Regan Irish & Associates
Real Estate Blog

The Best Place to Raise Kids is…

 

According to MoneySense Magazine’s very detailed ranking system, Oakville has nabbed first place honours for the second year in a row as being the best place in Ontario to raise our children!  Almost 20% of our town’s residents are younger than 15 and over 55% of Oakville households have children living in them.

Oakville is one of the healthiest and safest communities in Canada and is known for its tremendous schools and welcoming neighbourhoods. The current Town Council is focused on building community facilities that ensure Oakville will continue to be an active and engaging place to grow up in.

There are over 200 parks to discover in Oakville, the newest being the Squire Parkette located on the northeast corner of Dundas Street East and Oak Park Boulevard. It offers a children’s playground, a shade structure, pathways, seating areas and newly planted trees. The splash pads that many of our neighbourhood parks offer in addition to swings, slides, etc. are very popular during the summertime!

Downtown Oakville is fun for kids too!  On Friday. July 14th the annual Midnight Madness celebration took place. The core of the downtown area was transformed into a pedestrian thoroughfare with over six blocks of family-friendly entertainment including live music and food stations.  On Saturday, August 19th will be the debut of a new event, TD Songs of Summer, and it will feature entertainment from a variety of music genres plus performing and visual art experiences.

Did you know that downtown Oakville has over 25 dining patios operating this summer, the majority being ‘kid friendly’?  Restaurants that don’t normally offer patios have recently constructed one in front of their restaurant or café, including Noble Bistro, Burger Works, Borgo Antico, Starbucks, Colossus and Beccofino.

The town square is hosting outdoor movie screenings every Thursday evening until the end of August, starting at dusk.  Upcoming features for kids include The Jungle Book (July 27) and the Secret Life of Pets (August 24th). Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy an evening at the movies while sitting under the stars!

MoneySense Magazine’s poll also ranked Oakville as the 4th best place to live overall in Ontario with our neighbours, Burlington and Halton Hills securing 2nd and 7th spots respectively! These 3 towns share a number of similarities including fabulous year around weather! It is worth noting that the rankings reviewed over 400 towns and cities across Canada!

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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.