mean less storage and room. Now, finding new ways to create extra storage space will not be a problem anymore, and concern for small, suffocating condos are no longer present. With minor modifications and choosing the appropriate decor and furniture, you can transform your tiny space into a comfortable home for you and your family. 

Whether You Are Considering Selling Or Leasing A Home Or Condo, Alex Irish & Associates offer an unparalleled level of service, discretion and marketing regardless of price point or locale.

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Alex Irish

CEO & Team Leader - Sales Representative

Alex Irish has been a leading force in real estate for over thirty years, establishing a reputation as one of Oakville’s most respected and successful realtors. Known for her unwavering work ethic and ethical approach, Alex consistently ranks among the top producers in the industry.

Her commitment to client satisfaction is unparalleled, exemplified by her signature concierge service that ensures each client receives personalized and dedicated attention. In late 2016, Alex embraced a new chapter as the Team Leader of Alex Irish & Associates, where she could uphold the high standards of service that have defined her career.

In 2024, Alex expanded her team’s reach by merging with the Regan team to create Regan Irish & Associates, forming a dynamic new firm that blends the strengths of both businesses. This partnership not only enhances their services but also provides clients with greater resources and an expanded network, all while preserving the personal, relationship-driven approach that clients have come to trust.

Alex’s insights on real estate trends are highly sought after, and she has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times and Globe & Mail. A certified luxury marketing specialist, she has received numerous accolades throughout her career and frequently speaks at industry conferences.

Every February, Alex and her team at Regan Irish & Associates participate in the Kindness Tour, a tradition launched in 2017. During this month-long initiative, the entire team supports 28 local charities, embodying the company’s commitment to community. In recognition of their efforts, they were nominated for a Community Spirit Award.

At the heart of Alex’s philosophy is the belief in “doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.” She is deeply committed to building lifelong client relationships and takes pride in mentoring a dedicated team of agents while continuing to actively sell real estate.

More About Alex
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FALL MARKET KICKOFF: September 2025 Real Estate Market Update

As summer winds down, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market is shifting once again—this time with an important boost from the Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate cut. On September 17, 2025, the Bank lowered its policy interest rate to 2.5%, marking a significant move that is expected to reinvigorate buying activity across the region.

Market Snapshot: August 2025 (TRREB) 📊

According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), August brought encouraging signs of stability:

  • Sales: 6,232 transactions across the GTA, a 4.6% increase from August 2024.
  • New Listings: 13,119, down slightly year-over-year, helping balance supply.
  • Average Selling Price: $982,880, nearly flat compared to last year (+0.4%).
  • Trend: Balanced conditions are giving both buyers and sellers room to maneuver, with the recent rate cut expected to stimulate fall demand.

City & Regional Highlights

Toronto 🏙️

Toronto continues to see steady demand for condos and townhomes, appealing to buyers looking for affordability in the core. Detached homes are moving more cautiously, but price stability suggests confidence returning to the market.

Mississauga 🌆

Mississauga remains a buyer-friendly market, especially in the detached and semi-detached segments. With borrowing costs easing, families upsizing or relocating may find strong value in the fall.

Oakville 🌳

Luxury demand in Oakville is regaining traction. The combination of limited inventory and lower financing costs positions this market for an active fall season, especially for executive homes and lakefront properties.

Burlington 🌊

Burlington continues to attract buyers migrating west from Toronto. The city’s blend of affordability, lifestyle, and community feel has kept prices steady and competitive.

Muskoka 🛶

Cottage country remains strong, with buyers eyeing investment properties and second homes. While activity softened slightly through the summer, the rate drop could encourage more buyers to act before year-end.

What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

With interest rates now at their lowest level in two years, affordability is improving across the GTA and Muskoka. Buyers who were waiting on the sidelines are expected to re-enter the market this fall, while sellers may benefit from increased competition for well-priced homes.


At Regan Irish & Associates, we specialize in helping clients navigate market shifts with confidence. Whether you’re buying a luxury home, selling a family property, or investing in Muskoka, our market insight and negotiation expertise ensure you get the best results.

📍 1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
📞 905.842.7677

🌐 Visit reganirish.com——

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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.